The Doctor of Philosophy (Behavioural Science) with a Dual Award PhD arrangement with IMT Atlantique is one of the most prestigious and internationally distinctive research degrees available in Australia. This program enables candidates to conduct deep, original research into human behaviour — examining why individuals and groups act the way they do, how their actions affect their development, their relationships, and future behaviours. The dual-award structure means students are enrolled at both an Australian university and IMT Atlantique in France, spending time at each institution, receiving joint supervision from internationally leading researchers, and ultimately graduating with two doctoral testamurs — one from each institution — recognised globally as evidence of world-class, cross-cultural research training. Research areas typically span behavioural economics, social psychology, cognitive science, organisational behaviour, public health behaviour, consumer decision-making, human factors, and policy-relevant behavioural insights.

The program is designed for students who have already demonstrated exceptional academic performance at the honours or master's level and who wish to contribute original knowledge to the behavioural sciences. Rather than following a prescribed set of coursework units, PhD candidates develop and execute an independent research project under close supervision, typically over three to four years of full-time equivalent study. The international dimension of the dual award structure provides exposure to French and European research cultures, methodological traditions, and professional networks — an invaluable advantage for graduates seeking careers in global research, policy, or industry. Employers of graduates from this type of program span government departments, public health agencies, behavioural insights consultancies, research institutes, universities, NGOs, financial services firms, technology companies, and multinational corporations.

Entry to a Doctor of Philosophy (Behavioural Science) in Australia typically requires applicants to hold an Australian Honours degree (First Class or upper Second Class Honours) or a Research Master's degree in psychology, behavioural science, social science, public health, cognitive science, or a closely related discipline. Some programs may consider applicants with a high-distinction average at the bachelor's level combined with relevant research or professional experience. Prospective candidates must identify a suitable research topic and, critically, secure the agreement of a qualified academic supervisor at the Australian institution before submitting a formal application. For a dual award arrangement with IMT Atlantique, applicants must also be acceptable to the French partner institution, and supervisors at both institutions must be identified and willing to co-supervise the candidate. Candidates must comply with the policies and procedures of both institutions simultaneously.

For international applicants and some domestic students, English language proficiency requirements typically include an overall IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0, with no individual band below 6.0, though the dual award arrangement with IMT Atlantique may additionally require demonstrable proficiency in French or a willingness to participate in French-language seminars and research activities. Applicants must submit a research proposal outlining their intended project, theoretical framework, and methodology, along with academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a sample of their research or academic writing, and referee reports from academic supervisors or employers. Scholarship applications, such as the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) stipend, are typically assessed simultaneously with admission, and candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for available funding to support the cost of international residence at IMT Atlantique.