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Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)

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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.
Duration4 Year/s
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Hawthorn -Semester 1
Course codeLSS004
CRICOS code064191C
Fees*A$25,250 (annual for 2013)*
*The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students studying on-campus in Australia for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
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Course in detail

On this page: course description, course structure and units of study.

Course description

Prospective domestic students may also wish to consider the
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)  Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) and Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology).
Prospective international students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) and  Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology).

Course structure

Full-time program
Year 1
Semester 1                
HAY530 Counselling Theory and Skills
HAY527 Advanced Psychological Assessment 
HAYC760 Research Project (Clinical) A 
Semester 2 HAYC550 Adult Psychopathology
HAYC556 Clinical Placement A1
HAYC761 Research Project (Clinical) B
Year 2
Semester 1 HAYC551 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research
HAYC552 Child Psychopathology and Assessment
HAYC762 Research Project (Clinical) C
Semester 2
HAY525 Systemic Family Counselling
HAYC557 Clinical Placement A2
HAYC763 Research Project (Clinical) D
Year 3
Semester 1 HAYC554 Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology
HAYC558 Clinical Placement B1
HAYC764 Research Project (Clinical) E
Semester 2
HAY531 Foundations of Health Psychology
HAYC559 Clinical Placement B2
HAYC765 Research Project (Clinical) F 
Year 4
Semester 1
HAYC766 Research Project (Clinical) G *
Semester 2
HAYC767 Research Project (Clinical) H *
* An alternative part-time pathway is also available to domestic students only - see below
Year 4
Semester 1
HAYC768 Research Project (Clinical) G1
Semester 2
HAYC769 Research Project (Clinical) G2
Year 5
Semester 1
HAYC770 Research Project (Clinical) H1
Semester 2
HAYC771 Research Project (Clinical) H2

Units of study

All units are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Coursework units of study                                           
HAY530 Counselling Theory and Skills
HAY527 Advanced Psychological Assessment 
HAYC550 Adult Psychopathology
HAYC551 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research
HAYC552 Child Psychopathology and Assessment
HAY525 Systemic Family Counselling
HAYC554 Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology
HAY531 Foundations of Health Psychology
Placement units of study
HAYC556 Clinical Placement A1
HAYC557 Clinical Placement A2
HAYC558 Clinical Placement B1
HAYC559 Clinical Placement B2
Research units of study
HAYC760 Research Project (Clinical) A  (25 credit points)
HAYC761 Research Project (Clinical) B  (25 credit points)
HAYC762 Research Project (Clinical) C  (25 credit points)
HAYC763 Research Project (Clinical) D  (25 credit points)
HAYC764 Research Project (Clinical) E  (25 credit points)
HAYC765 Research Project (Clinical) F  (25 credit points)
HAYC766 Research Project (Clinical) G * (50 credit points)
HAYC767 Research Project (Clinical) H * (50 credit points)

* An alternative part-time pathway is also available to domestic students only - see below
HAYC768 Research Project (Clinical) G1 (25 credit points)
HAYC769 Research Project (Clinical) G2 (25 credit points)
HAYC770 Research Project (Clinical) H1 (25 credit points)
HAYC771 Research Project (Clinical) H2 (25 credit points)
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Graduate outcomes

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

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.

Career opportunities

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

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 (PBA)
  • After an additional two years of approved supervised full-time equivalent practice with a PBA approved supervisor, eligibility to use the Psychology Board of Australia Clinical Psychology area of practice endorsement
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Entry requirements

This course has English language requirements and prerequisites.

English language requirements

Swinburne College English for Academic Purposes Advanced level Certificate (EAP 5 Advanced: 75%); OR, obtaining a minimum IELTS overall band of 7.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.5; OR, a TOEFL (Paper-based) minimum score of 577 (with Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5); OR, a TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 90, with no individual band below 20. Refer to the English Language Requirements website for further information.

Prerequisites

The formal admission requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) are: 
  • 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.
Note: this program is available on a full-time basis only. Applicants who are off-shore at the time of interview will be offered a telephone interview.
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Apply

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

How to apply

International applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy (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).
 
International applicants should ensure that their overseas qualifications have been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Course fees*

A$25,250 (annual for 2013)

*The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students studying on-campus in Australia for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Scholarships

International candidates are eligible to apply for a range of research scholarships

For further information, check the Office of Research and Graduate Studies Scholarships website

Find out more

Enquire online: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/international/enquiry

Email: international@swinburne.edu.au

Phone:
+613 8676 7002 (outside Australia)
Freecall 1800 897 973 (within Australia)

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