Combined M.App.Psychology (Clinical) and PhD

Master of Applied Psychology (MAppPsych) +
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Course code: M1025 D1028

Availability:
Murdoch campus (internal)

Duration: 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

This course is offered to students wishing to combine professional training at Master's level in Clinical or Organisational Psychology with compatible research at the PhD level. It combines a thorough professional training in the chosen area of specialisation with the high level of research training associated with doctoral-level research.

In the first year, students complete all the coursework and most of the practicum requirements of the Master of Applied Psychology course. In the remaining years, students complete their PhD research and the remaining practicum requirements.

There are two specialisations available: clinical psychology and organisational psychology. Coursework is selected and placements organised according to the area of specialisation. It is a requirement that the topic of the PhD must relate to the area of specialisation.

This course adheres to a scientist-practitioner model that stresses a systematic problem-solving approach. Its objective is to prepare psychologists who are skilled in individual casework and can apply their skills and knowledge to prevention, research, development, and evaluation at the individual, organisational, community and system levels. It is a professional qualification in Applied Psychology leading to employment in the health, educational, occupational, ergonomic and community areas, which meets international standards. The course also develops students to be expert researchers in their chosen area of expertise.

Employment Prospects: Job prospects for psychologists are very good; employment growth is expected to be strong following recent government initiatives. On graduation from this course, students will be highly employable in a wide variety of areas, including private practice as a registered psychologist, and working in various public and private sector agencies in areas such as health, community development, justice, education, and disabilities.

Admission Requirements: Onshore course offerings: Applicants must apply simultaneously for entry to both the MAppPsych and the PhD. Unsuccessful applicants for both courses may still be considered for entry to either course on its own. Candidates enrolled in the first year of the MAppPsych may apply for transfer into the program.

Applicants should hold, on admission, at least an honours IIA degree (or equivalent) in psychology. Competition for places is strong. Students with overseas qualifications who are accepted into the course and who wish to seek registration in Australia after graduation, should ensure that their undergraduate qualifications meet the requirements of the relevant psychology registration board for equivalence to a four-year Australian degree in Psychology.

Special Requirements: 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. In addition, if working with children a separate screening by the Department of Community Development is required. 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 types of behaviour. The student must meet the cost of obtaining 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 records if required.

Professional Recognition: The course is accredited by the Australian Psychological Society. Graduates will be eligible for direct registration as psychologists with the WA Psychologists' Registration Board.

Other Facilities and Services: Murdoch University has a Psychology Clinic, the Counselling Psychology Consulting Service and the Organisational Psychology Consulting Service to act as practical training facilities and community services.

URL: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/contacts/academic/School_of_Psychology

Course Structure

First Year

Core Units

PSY562 Psychological Assessment Methods — 3 pts
Murdoch: Y-internal

PSY564 Clinical Psychology: Working with Children and Families — 3 pts
Murdoch: S1-internal

PSY565 Clinical Psychology: Working with Adults — 3 pts
Murdoch: S1-internal

PSY502 Clinical Psychology: Working with Health Problems — 3 pts
Murdoch: S2-internal

PSY567 Clinical Psychology: Developmental Disabilities — 3 pts
Murdoch: S2-internal

PSY569 Psychotherapy in Practice — 3 pts
Murdoch: Y-internal

PSY537 Clinical Psychology: Internal Practicum (Child, Youth and family) — 3 pts
Murdoch: U-internal, Y-internal

PSY538 Clinical Psychology: Internal Practicum (Adult) — 3 pts
Murdoch: U-internal, Y-internal

Second, Third and Fourth Years

Core Units

PSY920 Research Studies — Psychology
Murdoch: R1-internal, R1-external, R2-internal, R2-external, RSP-internal, RSP-external

PSY604 Clinical Psychology: External Practicum — 12 pts
Murdoch: S1-internal, S2-internal, U-internal, Y-internal<>