Doctor of Psychology (Forensic)
Course summary for local students
“Obtaining a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology from Deakin will allow me the professional recognition that other degrees cannot.”
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 (Forensic) |
|---|---|
| Campus | Offered at Melbourne Burwood 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 | 040945G |
| Deakin course code | H952 |
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 (Forensic) aims to provide those who have completed a recognised four year psychology sequence/degree with the opportunity to obtain professional training in forensic psychology and develop the academic, practical and research skills required to register and practise as a forensic psychologist.
Throughout the course you will undertake a range of core units which are divided across coursework, placement and thesis requirements. Coursework includes units on applied methodology, interview and intervention skills, assessment and treatment of forensic clients, psychology and the law, psychopathology, and children and the legal system. You will have at least 200 days practical experience with forensic clinicians in four or more agencies and undertake supervised client work as appropriate. You will also have the opportunity to design, conduct and present a major thesis that reports the results of original research. This thesis is externally examined and is expected to reflect the program's status as a research degree. In addition to the coursework, placement and research components of the program, you will complete a professional portfolio, which is examined externally and based on cases from their placement work.
Throughout the course you will develop:
- specialist knowledge of forensic psychology as well as the general knowledge and skills required by psychological practitioners
- specialist knowledge of psychology and the law and assessment and treatment of offenders and victims
- knowledge and competence in the theory and practice of psychological assessment
- knowledge and awareness of the ethical principles of psychological practice, with particular relation to the practice of forensic psychology
- experience of the practice of forensic psychology within a range of forensic settings
- advanced levels of competence in the design and conduct of research in the area of child or family forensic psychology
- an appreciation of the multidisciplinary practice of psychology through cooperation with professionals from other related disciplines during practicum placements.
You will also gain advanced knowledge and practical experience in the assessment and treatment of children and their families within a forensic setting.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and meets the requirements for graduates to register as generalist psychologists with the Psychology Board of Australia, and for membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Graduates will be eligible to apply for membership of the College of Forensic Psychologists and endorsement as a Forensic Psychologist following one year of work experience supervised by a forensic psychologist, together with completion of stipulated professional development requirements.
Career opportunities
Forensic psychology is the branch of psychology that interfaces with the legal and criminal justice systems, such that their work often encompasses the provision of expert psychological evidence in courts and other tribunals, consultation to areas of the legal and justice system, and the development and delivery of research and clinical services to forensic populations.
As a forensic psychologist you may work in criminal, civil and family legal contexts and provide services for litigants, perpetrators, victims, and personnel of government and community organisations. You may be employed in a variety of areas, including mental health, corrections, child protection, family and rehabilitation services, treatment of substance abuse disorders, assessment and treatment of offenders and psychotherapy for victims of crime.
Course rules
The doctorate course consists of 24 credit points of work covering three interrelated 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
| HPS924 | Research Thesis A |
| HPS934 | Psychology and the Law |
| HPS948 | Forensic Placement 1 and Case Analysis Seminar 1 |
| HPS976 | Issues in Professional Psychology |
Level 2
Trimester 1
| HPS907 | Advanced and Applied Research Methods |
| HPS932 | Forensic Placement 2 |
| HPS933 | Assessment and Treatment of Forensic Clients |
| HPS925 | Research Thesis B |
Trimester 2
| HPS926 | Research Thesis C |
| HPS935 | Forensic Placement 3 |
| HPS936 | Psychosocial Issues in Forensic Psychology and Case Analysis Seminar 2 |
Level 3
Trimester 1
| HPS927 | Research Thesis D |
| HPS943 | Child and Family Forensic Placement 1 and Case Conference Seminar A |
| HPS944 | Children and the Law |
Trimester 2
| HPS928 | Research Thesis E |
| HPS945 | Child and Family Forensic Placement 2 and Case Conference Seminar B |
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
Your placement program will be worked out jointly by you, the placement coordinator and the practitioners supervising the placements. Forensic placements are tailored to your interests, skills and career aspirations and are designed to provide you with a range of professional skills, and to develop your awareness of ethical and professional issues. It is desirable that you gain experience with a range of client groups in a variety of organisational and correctional settings. Contracts will be drawn up that will clearly specify the skills to be mastered, your responsibilities and the responsibilities of the placement supervisor. Placement supervisors are registered psychologists, eligible for membership of the College of Forensic Psychologists. Each placement requires the full complement of days to be completed and 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 post graduate 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
