Key facts
Duration
3.5 to 4 years full-time.
Locations
Course overview
Develop advanced expertise in clinical psychology research and practice with the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical). Grounded in a science-practitioner model, the program combines advanced clinical training, independent research and extensive placement experience to prepare you for safe and effective professional practice and future endorsement pathways in clinical psychology.
You will build advanced capabilities in psychological assessment, intervention and evidence-based practice while undertaking clinically applied research that contributes to the field of clinical psychology. Clinical placements across public mental health and community settings provide opportunities to work with children, adolescents, adults and families while strengthening your skills in assessment, case formulation and intervention.
Through reflective practice, supervision and practical learning experiences, you will develop the professional, research and leadership capabilities needed for careers across clinical practice, research, academia, policy and service evaluation. Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), the program supports your pathway towards general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and an area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology.
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
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H951
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 022556D Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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
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, Deakin Waterfront and Waurn Ponds. 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
For your course application to be considered, please ensure you complete the steps in the Application checklist when you apply.
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.
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 . Applicants who have completed a four-year program in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained recency of Level 2 Pre-Professional Competencies: and
- 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.
Indigenous Entry Stream (recognised as an Indigenous Australian):
- Completion of a four year tertiary program (Honours or graduate diploma) of study from an APAC accredited program completed in the last 10 years, with a minimum of Honours 2B average in the fourth year of study or equivalent. Applicants who have completed a four-year program in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained recency of Level 2 Pre-Professional Competencies
- Eligibility for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia
For more information on the Indigenous Entry Scheme including eligibility and how to apply, visit the Indigenous Entry Stream page.
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)
Applicants are required to refer to the applicant checklist in the apply now section.
Additional information will include the provision of two referee reports with your application. Two academic referees are preferred and can include 4th supervisors and course directors from your university, 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.
All applicants are required to complete Casper as part of their application. The Casper test has an associated fee payable by the applicant. As part of the selection process, applicants may also be invited to attend an interview.
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test that takes approximately 65 – 85 minutes to complete. Casper is designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes and complements the other tools we use to review the applications we receive for this course. We require Casper to help us assess applicant suitability against the inherent requirements of this course. You can learn more about the Casper test and how it is used in our admissions process here: Casper-Psychology
Please refer to the additional applicant 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
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
