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Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (958AA.2)
Please note these are the 2021 details for this course
| Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
4.5 years |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
| Faculty of Health | Discipline of Psychology |
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| Fees | English language requirements | ||
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View requirements | ||
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an academic IELTS or equivalent of 7.0. Students who have undertaken all of their education in an English speaking country (as defined on UC website) are deemed to have met our English language proficiency requirements.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
| Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
4.5 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
| Faculty of Health | Discipline of Psychology |
065103M | |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an academic IELTS or equivalent of 7.0. Students who have undertaken all of their education in an English speaking country (as defined on UC website) are deemed to have met our English language proficiency requirements.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
Combine professional training as a clinical psychologist with doctoral research
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology course is perfect for those looking to take their career to the highest levels and have both the passion and commitment to see it all the way through.
This course will help you complete all the requirements of masters-level professional training including; learning advanced assessment, evaluation, and intervention skills, and participating and publishing an independent research project - which in turn will allow you to register as a psychologist once you graduate.
This course will provide you with everything that you will ever need to start working as a practicing psychologist.
Study a PhD in Clinical Psychology at UC and you will:
- use your knowledge of psychology and mental health to critically assess, diagnose, develop case formulations, treat and prevent psychological problems and mental health issues across the lifespan
- understand your profession concerning the unique role of clinical psychologists in providing evidence-based psychological services, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, research and consultancy services across diverse settings
- understand psychopathology, psychological psychopharmacology and psychological medicine, and neurological issues relevant to mental health presentations, diagnostic systems, health psychology and behavioural medicine
- transform research and evaluation findings into policy, applied knowledge, and improved treatments
- provide competent expert oral and written reports to various stakeholders on psychological matters for health, medical, medico-legal, and forensic purposes
- competently work within a cross-cultural context
- practice with children, adolescents, adults and older persons in a manner relevant to Clinical Psychology
- conduct high-level advanced independent research on a topic of clinical relevance.
Work Integrated Learning
During this course, you will undertake four practical placements, totaling 1000 hours. The first two placements will be in the student-led clinic on campus and take place in a range of different settings, including working with children, adolescents, adults, and older people, and in a variety of stakeholder organisations. In your placements, you will develop your competencies as a clinical psychologist by working with clients under supervision.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities for Clinical Psychologists are considerable, and UC graduates are in high demand in a wide range of services within the public and private sectors, such as:
- private practice, supporting members of the public
- health departments, hospitals, and community practices
- national, state or local government or non-government organisations
- welfare agencies, educational institutions, defence, justice and community services
- agencies conducting research and evaluation
- university departments of psychology.
Course-specific information
To enroll in our Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program, you must apply for entry into both the Master of Clinical Psychology program and the general Ph.D. program.
To be eligible for consideration for our Master of Clinical Psychology program, you must provide evidence of the successful completion of a four-year sequence in psychology within the last ten years that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) or equivalency as determined by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
This requirement is necessary to ensure eligibility for provisional registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and Associate Membership of the APS and the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA).
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an on-campus interview.
- Provisional registration with AHPRA will also require a federal police clearance and all immunisations must be current before you can commence placements. Some placement organisations also need a current Working With Vulnerable People clearance.
- To be eligible for entry into a general Ph.D. program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours), with at least an upper second-class grade.
- Students in the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program are eligible for scholarship support. Applicants interested in scholarship support must apply as part of the application process into the general Ph.D. program.
Professional accreditation
Candidates will obtain the 5th and 6th 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.
Evidence of successful completion, preferably within the last 10 years, of a four-year APAC-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 an honours 1 standard in their 4th year psychology Honours or Graduate Diploma course, or the equivalent. Evidence of research training and aptitude for research.
Additional admission requirements
Conditional registration as a psychologist and a satisfactory Federal Police report. Additionally, applicants are also required to attend an interview.
Assumed knowledge
No knowledge is assumed for this course.
Periods course is open for new admissions
This course is not open for new admissions.
Credit arrangements
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (958AA) | 108 credit points
- Note: Candidates are expected to meet the standard milestones as specified in the Gold Book (section 6.4). In particular, a satisfactory research proposal is required before commencing second year.
Candidates are also required to complete a Research Education Program to acquire the generic skills & attributes identified as appropriate for graduates of postgraduate research programs at UC.
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Semester 1
Semester 2
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.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| To work competently and confidently as a clinical psychologist; | Application of knowledge andand skills with intellectual independence, with initiative and creativity in new situations, with full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs, with the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge in the context of professional practice. |
| To successfully complete the requirements for Membership of the Australian Psychological Society and for Associate Membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists; | A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of the field of clinical psychology Cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice; expert technical and creative skills applicable to clinical psychology; communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies, and conclusions. |
| To successfully complete the two years of supervised practice required for full registration as a psychologist; | Application of knowledge and skills with intellectual independence, with initiative and creativity in new situations, with full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs, with the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge in the context of professional practice. |
| 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; | Substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of clinical psychology that constitutes an original contribution; substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to clinical psychology Cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation, and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge; communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies, and conclusions; communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community; expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and implications for professional practice in clinical psychology Application of knowledge and skills to plan and execute original research, with the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge in 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; | Substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of clinical psychology that constitutes an original contribution; substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to clinical psychology. |
| 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. | Communication skills to explain & critique theoretical propositions, methodologies, and conclusions; communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community; expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and implications for professional practice in clinical psychology |
Placements requirements
This course requires students to meet compulsory placement requirements prior to undertaking professional placement (Work-Integrated Learning) in a clinical or professional setting. For information on what these requirements are and how to meet these requirements, please visit www.canberra.edu.au/placement
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology | PhD ClinPsych |
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Prospective Students | Please email study@canberra.edu.au or telephone 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |
| Current and Commencing Students | Email Health.Student@canberra.edu.au |
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