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Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (958AA.3)
Please note these are the 2027 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 |
View teaching periods | |
| Fees | English language requirements | AQF level | |
|
|
View requirements | 10 | |
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.
AQF Level
University of Canberra qualifications are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- Level 5 - Diploma
- Level 6 - Associate Degree
- Level 7 - Bachelor Degree
- Level 8 - Bachelor Honours Degree OR Graduate Certificate OR Graduate Diploma
- Level 9 - Masters Degree
- Level 10 - Doctoral Degree
| 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 |
View teaching periods | 065103M |
| Fees | English language requirements | AQF level | |
|
|
View requirements | 10 | |
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.
AQF level
University of Canberra qualifications are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- Level 5 - Diploma
- Level 6 - Associate Degree
- Level 7 - Bachelor Degree
- Level 8 - Bachelor Honours Degree OR Graduate Certificate OR Graduate Diploma
- Level 9 - Masters Degree
- Level 10 - Doctoral Degree
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 enrol in the Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology course, you must apply for entry into both the Master of Clinical Psychology course and the Clinical PhD course.
To be eligible for consideration for the UC Master of Clinical Psychology course, you must be able to provide evidence of completing a four-year sequence in psychology within the last ten years – with accreditation 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 which will help determine your eligibility.
Provisional registration with AHPRA will also require a federal police clearance and all relevant immunisations must be up to date before participating in any clinical placements.
Some placement organisations may also require a current Working with Vulnerable People clearance.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology Handbook 2025
Professional accreditation
The Master of Clinical Psychology covers the Levels 3 and 4 graduate competencies set by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC https://apac.au/ ) and is an accredited postgraduate training program. Upon completion graduates to be eligible for general registration as a psychologist and entry into the registrar program for the Clinical Psychology Area of Practice Endorsement through AHPRA. The course also meets the requirements for membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Associate membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, and membership for the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA).
To be considered for the Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology course, a prospective student must (by the 30th September):
- Apply for the Master of Clinical Psychology component: Domestic applicants must apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) http://www.uac.edu.au/postgraduate/
- AND Apply for the PhD component (specifying Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology) directly to the University of Canberra via the HDR Application Portal: How to Apply - University of Canberra https://www.canberra.edu.au/research/graduate-research/future-research-students/how-to-apply
Note: applications must ensure all requirements for BOTH courses are included as part of each application process.
Applications for scholarships typically close the last Friday in September. The Master of Clinical Psychology course has an early closing date to submit applications by the 15th October of every year. Referee reports must be submitted through the Australian Psychology Postgraduate Program Reference Request System for the Master of Clinical Psychology application component. https://www.psychologyreference.org/ Applicants must ensure they share the reference with the University of Canberra. If the reference is not shared, we cannot access the referee report and the application will be deemed incomplete and not be processed further. Please note that separate referee reports are required and to be submitted via the UC HDR Application portal for the PhD component of the admissions process.
Admission to the degree is highly competitive, based on GPA, a written research proposal, referee reports, research, and publication history along with a clinical suitability interview. Successful candidates will need to meet admission requirements for both courses to be offered a place.
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
1. Completion of a four-year APAC accredited sequence in psychology, typically an honours degree, within the last 10 years with a minimum GPA of 80%; and
2. be eligible for, or hold, provisional registration as a psychologist with AHPRA.
Course Transfers:
Candidates in the Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology course seeking to transfer into the Master of Clinical Psychology course will require course convener approval, and they must have successfully met all the admissions requirements (including passing the clinical suitability interview) for the Master of Clinical Psychology course within the past two years. If it has been more than two years since the candidate successfully passed a clinical suitability interview, they will be required to undertake and pass another interview prior to a course transfer being approved.
Periods course is open for new admissions
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 1 | 25 January 2027 |
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
Period 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Year 3
Semester 1
Semester 2
Year 4
Course duration
Standard 4.5 years full time or part-time equivalent. This course can be accelerated and completed in 4 years full time. Maximum 10 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| Advanced psychological knowledge about psychopathology across the life span, aetiological models (including cultural considerations), epidemiology, and relevant international taxonomies of classification of psychological disorders. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems. UC graduates are global citizens: Communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Competence in applying advanced psychological knowledge and skills in psychological assessment using multiple modalities. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas. |
| Competence in applying advanced skills to the interpretation and integration of information from multi-modal psychological assessments and multi-disciplinary teams to inform case formulations, diagnosis, and intervention. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline. |
| Competence in applying the scientist-practitioner model and model of evidence-based practice to the field clinical psychology. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline. |
| Development of advanced knowledge of psychopharmacology and models of health as they relate to psychological disorders. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills. |
| Application of ethical practice of clinical psychology with both clients and other professions in culturally responsive and culturally safe ways, including working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Expert skills in the design, implementation, and production of a substantial body of psychological research as it relates to the field of clinical psychology that constitutes an original contribution. | UC graduates are professional: Use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| Intellectual independence and expert skills in critical evaluation of psychological research as it relates to aetiological models and treatment of psychological disorders. | UC graduates are professional: Use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| Advanced specialist knowledge and skills in areas complementary to the practice of clinical psychology. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload. UC graduates are global citizens: Communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
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 |
Enrolment data
2023 enrolments for this course by location. Please note that enrolment numbers are indicative only and in no way reflect individual class sizes.
| Location | Enrolments |
|---|---|
| UC - Canberra, Bruce | 5 |
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Prospective Domestic Students | Email study@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |
| Prospective International Students | Email international@canberra.edu.au or Phone +61 2 6201 5342 |
| Current and Commencing Students | Please contact the Faculty of Health faculty office, email student.centre@canberra.edu.au |
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