Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

This Course is archived with an end date of 29/08/2024

Overview

The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) (DPsych) at Murdoch is a Graduate Research Degree and is also recognised as an AQF Level 10 qualification, meaning that it is recognised as a Doctoral degree (Professional) and an equivalent level of qualification to a Ph.D. A Professional Doctoral Degree is defined as a research focussed qualification which makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the context of professional practice. Professional programs of study at a doctoral level combine professional accreditation as a Clinical psychologist via a program of structured learning with a comprehensive research program undertaken over at least two years of the qualification. The Doctor of Psychology can be completed in an intensive three and a half year program. The degree consists of seminars, supervised practical work and applied research components. The course content of the first year of study is the same as Year 1 of the Master of Applied Psychology. The DPsych offers both direct entry and entry after completion of the first year of the Master of Applied Psychology. Those with marks of distinction may apply for transfer to the DPsych. The DPsych also contains advanced level teaching of practice relevant skills in complex clinical skills and in translational research methods such as program evaluation and practice oriented systematic literature review. The teaching staff are highly experienced Clinical Psychologists with extensive research programs linking into the School's translational research clinics. Murdoch University has a range translational clinics with opportunities to work with both adults, children and families. In addition, the University cooperates with Commonwealth and State Public Service Ministries and Departments such as Department for Community Development, Justice, Health, the Disability Services Commission and other public and private services and facilities in Western Australia to provide practicum opportunities. The School's external clinical placement networks are extensive and are approved by the School Committee.

Contacts

Academic Chair

Admission requirements

Enrolment restrictions

Special requirements

Graduate students must be registered from the start of their higher degree as a provisional psychologist. Within the first two weeks of commencing the program, the student must gain provisional registration with Psychology Board of Australia. As many agencies require all staff working with their clients or patients to have a police clearance, students are required to obtain a Federal police clearance (which will include WA clearance) if accepted into the course. Successful applicants also need to have a Working with Children Check before they begin work in the internal clinic. Clearly any agency will only be seeking information about behaviours that may place vulnerable clients at risk and will not be interested in any other type of behaviours. The student meets the cost of these clearances. Please note that some organisations providing professional placements require students to provide full immunisation records. Applicants must be in a position to provide these documents if required.

Entry requirements (onshore)

Students who complete the first year of the relevant Master of Applied Psychology and who average grades of Distinction in their core first year units may apply for transfer to the DPsych. Applicants for the DPsych are required to submit a synopsis of their intended research and the name of a supervisor on the staff of the University as part of their application. Applicants will be required to present their research plans to a panel of Psychology staff prior to admission. Students permitted to transfer from the Master of Applied Psychology will be exempt from the units common to both degrees. Applicants who hold the equivalent of the relevant Master of Applied Psychology can apply for entry and are to complete the balance of units in the DPsych. A maximum of 36 points of credit may be granted to those applicants who have completed equivalent coursework. In some circumstances, the degree may be undertaken on a part-time basis but requires attendance of on-campus seminars and, for parts of the course, full-day attendance on campus or at a practicum site.

English language requirements

Additional progression requirements / restrictions

The timeframe for submission of Program of Study for Confirmation of Candidature for Murdoch University’s Doctor of Psychology must be 6 months after commencement of dissertation; The part-time equivalent is double the timeframe as set out above.Note: Including time provided for revision and resubmission of the Program of Study under Graduate Research Degree regulations, candidature must be confirmed within a total of 9 months of full-time equivalent enrolment for Doctor of Psychology.

Learning outcomes

Apply evidence-based psychological knowledge across the lifespan to facilitate optimal outcomes for clients in a variety of clinical contexts.

Engage in appropriate professional conduct, including reflective practice, application of professional practice policies and procedures, and development of effective interprofessional relationships.

Conduct culturally sensitive psychological testing, diagnosis, and assessment in a variety of clinical contexts.

Interpret and integrate client data from multiple sources, including intake interviews, case records and psychometric test results, drawing on relevant research findings and psychological theory, to generate a coherent case formulation that describes and explains the client's psychological functioning.

Design, implement, monitor, and evaluate psychological interventions effectively, applying an understanding of the diversity of sociocultural contexts, and of relevant legal and ethical guidelines, codes, and standards in a variety of clinical contexts.

Design and conduct a substantial research project relevant to clinical psychology that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice, showing critical evaluation of the relevant psychological literature and an understanding of application of research findings to clinical practice.

Communicate psychology research findings and professional decisions effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Handbook

D1073 - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Overview

Contacts

Academic Chair

Admission requirements

Enrolment restrictions

Special requirements

Entry requirements (onshore)

English language requirements

Additional progression requirements / restrictions

Learning outcomes

Structure
84 credit points

Professional outcomes

Professional recognition

Professional accreditation

Accrediting bodies

Overview

Contacts

Academic Chair

Admission requirements

Enrolment restrictions

Special requirements

Entry requirements (onshore)

English language requirements

Additional progression requirements / restrictions

Learning outcomes

Structure84 credit points

Professional outcomes

Professional recognition

Professional accreditation

Accrediting bodies

Structure
84 credit points