The Doctoral program in Decision, Risk and Financial Sciences at the University of Melbourne in the Department of Finance provides training in the conceptual principles and research techniques across the social, biological and mathematical sciences fields that analyse human decision-making and problem-solving in the context of risk and complexity at individual and market levels. Students will draw on experimental methods and conceptual principles to deliver solutions to key research questions relating to decision-making, risk and financial sciences.

The program is made up of a 2-year Master of Commerce coursework program followed by a 3-year PhD.

Generous scholarships (full fee waivers and a stipend of AUD$30,000 per year) are available for high-performing applicants through the University of Melbourne.

Top-up funding of AUD $10,000 available for research, experiments and conferences during the research phase of the program.

Training is provided by leading researchers from the Faculty of Business and Economics, the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and the Melbourne School of Engineering. It includes two lab rotations in labs at the University of Melbourne or elsewhere.

After the coursework phase, students will conduct their research projects in a lab at the University of Melbourne, such as the Brain, Mind and Markets Lab. Research projects can span multiple disciplines and labs.

The program is located in Parkville, one of the largest precincts for biomedical research in the world, which provides access to cutting-edge research facilities, including state-of-the-art biomedical imaging platforms.

The Faculty of Business and Economics also has excellent relationships with industry and government, and the program encourages students to conduct research in collaboration with private and public sector partners.

In order to be considered for entry, you must have completed:

• a four-year bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% in the final year subjects or (University of Melbourne) equivalent, or
• a masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent, or
• a qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent.

and

A research proposal (except for applicants in the disciplines of Accounting, Economics, Finance, the Melbourne Institute);

A personal statement outlining why they wish to be considered for the course;

Referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years);