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Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

Research course

  • This information is for local students.
  • View course information for international students.
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    you are not an Australian citizen, and
    you are not a New Zealand citizen (excluding TAFE courses), and
    you are not an Australian permanent resident.    local or an international student    ?

Overview

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 domestic students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology), Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology), Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) and Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
Prospective international students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology), Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) and Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology).
Duration4 years full-time
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Hawthorn -Semester 1
Study modeFull-time
Course codeN012
Fees
Candidates are eligible to apply for both Australian Postgraduate Awards and Swinburne University of Technology Postgraduate Research Awards. The application closing date for these awards is 31 October each year. Go to www.swinburne.edu.au/research/schols.htm
Candidates are also eligible to apply, on a competitive basis, for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) fee waiver after the equivalent full-time first year of study.

Career opportunities

Graduates are equipped for careers in clinical psychology in research centres, psychiatric hospital settings, community mental health centres, specialist services for particular clinical groups, secondary and post-secondary education, clinical rehabilitation services and private practice.
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Course in detail

On this page: course description 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 domestic students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology), Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology), Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) and Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
Prospective international students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology), Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) and Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology).

Units of study

Full-time program

Year 1
Semester 1                                               
HAY630 Counselling Theory and Skills
HAY627 Advanced Psychological Assessment
HAYC660 Research Project (Clinical) A 
Semester 2 
HAYC650 Adult Psychopathology
HAYC656 Clinical Placement A1
HAYC661 Research Project (Clinical) B
Year 2
Semester 1
HAYC651 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research
HAYC652 Child Psychopathology and Assessment
HAYC662 Research Project (Clinical) C
Semester 2 
HAY625 Systemic Family Counselling
HAYC657 Clinical Placement A2
HAYC663 Research Project (Clinical) D                    
Year 3
Semester 1
HAYC654 Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology from 2010 onwards
(HAYC653 Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology in 2009 and prior)
HAYC658 Clinical Placement B1
HAYC664 Research Project (Clinical) E                           
Semester 2
HAY631 Foundations of Health Psychology
HAYC659 Clinical Placement B2
HAYC665 Research Project (Clinical) F
Year 4
Semester 1 
HAYC666 Research Project (Clinical) G (HAYC666)               
Semester 2
HAYC667 Research Project (Clinical) H
OR
Candidates may apply to undertake research on a part-time* basis during Years 4 and 5
(in lieu of full-time research units HAYC666 and HAYC667)
Year 4
Semester 1
HAYC670 Research Project (Clinical) G1 
Semester 2
HAYC671 Research Project (Clinical) G2
Year 5 Semester 1
HAYC672 Research Project (Clinical) H1
Semester 2
HAYC673 Research Project (Clinical) H2
*International students are required to study full-time.
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Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives, career opportunities, professional recognition and graduate attributes.

Aims and objectives

The program is intended 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.

Career opportunities

Graduates are equipped for careers in clinical psychology in research centres, psychiatric hospital settings, community mental health centres, specialist services for particular clinical groups, secondary and post-secondary education, clinical rehabilitation services and private practice.

Professional recognition

Graduates of the doctorate program will be eligible for:
  • Membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
  • Registration as a psychologist
  • After one year of Psychology Board of Australia approved internship, membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists

Graduate attributes

Graduates are capable in their chosen professional areas:
  • 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:
  • Able to identify and realise opportunities for responsible innovation
  • An aptitude for socially responsible decision making
Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically:
  • 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
  • Adaptable, flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change
  • Recognise the need for life-long learning
Graduates are aware of environments:
  • Respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds
  • Understand the impact of culture on therapy
  • Respect for multiple points of view
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On this page: entry requirements and recognition of prior learning

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The formal admission requirements for the doctorate are:

  • A degree from an Australian university and to have completed 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 Society, or equivalent overseas qualifications recognised by the APS, or a masters degree in psychology recognised by the APS
  • 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 the Swinburne Graduate Research School, 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 (a) academic record, (b) demonstrated knowledge and skills related to research, (c) previous work experience and training, and (d) academic and professional referees' reports.
 
Note: this program is normally available on a full-time basis only.
 
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.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of previous experience. Following Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) guidelines, only recent postgraduate formal training will be recognised as prior learning in relation to this course. Credit or partial credit towards a qualification cannot be granted in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience and/or life experience.
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Apply

On this page: how to apply, course fees, scholarships and find out more.

How to apply

Domestic applicants for the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) program must lodge the following forms and associated documents by the closing date:
 Closing date: 31 October 2012 (for Semester 1 2013 intake).

Course fees

Candidates are eligible to apply for both Australian Postgraduate Awards and Swinburne University of Technology Postgraduate Research Awards. The application closing date for these awards is 31 October each year. Go to www.swinburne.edu.au/research/schols.htm
Candidates are also eligible to apply, on a competitive basis, for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) fee waiver after the equivalent full-time first year of study.

Scholarships

Candidates are eligible to apply for a range of research scholarships such as the Swinburne Chancellor’s Research Scholarship (CRS), Australian Postgraduate Awards and Swinburne University of Technology Postgraduate Research Awards or to receive a Research Training Scheme (RTS) award or fee waiver.

For further information, check the Office of Research and Graduate Studies website at http://www.swin.edu.au/research/schols.htm

Find out more

Web: Enquire online
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au
 
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