Doctorate in Translational Psychology

The present doctoral study programme falls within the domain of Translational Psychology, which is assumed as its core conceptual and educational framework. The programme continues and deepens the University’s educational provision in Psychology, promoting advanced training oriented towards the production of rigorous and socially relevant scientific knowledge, based on an explicit logic of bidirectional translation between fundamental research, psychological science, and applied contexts.

The curricular structure and scientific contents of the programme aim to develop advanced research competences that enable doctoral students to critically understand theoretical and methodological models of scientific psychology and experimental neuroscience; translate findings from basic research into evidence-based psychological intervention proposals; and use problems and data arising from real-world contexts to inform, refine, and generate new scientific knowledge.

The study plan is organised into two complementary research tracks. The Experimental Neurosciences track focuses on the acquisition of advanced competences in experimental methodologies, data analysis, and the integration of neuroscientific findings into the understanding of psychological processes and into the development and evaluation of psychological interventions. The track oriented towards non-academic contexts (Justice, Education, Health, Arts, Management, and Technologies) prioritises translational research in real-world environments, promoting the co-construction of solutions with host institutions, the adaptation of scientific knowledge to complex problems, and the rigorous evaluation of the impact of the interventions developed.

The expected learning outcomes include the ability to design, conduct, and communicate original and independent research; critically integrate knowledge from neuroscience, psychology, and other relevant domains; apply principles of translational science in academic and non-academic contexts; and develop essential transversal competences such as critical thinking, scientific communication, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The integration of students into research teams is a central element of the programme and is operationalised through participation in ongoing projects, involvement in academic and non-academic environments, and access to specialised infrastructures, namely the Neuroscience laboratory of the RISE-Health@UPT research hub. Scientific supervision is structured and continuous, ensuring close monitoring of thesis development, with particular emphasis on the Thesis Development curricular unit. The internship/practicum component promotes the application of acquired knowledge and strengthens preparation for the professional integration of doctoral graduates.

• Advanced Scientific Research Training — The programme offers advanced competencies in experimental methodologies, data analysis, and the integration of neuroscientific knowledge, preparing doctoral candidates to conduct original, rigorous, and independent research.
• Bidirectional Translational Orientation — The explicit articulation between fundamental research and real-world application contexts distinguishes this programme from convention doctoral offerings, enabling the knowledge produced to have direct societal impact.
• Two Complementary Research Tracks — The possibility of choosing between the Experimental Neurosciences track and the track oriented toward non-academic contexts (Health, Education, Justice, Arts, Management, and Technology) allows for a training pathway tailored to each candidate’s profile and objectives.
• Integration into Research Teams and Infrastructures — Doctoral students have access to the Neuroscience laboratory at RISE-Health@UPT and participate in ongoing research projects, ensuring a stimulating scientific environment and access to specialised resources from the very beginning of their journey.
• Structured and Continuous Scientific Supervision — The systematic monitoring of thesis development ensures favourable conditions for the production of high-quality scientific work and the progressive growth of the researcher’s autonomy.
• Internship Component and Professional Integration — The inclusion of a practicum/internship component strengthens preparation for professional integration in both academic and non-academic contexts, broadening the career pathways available to graduates.
• Interdisciplinary and Transversal Profile — The programme develops essential transversal competencies — critical thinking, scientific communication, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration — that meet the demands of the contemporary academic and professional landscape.
• Recognition of Qualified Professional Experience — The selection criteria value not only academic background but also relevant professional experience, making the programme accessible to candidates with diverse and complementary trajectories.

The doctoral program aims to develop knowledge, skills, and competencies for conducting research in the field of Translational Psychology. The learning objectives for students include:

• Formulating research questions and planning the methodology to obtain answers to these problems;
• Identifying real-world problems in non-academic entities, optimizing existing solutions, and/or creating new evidence-based solutions grounded in psychological science;
• Designing, implementing, and evaluating an original and innovative research project, demonstrating proficiency in: fundamental literature review, ethical procedures in psychological research, research methodology, and peer-reviewed scientific writing and publishing;
• Analyzing, interpreting, and communicating results to both the scientific community and society at large;
• Developing teamwork skills and building research networks.

• Research and Academia — Careers in scientific research at universities, research institutes, and centres of excellence, both nationally and internationally, in the fields of Psychology, Neuroscience, and behavioural sciences.
• Health and Clinical Practice — Advisory, assessment, and intervention development roles in hospital, clinical, and public health settings, with the capacity to integrate neuroscientific knowledge into evidence-based psychological practice.
• Education — Design and evaluation of educational intervention programmes, advanced professional training, and scientific advisory roles for educational institutions and policy-making bodies.
• Justice and Security — Technical and scientific consultancy in forensic, correctional, and rehabilitation contexts, with competencies to develop and evaluate evidence-based intervention programmes.
• Organisations and Management — Consultancy in organisational behaviour, human resources management, workplace well-being, and leadership development, grounded in a solid scientific foundation and an evidence-based orientation.
• Technology and Innovation — Collaboration in the development of products, digital platforms, and technological solutions that incorporate psychological and neuroscientific knowledge, particularly in areas such as digital health and artificial intelligence.
• Arts and Culture — Research and consultancy at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and artistic expression, with applications in therapeutic, educational, and cultural contexts.
• Public Bodies and Policy — Scientific advisory roles for governmental entities and international organisations in the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policies informed by scientific evidence.

This degree leads to a PhD in Translational Psychology (180 ECTS)