Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only. 

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

Overview

The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles governing psychological assessment and therapy, and clinical skills required to assess and treat clients with a wide variety of clinical conditions in both child and adult populations

An emphasis on skills-training includes demonstration sessions, audio and audio-visual recording of assessment and therapy, case presentations, role-play activities and feedback. The thesis is examined by two examiners, one of whom shall be external to the University. 

Entry Requirements  

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical) will be able to:

Knowledge:

1. Demonstrate a detailed and specialised knowledge of psychological principles, professional ethics and standards (including the ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice), theories of individual and systemic functioning and change, dysfunctional behaviour, psychopathology, the cultural bases of behaviour and organisational systems.
2. Demonstrate a detailed and specialised knowledge in conducting systematic psychological assessment including diagnostic classification systems and the limitations of psychological tests.
3. Demonstrate a detailed and specialised knowledge in a range of intervention techniques and strategies including their empirical and theoretical bases, for both individuals and groups.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the process of and fluctuations in the development of the therapeutic relationship and strategies to manage these processes.
5. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the process of research data evaluation and its relevance to psychological practice, articulated through a ‘scientist-practitioner’ perspective.

Skills:

6. Apply ethical principles effectively to complex ethical dilemmas and generate appropriate responses to such dilemmas.
7. Determine the most appropriate assessment to administer based on synthesis of complex problem presentations, ancillary data and relevant psychological theories.
8. Administer and interpret a range of specified tests including intelligence, personality, and memory tests and the mental status examination.
9. Carry out structured and unstructured interviews, selection interviews, survey interviews, clinical interviews for diagnostic purposes including history taking, and group-based interviews.
10. Systematically observe behaviour involving both naturalistic and clinical observation and using predetermined procedures for observing the behaviour of one or more persons.
11. Demonstrate mastery in counselling skills, including micro-skills, rapport building skills, core behaviour change skills and cognitive behavioural approaches.
12. Develop creative strategies, founded on empirically derived intervention techniques, to overcome impediments in interventions.
13. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, using validated instruments and protocols, and respond to evaluation data appropriately.
14. Convey, appraise and interpret information with accuracy in both oral and written formats, appropriate for a variety of audiences.
15. Demonstrate advanced skills in the treatment of complex psychological disorders, including justification of the link between diagnosis and chosen intervention.
16. Develop the capacity to establish appropriate peer to peer relationships for the purposes of enhancement of professional practice.

Applications:

17. Display conduct or behaviour consistent with the legal requirements and codes of conduct relevant to psychologists.
18. Promote, restore, sustain or enhance cognitive functioning and a sense of well-being in individuals or groups of clients through preventive, developmental or remedial services.
19. Interact on a professional level with a wide range of client groups and other professionals.
20. Apply research knowledge and skills to psychological practice.
21. Engage in extensive systematic inquiry involving problem identification and the acquisition, organisation, and interpretation of information allowing critical analysis and disciplined, rigorous, careful and scientific inquiry into psychological phenomena.

Course Structure 

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.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

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.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au