The Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) is for graduates of a four-year accredited psychology program, interweaving supervised research (which accounts for around two thirds of the degree) with professional training and supervised placements.
Supervised practice and structured learning provide a fifth and sixth year that meet the requirements for general registration as a psychologist, and to provide preparation for entry into a registrar program leading to an area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology with the Psychology Board of Australia.
You will develop a PhD thesis with the guidance of an expert supervisor and have some flexibility in the configuration of course work, clinical placements and research. Typically, coursework is completed in years one, three and four, with a sustained research focus throughout.
The program provides a comprehensive program of study of the professional practice of psychology including assessment, intervention, communication and ethics. It also provides specialised training and supervised practice in the assessment and intervention skills of clinical psychologists.
Teaching methods include a combination of lectures, workshops, skills training, online and supervised work-based practicums, both at the University's Northfields Psychology Clinic and at external placements.
You will also undertake substantial supervised research that makes an original contribution to the body of knowledge in clinical psychology.
