Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)

2015 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Professional recognition
• Course rules
• Course structure

Course overview

The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) provides those who have completed a recognised four-year sequence in psychology with the opportunity to obtain professional training in clinical psychology. It has been designed to enable you to develop the academic, practical and research skills necessary to register as a psychologist, and to practise as a clinical psychologist. The course is accredited and approved by the Australian Psychological Society and the College of Clinical Psychologists.

Throughout the course you will develop:

1. specialist knowledge and competence in the theory and practice of clinical psychology as well as the general knowledge and skills required by psychological practitioners
2. understanding of the impact of biopsychosocial systems on mental health and the application of an integrative treatment model
3. advanced knowledge of clinical psychology relevant to clinical problems of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
4. knowledge and competence in the theory and practice of psychological assessment, diagnosis and case formulation relevant to clinical psychology
5. knowledge and awareness of the legal and ethical principles of psychological practice, in particular in relation to the practice of clinical psychology
6. knowledge and practical experience in the assessment and treatment of various psychological disorders, and more specifically couple and family problems
7. capacity  to  build  and  maintain  effective  teamwork  with  other  healthcare  professionals  that supports the delivery of effective treatment interventions, and
8. competence in the design and conduct of research.

The course is based on the scientist/practitioner model and rests firmly on a foundation of established knowledge and current research and adopts an evidence-based approach to training.  Prior to the initiation of any intervention strategy, this approach requires the conduct of a thorough assessment and definition of the problem, which is followed by the formulation of intervention goals, the evaluation and selection of an appropriate intervention approach to achieve these goals, the systematic implementation of this intervention, and an evaluation of its effectiveness in achieving the stated goals. A further basic premise of the course is that mental health and disease processes are impacted by psychological, social and biological factors. Assessment and treatment strategies require consideration of the complex interactions between the range of genetic, physiological, behavioural, and environmental variables that may affect an individual’s ability to maximize psychological health and wellbeing. The course specialises in the assessment and treatment of problems within the context of the family and includes advanced coursework units on aetiology, assessment and treatment of these problems, as well as extended placements in these areas.

During the course students will complete coursework as described below, and undertake clinical placement in four or more agencies. These placements will include observational experiences with practising clinical psychologists, and supervised practical work as appropriate. Students will also design and undertake a piece of original research on a relevant topic, the results of which will be presented in a major thesis. As part of their thesis requirements, students will also have the opportunity to explore their own interests, conceptual strengths and professional skills in relation to clinical psychology, through the completion of professional portfolio which is based on four cases from their placement. Both components of the thesis (the research project and the portfolio) will be examined externally.

On completion of the course students may apply to the Psychology Board of Australia for registration as a psychologist and to the Australian Psychological Society for full membership. To obtain membership of the Clinical College and endorsement as a clinical psychologist by the Psychology Board of Australia, students are required to complete one year of approved supervised practice and fulfil professional development requirements.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and recognised by Psychology Board of Australia, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the College of Clinical Psychologists.

On completion of the course you may apply to the Psychology Board of Australia for registration as a psychologist and to the APS for full membership. To obtain membership of the Clinical College and endorsement as a clinical psychologist by the Psychology Board of Australia, students are required to complete one year of approved supervised practice and fulfil professional development requirements.

Note: This course is currently accredited as at the date of publishing. The eligibility of students for membership of the accrediting body is subject to meeting the requirements of the APS and College of Clinical Psychologists. Deakin University makes no representation that students will meet those requirements.

Placement program

Each individual student’s placement program will be worked out jointly by you, the placement coordinator, and the practitioners supervising the placements. The placements are designed to equip you with a range of professional skills and develop your awareness of professional issues. You will have placements in at least four settings, so that you can gain experience of adult and child problems, community and institutional care and medical and non-medical agencies. Two of the placements will be in agencies that specialise in couple and family therapy. Contracts will be drawn up which clearly specify the skills to be taught, your responsibilities and the responsibilities of the placement supervisor. Placement supervisors are registered and endorsed psychologists, eligible for membership of the Clinical College of the APS. Each placement requires the completion of the full component of days. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.

Course rules

The course consists of 24 credit points of work covering three strands: theory, research and practice.

Course structure

Level 1

Trimester 1

Trimester 2

Level 2

Trimester 1

Trimester 2

Level 3

Trimester 1

Trimester 2

Note: All coursework units have a hurdle requirement of 80% attendance. A pass grade in a unit requires satisfactory completion of each component assessed.