Doctor of Psychology - Clinical Stream

Doctor of Psychology (DPsych)

Course code: D1037

Availability:
Murdoch campus (internal)

Duration: 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

The Doctor of Psychology is an intensive three-year professional research degree consisting of seminars, supervised practical work and applied research.

The first year of study is the same as Year 1 of the Master of Applied Psychology (MAppPsych). Students who complete the first year with marks of distinction may apply for transfer to the DPsych. The specific purpose of the DPsych is to enable students to undertake applied Doctoral-level research on a topic of their choice which will make a distinct contribution to the profession whilst gaining skills in applied psychology to meet registration requirements, and to pursue specialised study in a professional area of their choice.

All of the teaching staff are practising Applied Psychologists. Murdoch University has the Psychology Clinic, the Counselling Psychology Consulting Service and the Organisational Psychology Consulting Service to act as practical training facilities and community services. In addition, the University cooperates with Commonwealth and State Public Service Ministries and Departments such as Department for Community Development, Justice, Employment, Health, Safety and Welfare, Education, the Disability Services Commission and other public and private services and facilities in Western Australia.

Admission Requirements: Onshore course offerings: On admission, applicants should hold a four-year degree in Psychology with the equivalent of a 2A honours degree in Psychology. Students with overseas qualifications who may be accepted into the course need to ensure, should they wish to seek registration within Australia after graduation, that their undergraduate qualification meets the requirements of the relevant psychology registration board for equivalence to a four-year Australian degree in Psychology.

Applicants who hold the equivalent of the MAppPsych are to complete the balance of units in the DPsych as shown below. The degree may be undertaken on a part-time basis but requires at least one day per week on campus or at a practicum site.

Students who complete the first year of the Master of Applied Psychology and who average grades of Distinction in their core first year units may also 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 may 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.

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. 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 this clearance. 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.

Professional Recognition: Australian Psychological Society accreditation, and approval by the relevant Colleges of the Society.

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

Course structure (72 points)

The Doctor of Psychology (DPsych.) is an intensive 3-year (or part-time equivalent) professional degree course consisting of seminars, supervised practical work and applied research.
The first year of study is the same as Year 1 of the MAppPsych. Program.

Year 2 - 24 points

Core Units - 24 points

YEAR 3
Core Units: 24 points