Key facts
Duration
3.5 to 4 years full-time.
Locations
Course overview
Prepare for an exceptional career with the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) at Deakin and immerse yourself in interrelated streams of theory, research and clinical practice. Gain the skills, experience and qualifications to apply for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) with a practice endorsement in Clinical Psychology upon completion of a registrar program. Transition from student to clinical psychologist within a supportive environment, gaining valuable hands-on experience within our purpose-built facilities. Our focus on experiential learning and reflective practice, paired with extensive clinical placements with industry partners in public mental health and community agencies, builds and refines your skills in helping individuals with complex mental health challenges.
Are you ready to start advanced research and clinical training?
Undertake research training within the rich research culture of one of largest schools of psychology in Australia. Based on the science-practitioner model, you will undertake an independent, clinically applied research project and conduct meaningful research, making an original contribution to clinical psychology. In addition to being a pathway to a career as a clinical psychologist, this program opens doors to careers in research, academia, research management, leadership and service evaluation for graduates wishing to contribute to evidence-based practice.
You will select a research topic within an area of clinical, health or forensic psychology for the program's thesis component. Your research will be supervised by an academic, many of whom are also clinicians. In addition to ensuring that you graduate with expertise in a particular research area, the research component of the program may create opportunities to network through conference attendance and presentations and enable you to contribute to publications.
Professional experience is an integral part of your development with clinical placements beginning in your second year. Through our key placement partnerships, you will complete four compulsory clinical placements, gaining invaluable professional experience. Develop your clinical skills through placements embedded in public mental health settings, and in various community agencies. You will focus on clinical psychology across the lifespan, with emphasis on assessing and treating children, adolescents, and families. These offer opportunities to build upon your clinical skills in assessment, case formulation and intervention with individuals and groups. Practical workshops and case analysis seminars further develop your clinical skills and reflective practice.
Our award-winning teaching strategies and innovative learning resources, including simulation and competency-based assessments, ensure that you graduate ready to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), making it a degree that is sought-after by employers across the industry.
Throughout the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), you will:
- Gain a thorough understanding of professional issues, ethics and the governance framework that supports Clinical Psychology.
- Build interprofessional skills by collaborating with students from other disciplines to develop shared care plans for complex simulated clients.
- Prepare for culturally informed practice with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People through focused teaching and learning experiences that celebrate Indigenous Psychology and build cultural responsiveness.
- Develop the skills to enhance clinical assessments with psychological testing, knowing how to select and utilise appropriate tests, understand diagnosis and report writing.
- Learn about advanced clinical research methods to support completion of your research project and learn to apply various methodological approaches to support evidence-based clinical practice.
- Explore the integration of biological, psychological, and social factors to assess and understand psychopathology, beginning with a critical examination of the role and function of classification systems such as the DSM.
- Learn to assess various psychological disorders, through reading and engagement with virtual simulation, case scenarios, and through role play practices with the support of senior peers.
- Gain practical skills in the use of psychological interventions and take advantage of the opportunity to consolidate these concepts and develop your therapy skills using virtual simulation, case-based analysis, and role play.
- Receive individualised, formative feedback, scaffolding your skill development and supporting you to make informed treatment decisions.
- Build your knowledge and skills in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including the importance of the therapeutic relationship, the CBT model and session structure, and strategies such as Socratic questioning, cognitive disputation, and behavioural experiments.
- Explore reflective practice and peer feedback and participate in a mindfulness-based CBT group designed to enhance self-care strategies and experiential learning.
- Learn how to modify CBT approaches for use with younger populations and focus on interventions for issues such as behavioural and developmental disorders.
- Acquire knowledge in other therapeutic interventions aligned with your foundational skills in CBT and learn about therapeutic techniques to encourage client engagement. You will also learn how to apply therapeutic skills with people who have experienced trauma and clinical health disorders such as pain.
- Learn to employ key therapeutic techniques recommended within the structural, strategic, systemic and solution-focused schools of family therapy.
- Develop the skills to write a systemic formulation, conduct a family assessment, write a family focused treatment plan, and engage a family in therapy. Challenges associated with systemic therapy such as conflict, trauma and termination of treatment will also be addressed.
Covering the above topics and more, the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) at Deakin equips you with the advanced qualifications and practical skills required to make a meaningful, lasting impact in the field of mental health.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H951
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 10
World-leading experts
Achieve your research aspirations and be inspired by the best researchers in your field. Connect with a dedicated research supervisor who will guide you through every stage of your degree.
Course structure
To complete the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 24 credit points of core units.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note:
- The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) covers 3 strands: theory, research and practice
- This is a full-time course, designed for completion within 3.5 to 4 years. It is comprised of 3 inter-related strands of theory, research, and practice
- The coursework units are in the first and second trimesters, with placement and thesis components undertaken throughout the entire year (Trimesters 1, 2 and 3). In the later part of the third year and into the fourth year, students will focus on completion of their thesis. Some students will be ready to submit their thesis earlier than the maximum completion time. Students should note that delays in either completion of the research thesis or delays in accessing or completing placements may mean that the duration of the course may be extended
- The course formally commences in early February, when students are required to attend an orientation session and commence work on their thesis.
Students who commenced their course prior to 2017 should refer to previous handbook entries.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Note: Consistent with a developmental approach, there is a prescribed sequence for coursework and placement units such that successful completion of earlier units is required to enrol in later units. Specific information regarding pre-requisites are described in the individual Unit Guides.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Additional course information
The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) is a research degree and requires students to complete a thesis equivalent in conceptual complexity to the traditional research PhD, but of somewhat lesser size and scope. The thesis consists of two components:
1) a Major Investigative Project, involving a report on an empirical study or series of studies on a topic of relevance to clinical psychology and that can be undertaken by publication or in traditional form;
and
2) Four Research Case Reports that use single-subject case study methodology and include a critical appraisal of relevant literature.
Each student will work with a supervisory team to complete their thesis.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Under the regulations of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009, Master of Psychology students are required to be provisionally registered from the commencement of enrolment and for the duration of enrolment in their degree. This is a mandatory requirement. Students should apply online for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as soon as they have been accepted into the degree.
In accordance with the Department of Justice 2007, Working with Children Act 2005, amended 2017, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical placement and this will impede progress in the course.
In accordance with Department of Human Services policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course.
Students may also be required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
Workload
The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) program is a full-time course and as such, it requires a full-time commitment from students.
Nevertheless, it is recognised that many students will need to work to support themselves for the duration of their study. Students are advised that working over and above 8 hours per week is likely to impact their progress through the course.
The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) program is a multi-campus program across Deakin Burwood and Deakin Waterfront. The face-to-face coursework component is predominantly held at the Burwood Campus in a purpose built clinical teaching facility. Some teaching will be held in Geelong including some full-day clinical teaching workshops while other aspects of the teaching and learning occurs online. As part of their placement program, trainees will engage in placements in key partnerships across Barwon Health and metropolitan Melbourne as well as rural and regional placement opportunities.
Participation requirements
Students are required to complete 4 compulsory clinical placements of 2-3 days per week for approximately 20-25 weeks. These placements include at least one placement in the Barwon region. Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
Work experience
Placement program
The clinical placements are designed to equip students with a range of professional skills and an awareness of professional issues. Students will benefit from Deakin’s key placement partnerships including Barwon Health other organisations to ensure they gain experience across child, adolescent and adult populations. The placement program will be determined jointly by the student, the placement coordinators, and the course leadership team. Each placement requires the full complement of days to be completed. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.
The placement program overall provides students with diverse clinical experience across community and institutional care; and medical and non-medical agencies. The placement program will be determined jointly by the student, the placement coordinators, and the course leadership team. Contracts will be drawn up which will clearly specify the skills to be taught and the responsibilities of the student and placement supervisor. With few exceptions, Placement supervisors are registered psychologists with a clinical endorsement as a specialised area of practice, as well as being Registered supervisors. Each placement requires the full complement of days to be completed. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- completion of a four year tertiary program* of study from an APAC accredited program completed in the last 10 years, with a minimum of Honours 2A average in the fourth year of study or equivalent
- eligibility for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia
*The fourth year may be an honours program or a graduate diploma. If you are applying with an international qualification this must be assessed as equivalent by the Australian Psychological Society.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
The pre-requisites for admission to the course are the completion of a four year major sequence of study in psychology that is APAC accredited and meets the requirements for registration as a provisional psychologist in Australia. The fourth year may be an honours year or a graduate diploma.
Entry is extremely competitive, based on academic results, relevant work experience, referees’ reports, personal statements and performance at interview before a panel of School selection staff. Applicants are required to have achieved a minimum honours grade of H2A in their fourth year of study, but ideally a H1 first class honours grade, or equivalent.
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.
You will be required to provide two referee reports with your application. Two academic referees are preferred but where a second academic referee cannot be sought by an applicant, a professional referee may be suitable if they are in the position to respond to the criteria assessed in the referee reports. Information on how to obtain and share references can be found at the Psychology Reference Portal.
Preferred referees include 4th year supervisors and course directors from your university, however we will also consider other academic referees with working relationships within the area of psychology. You are not required to include referee information through the Deakin University direct application portal.
All applicants are required to complete Casper as part of their application. Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test that takes 65-85 minutes to complete.
Casper measures different personal and professional skills that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. It will complement the other tools we use for applicant review and evaluation, and we require Casper to help us in assessing the inherent requirements to succeed in our clinical training programs.
To learn more about the Casper test and how we use this in our admissions process please read more here: Casper-Psychology
Applicants are required to refer to the checklist in the apply now section.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Recognition of prior learning
Credit for coursework can be approved only if it is strictly equivalent to coursework in the current course and was successfully completed in an APAC accredited course within the previous ten years. Credit for placement experience completed as part of their current employment can only be given if it is of direct relevance to the course, would ordinarily be undertaken by a qualified psychologist, and if supervision fulfils all of the usual requirements of course placements. Credit cannot be provided for previous employment experience prior to entry into the course as it is not integrated into the overall learning undertaken during the course. Credit cannot be provided for previous research experience, including research higher degrees.
Scholarship options
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Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Applicant checklist
Please refer to the additional applicant instructions PDF for information before applying.
Pathways
As a HDR program, it is not typical for students to seek for transfer to an alternative course. In the unusual circumstances where students are not meeting the competencies for the coursework and practice aspects of the program, they may seek to or be encouraged to transfer to a research only program (including to a PhD). In these cases they must can apply in the usual manner for entry into the PhD course, competing with newly applying HDR students. They must also successfully undertake a Doctoral level thesis confirmation.
Career outcomes
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. Graduates typically are employed in one of the many government and non-government agencies that employ clinical psychologists in either community or hospital settings. After some years of practice and clinical supervision, some clinical psychologists establish a private practice. 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.
Professional recognition
The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
It is a postgraduate program of study for the purpose of obtaining full registration as a psychologist with the the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and to provide preparation for entry into a registrar program leading to an area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology with the PsyBA
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply advanced psychological knowledge of aetiology, progression and recovery from psychopathology, and relevant taxonomies to culturally safe assessment and identification of psychological disorders, current functioning, and risk to self and others. Display advanced knowledge of psychological theories and scientific methods, including through appropriate application of culturally responsive and evidence-based clinical psychology assessment and treatment across the lifespan. |
| Communication | Communicate safely and effectively with clients, carers, and colleagues, including discussing risks and benefits of assessment and intervention, in a variety of settings in which clinical psychologists work, including health and medical settings. |
| Digital literacy | Ethically use a range of digital technologies including research databases, eHealth, and artificial intelligence applications to support evidence-based clinical psychology practice, research, innovation and evaluation. |
| Critical thinking | Critically evaluate, interpret and synthesise research findings with assessment data to inform formulation, diagnoses and treatment approaches for clients and apply these appropriately for the context; synthesise, apply, and analyse existing and new knowledge to develop new concepts or interpretations through engagement in ethical research. |
| Problem solving | Demonstrate and apply an understanding of outcome-based and evidence-based treatment and assessment approaches relevant to the practise of clinical psychology, including through collaborative goal setting and client feedback, and ongoing evaluation of symptom change and other therapeutic outcomes. Make a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship or professional practice in clinical psychology. |
| Self-management | Proactively engage in reflection and supervision to identify strengths and areas for development, and the impact of culture, values, beliefs, biases and self-care practices on one’s own practice; develop and implement related goals to practise competently in line with clinical psychology practice standards, codes of ethical practice and relevant legal frameworks. |
| Teamwork | Operate effectively within intra- and inter-disciplinary teams, respecting diverse cultural perspectives, skills and contributions, and practising within the boundaries of professional and cultural competence across a range of settings in which clinical psychologists operate. |
| Global citizenship | Practise clinical psychology ethically and legally, in culturally informed, trauma-aware and neuro-affirming ways. Apply knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands peoples’ psychology frameworks and demonstrate a commitment to decolonising clinical psychology practice. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
