THE DISCIPLINE ‘RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGEMENT’ IN PSYCHOLOGY PhD PROGRAMS: INNOVATIVE CONTENT AND APPLIED PRACTICES

Abstract

The article highlights the theoretical and methodological foundations, innovative content, and practice-oriented approaches to teaching the academic discipline ‘Research Project Management’ within the PhD training program in the speciality C4 Psychology. A review of recent studies on the issue has been provided. It has been demonstrated that the development of research management competences among PhD candidates is a key factor in fostering their scientific autonomy, professional maturity, and readiness to undertake interdisciplinary psychological projects. The paper analyses the role of the discipline in shaping the modern psychologist-researcher, who is capable of effectively planning, coordinating, and evaluating research outcomes in the context of humanitarian challenges during wartime.

The content of the discipline, the general and specific competences, and the methodological approaches to studying the course have been defined. Particular attention is paid to the development of PhD students’ practical skills through individual project activities, which involve justifying the relevance of the research and defining its objectives, timeframe, stages, resources, and potential risks. The article presents the experience of implementing socially significant psychological projects as an example of the effective integration of theory and practice. It is noted that the discipline promotes the development of research, organisational, communicative, and ethical competences, and contributes to the formation of psychological resilience, emotional maturity, and civic responsibility among future researchers. The article argues that, in conditions of war and post-war recovery, this discipline serves as a key factor in preparing a new generation of psychologist-researchers capable of supporting the mental health of individuals and society through science