PhD in Psychosexual Therapy

Program Overview

Program Aims

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychosexual Therapy is a research-intensive degree designed to advance knowledge within the field through the production of original scholarship. The program aims to:

• Advance the development of new knowledge in psychosexual therapy, sexuality studies, and sexual health through high-quality doctoral research.
• Develop independent researchers capable of designing, conducting, and disseminating rigorous, original research at doctoral level.
• Foster critical engagement with contemporary theoretical, clinical, and interdisciplinary debates related to sexuality, relationships, and sexual health.
• Support the development of scholars who can contribute to academic literature, inform evidence-based practice, and shape emerging directions in the field.
• Cultivate intellectual independence, analytical depth, and scholarly leadership in psychosexual therapy.
• Promote international dialogue, collaboration, and contribution to the global research community in sexuality and relational health.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the central component of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychosexual Therapy and is developed over the three-year duration of the program. As a research-only doctoral degree, the dissertation represents the candidate's original contribution to knowledge in psychosexual therapy, sexuality studies, or sexual health.

While the program emphasizes independent scholarship, candidates are supported through a structured and collaborative research environment designed to promote academic rigor, intellectual development, and steady progress throughout the dissertation process.

Doctoral candidates receive ongoing support through:

• Monthly Supervision Meetings — Candidates meet with their dissertation supervisor on a monthly basis. These meetings provide individualized guidance on research design, methodology, analysis, and writing, ensuring consistent progress and academic accountability throughout the doctoral journey.
• Doctoral Colloquium — Candidates participate in a doctoral colloquium where they present their research in progress, receive feedback from faculty and peers, and engage in critical academic dialogue. This forum supports the refinement of research questions, methodology, and theoretical positioning.
• Research Seminars and Scholarly Exchange — Through research seminars, candidates engage with current scholarship, methodological considerations, and emerging debates in the field. These sessions foster a deeper understanding of research practice and support the development of scholarly identity.
• Research Labs and Collaborative Inquiry — Candidates have the opportunity to participate in research labs aligned with specific thematic or methodological areas. These small-group environments encourage collaboration, peer support, and focused engagement with research development.

Throughout the dissertation stage, candidates are guided in producing work that meets international doctoral standards, including preparation for academic publication and professional presentation.

The dissertation culminates in the submission of a substantial original research project, followed by a viva voce (oral examination), in which the candidate defends their work before an academic panel.

Research Areas

Doctoral candidates may pursue original research across a wide range of topics within psychosexual therapy, sexuality studies, and sexual health. Areas of research may include, but are not limited to:

• Psychosexual therapy models and clinical interventions
• Assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunctions
• Cultural and cross-cultural perspectives on sexuality and relationships
• Sexual identity development and psychosexual development across the lifespan
• Minority sexualities and marginalized sexual identities
• Sexual trauma, recovery, and therapeutic treatment approaches
• Religious, spiritual, and cultural frameworks of sexuality
• Technology, digital environments, and sexuality
• Ethical issues in sexual health care and psychosexual therapy

Proposed research topics should demonstrate the potential to make a meaningful scholarly contribution to the field of psychosexual therapy or sexual health and must be approved by the doctoral supervisory committee.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychosexual Therapy will be prepared to pursue a range of professional and academic careers within the fields of sexuality research, sexual health, and psychosexual therapy. Potential career pathways include:

• Academic research and university teaching, contributing to the advancement of scholarship in sexuality studies, psychosexual therapy, and related disciplines.
• Clinical leadership in sexual health, including roles in multidisciplinary treatment settings, clinical program development, and specialized psychosexual therapy services.
• Professional education and training, providing supervision, teaching, and continuing education for clinicians working in sexuality and relational therapy.
• Policy development and advocacy in sexual health, contributing to public health initiatives, ethical frameworks, and professional standards related to sexuality and sexual well-being.
• Private clinical practice and professional consultation, offering specialized expertise in psychosexual therapy, sexuality education, and clinical consultation.

Graduates will be equipped to contribute as scholars, practitioners, educators, and leaders within the evolving global field of psychosexual therapy and sexual health.