Interrelated steams of theory, research and practice provide the skills needed to become a registered psychologist.
Our award winning teaching strategies and learning resources, include simulation and competency-based assessment approaches.
The course is based on the scientist/practitioner model that rests firmly on a foundation of established knowledge and current evidence-based research.
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) covers clinical psychology across the lifespan and also includes a focus on the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and families.
You will have opportunities to develop clinical skills in our unique clinics imbedded in public mental health and through placements in an array of community agencies.
You will undertake a program of independent supervised research that makes a significant and original contribution to the knowledge and practice of clinical psychology.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and recognised by Psychology Board of Australia, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and its College of Clinical Psychologists. On completion of the course you may apply to the Psychology Board of Australia for registration as a psychologist and to the APS for full membership. To obtain membership of the Clinical College of the APS and endorsement by the Psychology Board of Australia as a clinical psychologist, students are required to complete one year of approved supervised practice and fulfil professional development requirements.
Note: This course is currently accredited at the date of publishing. The eligibility of students for registration by the Psychology Board of Australia, and for membership of the APS and its Clinical College is subject to meeting the requirements of the regulatory body and the professional association. Deakin University makes no representation that students will meet those requirements.
Placement program
Each individual student’s placement program will be worked out jointly by you, the placement coordinator, and the practitioners supervising the placements. The placements are designed to equip you with a range of professional skills and develop your awareness of professional issues. You will have placements in different settings, and will work with different populations, including adults and children. Contracts will be drawn up that specify goals, your responsibilities and the responsibilities of the placement supervisor. Placement supervisors are registered and endorsed psychologists, with expertise in supervision. Each placement requires the completion of the full component of days. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.
Thesis
The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) is a research degree, and requires students to complete a thesis equivalent in conceptual complexity to the traditional research PhD, but of somewhat lesser size and scope. The thesis consists of two components: 1) a Major Investigative Project, involving a report on an empirical study or series of studies on a topic of relevance to clinical psychology and that can be undertaken by publication or in traditional form; and 2) a separate Portfolio of Case Reports that are written up in relation to a particular theme and in the context of a critical appraisal of relevant literature. Each student will work with a supervisory team to complete their thesis.
Course rules
To complete the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) students must attain 24 credit points covering three strands: theory, research and practice.
This is a full time course, designed for completion within 4 years. It is comprised of three inter-related strands of theory, research, and practice.
The coursework units are in the first and second trimesters, with placement and thesis components undertaken throughout the entire year (Trimesters 1, 2 and 3). In the later part of the third year and into the fourth year, students will focus on completion of their thesis. Some students will be ready to submit their thesis early.
The course formally commences in early February, when students are required to attend an orientation session and commence work on their thesis.
