Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Neuropsychology

Course code: 2932 + Course abbreviation: DPsych(ClinNeuro) + 7 semesters full-time, 10 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton; Monash Medical Centre, Clayton)

Course description

This higher degree prepares psychology graduates for careers in a broad range of settings by providing advanced training in both research and the skills required for practice in clinical neuropsychology, a field which applies an understanding of the neural basis of cognition, behaviour and emotion to the assessment and treatment of adults and children with neurological disorders. Clinical neuropsychologists are employed in acute hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care programs, psychiatric settings and paediatric facilities. Private practitioners undertake a range of work, including medico-legal assessments.

A feature of the DPsych is that its training in clinical neuropsychology is extended through specialisation in a choice of areas. Students take ‘Advanced clinical neuropsychology’ in their third year, which enables them to gain more specialised knowledge and experience in an area of their choice. Depending upon student demand, options may include ‘Rehabilitation’, with its focus on assessment and management in a rehabilitation context, ‘Child and adolescent neuropsychology’, with its focus upon assessment and management of children and adolescents with neurological disorders, and ‘Forensic psychology’, with its focus on the assessment of individuals in the legal system.

See also important information about the Doctor of Psychology programs.

Course structure

Coursework and practicum placements

First year

Semester 1

DPSY5102 Psychological assessment part 1
DPSY5103 Research methods in professional psychology
DPSY5105 Clinical developmental psychology
DPSY5161 Legal, ethical and professional issues in neuropsychology
DPSY5162 Neuroanatomy for the clinical neuropsychologist

Semester 2

DPSY5261 Neuropsychological models of cognition and behaviour part 1
DPSY5262 Case analysis and professional practice in neuropsychology 1
DPSY5299 Introductory practicum
DPSY5263 Neuropsychological assessment
DPSY5264 Neurology and neuroimaging for the neuropsychologist
DPSY5265 Neuropsychological syndromes

Second year

Semester 1

DPSY5101 Psychopathology, part1
DPSY6105 Psychopharmacology
DPSY6162 Case analysis and professional practice in neuropsychology 2
DPSY6261 Developmental neuropsychology

Semester 2

DPSY5203 Theories and techniques of intervention part 1
DPSY6199 Intermediate practicum
DPSY6263 Recovery of function and rehabilitation after brain injury
DPSY6262 Case analysis and professional practice in neuropsychology 3

Third year

Semester 1

DPSY6299 Advanced practicum

Semester 2

DPSY7199 Advanced specialised practicum

Professional recognition

The program has been accredited by Australian Psychological Society for the purpose of full membership of the society. In addition, it has been approved by the APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists. In general, a further two years of supervised relevant experience will be necessary for full membership of the APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists and for registration as a specialist clinical neuropsychologist. Students are also able to apply to the Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria for registration as a psychologist after completing the program.

Contact details

Postgraduate Studies Office: telephone: +61 3 9905 4359 or visit www.med.monash.edu.au/spppm/pgrad

Course coordinator

Prof Jennie Ponsford

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