Program Overview

he Department of Psychology aims at producing theoretical and applied research, scholarship, and teaching at a quality that meets and even exceeds the national and international academic standards and at addressing issues that are relevant to national and human development. The Department seeks active participation of the students in such research projects, to help them gain first-hand experience in conducting research and to familiarize them with issues that are of concern to human development.

The department expects the students to gain knowledge in almost all fields of psychology and to be aware of different approaches to psychology. The interests of the faculty include a wide range of areas such as cognitive, social, social-cognitive, cross-cultural, organizational, developmental, clinical psychology, and psychology of language. Students get a chance to actively participate in national and international research projects that are conducted by our faculty. The department also regularly invites leading national and international scholars in psychology to introduce students to the field at large.

Psychology Graduate Program offers the four research tracks in the following areas:

• Clinical Psychological Science
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Social I/O Psychology

Qualification Awarded

PhD in Psychology

Admission Requirements

 – BA and/or MA degree

 – Reference Letters, Letters of Recommendation
The Graduate School requires three reference letters for PhD applications. These should be by persons well qualified to speak from first-hand knowledge about the applicant’s potential for graduate study. Letters of recommendation must be submitted online*.
* recommendation letters from faculty members is not necessary for candidates applying to graduate programs in Psychology if they are the graduates of Koc University Psychology undergraduate program. 

 –Statement of Purpose, which should not exceed 2,000 words, focusing on why the applicant wants to study at Koç University and in this particular program as well as explaining career objectives and research interests

– English Language, when applicants’ native language is not English, they must ensure to provide their official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL,), or any equivalent testing system. (Please see minimum required scores below).

– ALES or GRE Score: (Please see minimum required scores below)

– Successful performance in a written exam.

Shortlisted MA/Ph.D. applicants are invited to take a Science Exam which aims to test science literacy thus candidates must demonstrate ability to  understand an empirical research article and critically evaluate it.  Ph.D. applicants are additionally expected to compose a written reflection to the research article.

Exchange Opportunities

The number of exchange program partners has increased rapidly over the years and the number of partner institutions has exceeded 100.

+ Click here for the full list of the institution that have a partnership agreement with Koç University.

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Examinations Letter Grade Number Grade Equivalents

+ Degree Requirements

+ Course Descriptions

Occupational Profiles and Access to Further Studies

Graduates of the Psychology Doctoral Program will have a wide range of fields of study if they provide the necessary competencies. They can work in national and international academic positions, in the ministry of health, in government research centers, within the ministry of family and social policies, and in many national and international companies.

Career Development Center, supports all Koç University students and graduates in career Development and Planning, in preparing graduate education plans, and in professional life decisions. For more information about the Career Development Center, please visit https://career.ku.edu.tr/en/