PsyCogS: PhD program in Psychology and Cognitive Science

The program is promoted by the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, in collaboration with the Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK). It is a three-year programme, and the official languages are English and Italian.

All training activities are conducted in English, ensuring full accessibility for international students and fostering a global research environment.

The program was first launched in the 2017/2018 academic year (33rd cycle), building on the experience of the PhD Program in Psychological Sciences and Education (established in 2007/2008) and the Doctoral School in Cognitive and Educational Sciences (established in 2003/2004).

The program is intended for graduates holding a master’s degree who wish to study psychology and cognitive science using rigorous methods and techniques, with technological and interdisciplinary applications. Its goal is to train researchers with a strong theoretical foundation, both within and across disciplines, capable of conducting robust and innovative research using both traditional and cutting-edge methods. Graduates are also expected to apply their skills beyond academia, engaging effectively with the professional world.

The PhD program provides the skills needed to carry out independent, original, and methodologically rigorous research in one or more of the thematic areas represented by the faculty board. It also helps students develop highly professional transferable skills related to scientific writing and communication, including specific training for preparing research reports and grant proposals.

These competencies are acquired through a comprehensive curriculum that includes:
•    Intensive courses and seminars;
•    Research activities carried out under the supervision of a faculty member in our laboratories;
•    A six-month research period abroad at a foreign institution.

Further details about the research areas and topics covered by the program can be found in the sections "research topics" and "faculty members and their research interests".

Career Opportunities

The PhD is the highest level of academic qualification and is internationally recognized.
Holding a PhD is an essential requirement for pursuing an academic career. However, university research is not the only possible career path for those who complete a PhD in Psychology and Cognitive Science. The program’s multi-, trans-, and interdisciplinary nature allows graduates to acquire broad, cross-cutting skills and diverse cultural and professional profiles in psychology, education, sociology, methodology/statistics, and computer science. 

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers, including:
•    Academic positions in psychology, cognitive science, or related fields;
•    Research roles in public or private institutions as researchers, principal investigators, or scientific coordinators;
•    Professional roles in industry, such as data scientist, innovation manager, usability engineer, or human factors engineer;
•    Public administration positions, involving the design and management of social, health, and educational policies;
•    Clinical and diagnostic coordination roles in psycho-diagnostic or clinical support services.

The PhD in Psychology and Cognitive Science thus offers a comprehensive and versatile training path, preparing graduates for careers both within academia and beyond it.