Postgraduate: Course rule and topic information
Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)
(PhD(ClinPsych))
Program of Study
INTRODUCTION
The Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) is a four-year research degree comprising a substantial and original piece of clinical psychology research with coursework and field placement.
COURSE AIMS
The course has a dual purpose. First, it aims to provide students with the opportunity to pursue doctoral level research in a specialised area of clinical psychology. Second, it provides coursework and field placements to enable students to become registered to practise as psychologists and to become eligible for membership of the Clinical College of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as well as for general membership of the Society. Overall, therefore, the course aims to produce highly-qualified scientist-practitioners in the field of clinical psychology.
COURSE RULE
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must hold an approved bachelors degree with honours class 1 or 2A in the field of psychology or qualifications deemed equivalent by the Faculty of Social Sciences Board (hereafter referred to as 'the Board'). Shortlisted applicants will be subjected to interview in which clinically-relevant skills and experience, as well as ability to pursue doctoral level research, may be assessed. Referees' reports will be called for. Before an applicant is admitted, the Board must be satisfied that the proposed program of studies can be conveniently pursued and appropriately supervised.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
[January, 2008]
Except with the permission of the Board a full-time student for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) will pursue the approved program of studies for not less than three and not more than four years, and a part-time student for not less than four years and six months, and not more than eight years.
To qualify for the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) degree, a student must complete:
- a thesis relevant to clinical psychology, embodying the research work done while enrolled and containing a significant contribution to knowledge or scholarship within the scope of the subject;
- 27 units of coursework with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic;
- 18 units of supervised practicum with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.
Students normally complete the following program. However, in the event that a topic is not available in any given year alternative arrangements will be made.
First Year
|
Semester 1 |
|
PSYC9999 |
Higher Degree Thesis |
9 |
|
PSYC9021 |
Advanced Counselling: Theories and Practice |
3 |
|
PSYC9051 |
Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy |
3 |
|
PSYC9053 |
Introduction to Clinical Child Psychology |
3 |
|
Semester 2 |
|
PSYC9059 |
Abnormal Psychology and Psychopharmacology |
3 |
|
PSYC9999 |
Higher Degree Thesis |
9 |
|
PSYC9036 |
Psychological Assessment |
3 |
|
PSYC9054 |
Interventions in Clinical Child Psychology |
3 |
Second Year
|
Semester 1 |
|
PSYC9999 |
Higher Degree Thesis |
9 |
|
PSYC9041 |
Practicum A |
6 |
|
PSYC9052 |
Further Applications of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy |
3 |
|
Semester 2 |
|
PSYC9999 |
Higher Degree Thesis |
12 |
|
PSYC9047 |
Current Trends in Clinical Psychology |
3 |
|
PSYC9061A |
Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine |
3 |
Third Year
Fourth Year
The University's Research Higher Degree Policies and Procedures apply to the research component of the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology).
A student's progress in the program of study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) is monitored in accordance with Clauses 18 and 19 of the University's Research Higher Degree Policies and Procedures.
Examination of Thesis
The thesis presented for the degree will not contain material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma, nor will it contain any other material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the text of the thesis or in the notes.
The Board will appoint at least two examiners who will be external to the University, and may appoint additional examiners.
The examiners will each submit to the Board a written report on the student's thesis.
After considering the reports of the examiners and the results obtained by the candidate in the coursework and practicum components of the program, the Board will report to the Academic Senate whether the degree should be awarded or not.
After considering a report from the Board, the Academic Senate will decide whether the degree will be awarded.
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