Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)

Overview

The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles governing psychological assessment and therapy and the clinical skills required to assess and treat a wide variety of psychological disorders in children, adolescents and adults. This course equips students with advanced skills and knowledge relevant to the practice of clinical psychology. The course also includes advanced training in the design, execution, and writing up of a research project that focuses on an issue that is relevant to clinical psychology theory or practice. Teaching methods include mandatory face to face classes, an occasional week-end workshop, and supervised clinical practicum at the University Clinic and at external placements.

The program equips postgraduates with clinical and research knowledge, and skills superior to those acquired at the professional Masters level. The research component of the program is principally focused on applied clinical psychology research leading to a doctoral level research thesis.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

Places in this course are limited and will be based on academic merit and personal suitability.

Candidates must have a superior Honours degree in Psychology of at least four years duration of Class II, Division 1 standard or higher. Direct entry is very competitive and successful applicants will typically also be recipients of a higher degree research scholarship. Selection for entry is based on academic record, a research proposal, two referee's reports, relevant practical experience and a personal statement. Short-listed candidates are also subject to a selection interview. Candidates in the MPsyc (Clin) may apply to transfer to this course at the completion of Year 1. For entry details consult www.uow.edu.au/health/psyc.

International students must demonstrate that they have achieved an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with at least 7.0 in all bands of reading and writing, speaking and listening. In addition, international applicants must have a degree in psychology that is equivalent to an Australian 4-year sequence of psychology. International applicants must have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for equivalence and provide this evidence in their application (see: www.psychology.org.au/membership/qualifications/).

This course includes a compulsory clinical placement. In order to attend clinical placements, students must meet NSW Health Department requirements in regard to Criminal Record Checks and Infectious Disease. Students should consult the information on Criminal Records Checks, Prohibited Employment Declaration and Infectious Diseases in the Additional Information section.

Course Requirements

In addition to coursework and practicum requirements, candidates will be required to successfully complete a supervised research program on a topic that is consistent with key research interests of the School of Psychology or the Illawarra Institute for Mental Health.

Professional Recognition

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for Registration as a Psychologist, and as a qualifying degree for endorsement in Clinical Psychology. The program is also approved by the APS College of Clinical Psychologists as part of the requirements for full membership.