This doctorate incorporates the coursework and placement components of the Master of Clinical Psychology plus a research thesis.

Course: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (958AA)

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Award: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
Course Level: 02
Faculty: Faculty of Health
CRICOS Code: 065103M
Offered Locations and Delivery Modes:

• UC Bruce Campus
  • Full Time, Face-to-Face - Convener: Dr Anita Mak (Ph: +61 2 6201 2704)
  • Part Time, Face-to-Face - Convener: Dr Anita Mak (Ph: +61 2 6201 2704)

Introduction

The Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology incorporates the coursework and placement components of the Master of Clinical Psychology. As such, this course enables psychology graduates to work as clinical psychologists, providing the 5^th and 6^th years of training required for Membership of the Australian Psychological Society and for Associate Membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, and the two years of supervised practice required for full registration as a psychologist. The course emphasises the acquisition of clinical psychological knowledge and skills and ongoing professional development. A major teaching strategy is the adoption of a problem-solving approach to learning to strengthen the acquisition of practical skills. Additionally, an empirical research thesis is completed which is equivalent in scope and size to a research-only PhD thesis. This research project provides candidates with the opportunity to develop novel and advanced knowledge in an identified area of clinical psychology.

Objectives of the course are: to work competently and confidently as a clinical psychologist; to successfully complete the requirements for Membership of the Australian Psychological Society and for Associate Membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists; to successfully complete the two years of supervised practice required for full registration as a psychologist; to conceive, design and carry to completion a piece of original research which, in the opinion of a minimum of two independent assessors of recognised standing, adds substantially to existing knowledge and understanding in the area of clinical psychology; to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the scientific literature in their field of study and be aware of current or potential areas of contention likely to form the focus of future research in their field; to develop the skills necessary for communicating the results of their work effectively to other professionals in their field of study; to demonstrate a high degree of scholarship.

Course Requirements

108 credit points comprising:

Required (108 credit points) as follows:
6301 EBT of Problems in Adults 1 PG
6302 EBT of Problems in Adults 2 PG
8028 EBT Children Adolescents and Families PG
6304 Advanced Psychological Assessment PG
6305 Advanced Counselling Psychology PG
6306 Professional Psychological Practice PG
6307 Forensic Psychology for Clinicians PG
6308 Health Psychology for Clinicians PG
6313 Practicum Placement 1 PG
6314 Practicum Placement 2 PG
6315 Practicum Placement 3 PG
6316 Practicum Placement 4 PG
8018 Doctoral Thesis in Clinical Psychology R (72cp)

Candidates are required to complete a Research Education Program that will enable them to acquire the generic skills and attributes identified as appropriate for graduates of postgraduate research programs at the University of Canberra.

Candidates will be expected to meet the standard milestones for PhD candidates as specified in the Gold Book (section 6.4). In particular, a satisfactory research proposal (section 6.4.3) will be required before commencing the second year of study in order to confirm candidature.

Typical Course Structure

Sample course structure

Semester 1	Semester 2
YEAR 1
6301 EBT of Problems in Adults 1 PG	8028 EBT Children Adolescents and Families PG
6306 Professional Psychological Practice PG	6304 Advanced Psychological Assessment PG
6313 Practicum Placement 1 PG	6314 Practicum Placement 2 PG
8018 Doctoral Thesis in Clinical Psychology R (72cp)	8018 Doctoral Thesis in Clinical Psychology R (72cp) (cont'd)
YEAR 2
6302 EBT of Problems in Adults 2 PG	6305 Advanced Counselling Psychology PG
6307 Forensic Psychology for Clinicians PG	6308 Health Psychology for Clinicians PG
6315 Practicum Placement 3 PG	6316 Practicum Placement 4 PG
8018 Doctoral Thesis in Clinical Psychology R (72cp) (cont'd)	8018 Doctoral Thesis in Clinical Psychology R (72cp) (cont'd)
YEAR 3
8018 Doctoral Thesis in Clinical Psychology R (72cp) (cont'd)	8018 Doctoral Thesis in Clinical Psychology R (72cp) (cont'd)
YEAR 4
8018 Doctoral Thesis in Clinical Psychology R (72cp) (cont'd)	8018 Doctoral Thesis in Clinical Psychology R (72cp) (cont'd)
YEAR 5

Students will be expected to complete in 4 years but may take 4.5 years

Course Duration

Standard duration 4 years (9 semesters) full-time or part-time equivalent.
Candidates may complete this course in 4 years full time equivalent.

Admission Requirements

Evidence of successful completion, preferably within the last 10 years, of a four-year APS-accredited sequence in psychology, or its equivalent, so that the applicant is eligible for Associate Membership of the Australian Psychological Society and registration with the ACT Psychologists' Board. Applicants are expected to have achieved a first or 2A standard in their 4^th year psychology Honours or Graduate Diploma course or the equivalent of this. Evidence of research training and aptitude for research.

Applicants who need to satisfy English language proficiency are required to have an over all Academic IELTS band score of 7.0 and no component less than 7.0.

Additional requirements:
Conditional registration as a psychologist and a satisfactory Federal Police report.

Approved credit arrangements:
As per the APAC accreditation guidelines credit may be granted for coursework that is directly equivalent to coursework in the current program and has been completed in an APAC accredited program at a pass level within the previous 5 years period and credit may be granted for 1 placement experience under specified conditions. There is no provision for credit for research experience.

Professional Recognition

Candidates will obtain the 5^th and 6^th years of training required for Membership of the Australian Psychological Society and for Associate Membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, and the two years of supervised practice required for full registration as a psychologist.