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
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Entry requirements
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)
2023 Applications close: Monday, 23 October 2023