Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
Course summary for local students
'I feel like a far more polished and competent practitioner and researcher for having completed the course.'
Student Information Centre
Tel 1300 334 733
enquire@deakin.edu.au
G = Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
S = Geelong Waterfront Campus
W =Warrnambool Campus
X = Off campus
| Award granted | Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) |
|---|---|
| Campus | Offered at Melbourne Burwood Campus, Geelong Waterfront Campus |
| Length | 3 years full time |
| Next available intake | March (Trimester 1) |
| Faculty contacts | An application form is available by contacting the
Other research enquiries should be directed to: Research Administrator |
| Level | Higher Degree Research |
| CRICOS course code | 022556D |
| Deakin course code | H951 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Entry requirements - general
- Entry requirements - specific
- How to apply
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:
- specialist knowledge and competence in the theory and practice of clinical psychology as well as the general knowledge and skills required by psychological practitioners
- understanding of the impact of biopsychosocial systems on mental health and the application of an integrative treatment model
- advanced knowledge of clinical psychology relevant to clinical problems of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
- knowledge and competence in the theory and practice of psychological assessment, diagnosis and case formulation relevant to clinical psychology
- knowledge and awareness of the legal and ethical principles of psychological practice, in particular in relation to the practice of clinical psychology
- knowledge and practical experience in the assessment and treatment of various psychological disorders, and more specifically couple and family problems
- capacity to build and maintain effective teamwork with other healthcare professionals that supports the delivery of effective treatment interventions, and
- 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 family problems and includes advanced coursework units on etiology, assessment and treatment of these problems, as well as extended placements in agencies specialising in couples and family therapy.
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 (PBA) 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 PBA, 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 (PBA), the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the College of Clinical Psychologists.
On completion of the course you may apply to the PBA for registration as a psychologist and to the APSfor full membership. To obtain membership of the Clinical College and endorsement as a clinical psychologist by the PBA, students are required to complete one year of approved supervised practice and fulfil professional development requirements.
Career opportunities
Clinical psychologists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological and mental health conditions that range from mild to severe and complex. They are often involved in designing and implementing a diverse range of prevention and mental health promotion programs, and may work with infants, children, adolescents, adults and older adults.
Most clinical psychologists develop expertise in specific areas, or practice in sub-specialisations of clinical psychology. In addition to professional practice, clinical psychologists may be involved in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy and other activities that promote psychological health in individuals, families and groups.
Course rules
The course consists of 24 credit points of work covering three strands: theory, research and practice.Course structure
Level 1
Trimester 1
| HPS914 | Studies in Psychopathology |
| HPS977 | Interview and Intervention Strategies |
| HPS978 | Biological and Neuropsychological Perspectives on Disorder |
| HPS979 | Psychological Assessment |
Trimester 2
| HPS906 | Clinical Placement 1 and Case Analysis Seminar 1 |
| HPS908 | Psychological Therapy |
| HPS924 | Research Thesis A |
| HPS976 | Issues in Professional Psychology |
Level 2
Trimester 1
| HPS905 | Advanced Clinical Assessment |
| HPS907 | Advanced and Applied Research Methods |
| HPS909 | Clinical Placement 2 |
| HPS925 | Research Thesis B |
Trimester 2
| HPS912 | Clinical Placement 3 |
| HPS915 | Aetiology of Couple and Family Disorders |
| HPS926 | Research Thesis C |
Level 3
Trimester 1
| HPS916 | Treatment of Couple and Family Disorders |
| HPS917 | Couple and Family Clinical Placement 1 and Conference Seminar A |
| HPS927 | Research Thesis D |
Trimester 2
| HPS918 | Couple and Family Clinical Placement 2 and Case Conference Seminar B |
| HPS928 | Research Thesis E |
Note: All coursework units have a hurdle requirement of 80% attendance. A pass grade in a unit requires satisfactory completion of each component assessed.
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 clinical psychologists, eligible for membership of the Clinical College of the APS. Each placement requires the full component of days to be completed. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.
Entry requirements - general
Admission to research degree candidature is normally granted on the basis of a bachelors degree with honours or a bachelors degree followed by a postgraduate diploma in psychology.
For more information visit The Guide.
Entry requirements - specific
The prerequisite for entry to the course is the completion of a four-year sequence of study in an accredited psychology program which meets national registration requirements and eligibility for Associate Membership of the APS, or equivalent. The four-year sequence may be either an honours program or the combination of a three-year undergraduate degree including a psychology major and an approved postgraduate program.
Entry will be competitive, based on academic results, referees' reports and interview before a panel of school selection staff. It would normally be expected that applicants will have achieved a minimum honours grade of 2A or equivalent. Relevant professional experience will be a factor in selection
How to apply
Applicants must apply via the School of Psychology, Deakin University
An application form is available by contacting
Tel 03 9251 7139
email joanne.buchanan@deakin.edu.au
