Psychology: Behavioural Neuroscience (Ph.D.)

Offered by: Psychology (Faculty of Science)
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Psychology; Behavioural Neuroscience program emphasizes modern, advanced theory and methodology aimed at the neurobiological underpinnings of behaviour in human and non-human animals. This program is intended for graduate students in any area of Psychology who wish to obtain unique, intensive training at the intersection of psychology and neuroscience, thereby enhancing their expertise; the interdisciplinary potential of their dissertation research, and enabling them to compete successfully for academic or commercial positions in either field alone, or their intersection. It requires that students complete a dissertation that addresses Behavioural Neuroscience themes as determined by the graduate program director.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.

Required Courses

Complementary Courses (6-18 credits)

6 credits (one course per term in Year 2 and Year 3) chosen from relevant 700-level courses in consultation with the supervisor and graduate program director.

0-12 credits from the following (students without a master's degree from McGill need to take all 12 credits):

Note: The Department of Psychology does not ordinarily require an examination in a foreign language however, all students planning on practicing clinical psychology in the province of Quebec will be examined based on their proficiency in French before being admitted to the professional association.