Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology)

• A substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of the clinical and forensic fields in Psychology, including knowledge that makes a significant and original contribution to a discipline or profession
• Substantial knowledge of research approaches, principles, ethical standards, and methods relevant to the clinical and forensic fields in Psychology including any applicable technical and creative skills
• Cognitive skills that demonstrate the capacity to comprehend, synthesise and critically reflect upon theoretical knowledge and its applicability to practice
• Cognitive capacity for independent, intellectual, critical thought, for critical evaluation of existing knowledge, and for systematic investigation as well as reflection upon theory and practice to generate original knowledge
• Communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions
• Communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers, scholarly communities and stakeholders
• Expert capacity to scope, plan, execute, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge in their field of knowledge and/or professional practice
• The production of an original piece of research that demonstrates intellectual independence, initiative and creativity, full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs, and the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge

• Able to gather information systematically from a wide range of sources
• A sense of social responsibility for knowledge and its application
• A highly developed ability in both verbal and written communication skills
• Logical and critical thinking skills

Graduates are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community:

• Able to identify and realise opportunities for responsible innovation
• An aptitude for socially responsible decision making

Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically in work and community situations:

• Communicate effectively with professionals and the community
• Adaptable, flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change
• Understanding and committed to professional and ethical principles
• Application of the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines
• Recognise the need for life-long learning

Graduates are aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural):

• Respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Understand the impact of culture on therapy
• Respect for multiple points of view