Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy

Course information for - 2023 entry

Offered at 2 locations

Study mode
Attendance
Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fees (first year)*

$31572 Fee-paying

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Not available
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available

Overview

These concurrent degrees combine professional training within educational and developmental psychology with a research Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

During these concurrent degrees, students will:

  • Gain valuable experience in the delivery of psychological services through practicums;
  • Study subjects such as Professional Practice in Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Therapeutic Skills and Evidence-based Practice for Psychologists;
  • Complete a doctoral thesis

Specialisation subject units in the clinical psychology stream are:

  • Adult Clinical Psychology
  • Child Clinical Psychology
  • Clinical Health Psychology and Psychopharmacology
  • Advanced Psychotherapeutic Interventions

Professional experience

Students must complete 1000 hours of practicum placement in clinical settings with at least 400 hours of face-to-face client contact.

Professional recognition

This course is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.

Accreditation

This course is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.

Careers

Graduates will be well-prepared for work as practitioner psychologists or skilled researchers in a range of institutions and agencies providing psychological and mental health services.

Course details

Course structure

To complete the Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy, a student must complete 370 credit points (cp).

View course rules

Sample program map

Year - Study periodUnit 1Unit 2Unit 3Unit 4Unit 5

Year 1 - Semester 1

PSYC621 Professional Practice in Psychology

PSYC638 Therapeutic Skills

PSYC630 Psychological Assessment

PSYC622 Practicum Skills

Year 1 - Semester 2

PSYC660 Adult Clinical Psychology

PSYC661 Child Clinical Psychology

PSYC613 Practicum A

PSYC624 Evidence-Based Practice for Psychologists

Year 2 - Semester 1

PSYC663 Advanced Psychotherapeutic Interventions

Year 2 - Research Terms A and B (PhD)

PHDY701 Doctoral Thesis FT

or

PHDY702 Doctoral Thesis PT

Year 2 - Semester 2

PSYC614 Practicum B

Year 2 - Research Terms C and D (PhD)

PHDY701 Doctoral Thesis FT

or

PHDY702 Doctoral Thesis PT

Year 3 - Semester 1

PSYC662 Clinical Health Psychology and Psychopharmacology

Year 3 - Research Terms A and B (PhD)

PHDY701 Doctoral Thesis FT

or

PHDY702 Doctoral Thesis PT

Year 3 - Semester 2

PSYC615 Practicum C

20 cp

Year 3 - Research Terms C and D (PhD)

PHDY701 Doctoral Thesis FT

or

PHDY702 Doctoral Thesis PT

Year 4

Research Terms A, B, C and D (PhD)

PHDY701 Doctoral Thesis FT

or

PHDY702 Doctoral Thesis PT

This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.

* PHDY701 and PHDY702 are available in the four research terms A, B, C and D. Students selecting one of these units enrol in the unit in all four research terms for the duration of the candidature. Each of these two units accrues a total of 240cp for the duration of the candidature.


AQF framework

Masters/Doctorate – AQF Level 9/10

Entry requirements

Admission into this course is subject to supervision and resource availability. Students already enrolled in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) who have completed Year 1 with a Distinction average across all subjects and were admitted to the Master with a minimum of Second Class Honours – Division A (HIIA) or equivalent may be eligible to transfer to the combined degree.

Applicants must first contact the School of Behavioural and Health Sciences to explore potential research areas, identify a potential PhD supervisor and write a brief research proposal. Upon successful completion of the first year of studies, candidates may then apply to Candidature Services for admission to the PhD program.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (Schedule 3).

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$31572 Fee-paying

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

A 10% rebate on fees will be offered to domestic ACU graduates (from any faculty) enrolling in full fee-paying postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Conditions apply.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships 

How to apply

Deferment

No deferment available.

 

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