Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)
This higher degree by research combines intensive high-level research training with training in the professional skills of clinical psychology. Clinical psychology is a specialisation focusing on psychopathology and the assessment and treatment of clinical disorders across the life span. Students will develop advanced knowledge/skills and experience in psychopathology, assessment and therapeutic interventions for adults and children suffering from clinical disorders.
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).
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
This higher degree by research combines intensive high-level research training with training in the professional skills of clinical psychology. Clinical psychology is a specialisation focusing on psychopathology and the assessment and treatment of clinical disorders across the life span. Students will develop advanced knowledge/skills and experience in psychopathology, assessment and therapeutic interventions for adults and children suffering from clinical disorders.
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).
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
Course Structure: Full-time program
Year 1
Semester 1
Year 1
Semester 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Semester 2
PSY80062 Systemic Family Counselling
PSY80062 Systemic Family Counselling
Year 3
Semester 1
Semester 1
Year 4
Semester 1
PSY80061 Research Project (Clinical) G *
Semester 2
PSY80073 Research Project (Clinical) H *
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
All units are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Coursework units of study
PSY60007 Counselling Theory and Skills
PSY60002 Advanced Psychological Assessment
PSY60007 Counselling Theory and Skills
PSY60002 Advanced Psychological Assessment
Placement units of study
Research units of study
PSY80055 Research Project (Clinical) A (25 credit points)
PSY80056 Research Project (Clinical) B (25 credit points)
PSY80057 Research Project (Clinical) C (25 credit points)
PSY80058 Research Project (Clinical) D (25 credit points)
PSY80059 Research Project (Clinical) E (25 credit points)
PSY80060 Research Project (Clinical) F (25 credit points)
PSY80061 Research Project (Clinical) G * (50 credit points)
PSY80073 Research Project (Clinical) H * (50 credit points)
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)
PSY80065 Research Project (Clinical) H1 (25 credit points)
PSY80066 Research Project (Clinical) H2 (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 |
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2021 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2021 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
If you are a domestic student (including Australian and New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents) your application will be automatically considered for a Government-funded Research Training Program (RTP) place.
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 close: Monday 18 October 2021
Find out more
Tel: 03 9214 5412