Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)
Prospective students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) (DR-CFPSY) and Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) (MA-PSYCLP) (domestic only).
Prospective students interested in a research-only PhD in related areas (without clinical psychology training) may wish to consider the Doctor of Philosophy [Health Sciences] (DR-HTHSCI).
Duration
4 years full-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December)
Study mode
- Full-time
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Prospective students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) (DR-CFPSY) and Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) (MA-PSYCLP) (domestic only).
Prospective students interested in a research-only PhD in related areas (without clinical psychology training) may wish to consider the Doctor of Philosophy [Health Sciences] (DR-HTHSCI).
Course structure
Year 1
Semester 1
PSY80062 Systemic Family Counselling
Semester 1
PSY80061 Research Project (Clinical) G *
Semester 2
PSY80073 Research Project (Clinical) H *
* An alternative part-time pathway is also available to domestic students only - see below
Year 4
Semester 1
PSY80063 Research Project (Clinical) G1
Semester 2
PSY80064 Research Project (Clinical) G2
Year 5
Units of study
PSY60007 Counselling Theory and Skills
PSY60002 Advanced Psychological Assessment
PSY80073 Research Project (Clinical) H * (50 credit points)
* An alternative part-time pathway is also available to domestic students only - see below
PSY80063 Research Project (Clinical) G1 (25 credit points)
PSY80064 Research Project (Clinical) G2 (25 credit points)
PSY80066 Research Project (Clinical) H2 (25 credit points)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Graduates are equipped for careers in clinical psychology in universities, research centres, psychiatric hospital settings, community mental health centres, and in specialist services for particular clinical groups, clinical rehabilitation services and private practice.
Aims and objectives
The program is designed to meet the strong demand for professionals who have completed a high level of training in clinical psychology and related skills, and who possess highly developed skills in undertaking research in clinical psychology.

Graduate skills
- Graduates are capable in their chosen professional areas
- Graduates are entrepreneurial
- Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically
- Graduates are aware of environments
Professional recognition
Graduates of the program will be eligible for:
- Membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- General registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA)
- Clinical Psychology area of practice endorsement (after an additional 18 months of approved supervised full-time equivalent practice with a PsyBA-approved supervisor)
Pathways and scholarships
- Recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
2021 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Annual Amenities fee if studying full-time* |
---|---|---|---|
Full fee |
TBA | See how your SSAF is calculated |
Entry requirements
- Completion of a four-year sequence of studies in psychology at first or upper second class level in a course or courses accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC), or equivalent overseas qualifications recognised by APAC, or a masters degree in psychology recognised by APAC
- Experience in face-to-face counselling or significant training in counselling skills e.g. Lifeline, Care Ring, counselling skills in tertiary programs or other appropriate work experience
- Demonstrated possession of an appropriate level of knowledge and skill related to research. In accordance with the guidelines set by Swinburne Research, to have applied for and gained candidature approved by the Swinburne Higher Degrees Committee. Applicants who fail to gain candidature will not be eligible to continue in the doctoral program and may choose to apply for a place in the masters program.
- Applicants with excellent results in their fourth year studies and relevant human services work experience will be shortlisted and interviewed by a selection panel and an order-of-merit for entry will be prepared taking into account:
- Academic record
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills related to research
- Previous work experience and training, and
- Academic and professional referees' reports.
Applicants who have obtained qualifications from overseas should ensure that their qualifications have been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Following Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) guidelines, only recent postgraduate formal training will be recognised as prior learning in relation to this course.
How to apply
To apply for this degree follow the step-by-step application process and lodge the following forms and associated documents by the closing date:
- Application for Admission to Research Higher Degree Candidature and Scholarship online form and supporting documentation
- Academic Referee Report (your referee should complete the online report via the referencing system by the closing date)
- Professional Referee Report (your referee should complete the online report via the referencing system by the closing date)
- APS assessment of qualifications (for qualifications obtained outside Australia)
Closing date:
- Applications for the Semester 1, 2021 intake are now closed.