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Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)

Gain the highest qualification in clinical psychology. Pursue new knowledge. Make a difference to the way we treat mental illness.

For personalized assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalized assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

Applicants can apply directly to UOW. You will be required to have scans or electronic copies of the following documents ready to attach to your application:

  • Academic qualifications relevant to your application
  • English proficiency evidence (if required)
  • Evidence of your citizenship, passport, or permanent residency status

Before you apply, please check the UOW course entry requirements, intake dates, and closing dates for your chosen degree.

All applicants for a Research Scholarship must submit two Referee's Reports (Online, to be completed by the referees).

Connect with a UOW representative to explore your course options, confirm eligibility, navigate the application process, and get answers to your questions.

If you’re applying from outside Australia, contact a UOW international representative or agent, because you may not be able to apply directly. Refer to our International Students page for more information, and to find the agent closest to you.

Before starting your application, review the entry requirements, intake dates, and deadlines for your chosen degree at UOW. International students should also be aware of both UOW's general English language requirements and the English proficiency standards required for a student visa.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Campus
Wollongong
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration
4 years full-time, or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Autumn 2024
Codes
CRICOS: 003002G
UOW: 209

Overview

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.

See the course handbook for more information. 

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.

See more

Accreditation & professional recognition

The Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a 5th and 6th year program of study for the purpose of full registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, 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.

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for future students. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

Applicants must achieve the required score in a previous qualification, equivalent to completing at least 13 years of schooling in Australia.

  • Academic Entry Requirements

    To succeed in your chosen course, you should have completed relevant subjects in senior high school or other qualifications. For more information, refer to UOW's Entry Requirements page.

  • English Language Requirements

    The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

     

    English Test

    Overall Score

    Reading

    Writing

    Listening

    Speaking

    IELTS Academic

    7.0

    7.0

    7.0

    7.0

    7.0

    TOEFL (Internet-based)

    94

    24

    27

    24

    23

     

    UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Distinction (weighted average mark of 75 overall and minimum 75 in Academic Reading and Writing (ARW) and 75 in Academic Listening and Speaking (ALS))

    Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

  • Workload

    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Record Check

    The NSW Health Dept requires all staff, including students undertaking clinical placements, in positions dealing with children and patients vulnerable by reason of health status to undergo a criminal record clearance prior to employment or placement in any capacity in the NSW Health System. This clearance will be conducted by the NSW Police Service and will be co-ordinated by NSW Health following enrolment.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

International Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
WollongongOn Campus$20640 (2025)$165120 (2025)
WollongongOn Campus$19104 (2024)$152832 (2024)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

Tuition fees are reviewing annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, there are other fees and costs you will need to consider, including but not limited to:

  • Autumn, 2025 at Wollongong

    Orientation: 24 - 27 February 2025
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 22 September 2024
    • International Applicants: 22 September 2024

    Please refer to the School of Psychology for application procedures.