Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

Study Clinical Psychology to assess and deliver psychological interventions for clients with mental health issues. A Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology is the highest level of academic qualification and the best start for a career as a clinical psychologist. If you’re working towards becoming a registered psychologist and have completed your fourth year, this course provides you with the education required to complete the doctoral degree pathway. If you are already working as a registered psychologist, you’ll gain specialist skills in clinical practice combined with extensive research. Murdoch’s clinical training adopts an integrative and critical approach to clinical practice with a strong emphasis on clinical competencies and preparation for clinical practice. You’ll learn how to apply your skills and knowledge in prevention and psychological intervention. You will also become a proficient researcher with practical research skills and the ability to develop novel interventions and program evaluation at the individual and system levels.

The Doctor of Psychology is an intensive three-and-a-half year professional research degree consisting of clinical and research seminars, supervised practical work and supervision of a major research project in clinical psychology. You’ll learn through coursework, practicum, and the research components, undertaking at least three practical placements to hone your skills as a clinical psychologist. A Professional Doctoral Degree is a research-focussed qualification recognised and accredited by APAC that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the context of professional practice. You’ll achieve 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.

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.

IELTS overall 7.0 with no band below 7.0; Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 185 overall with no band below 185; PTE - 68 with no band below 68; TOEFL IBT 94 with no band less than 24; Occupational English Test (OET): After September 2018 - B (350-440) in each of four components, Before September 2018 - One A and three Bs in each of the four components.