Doctor of Psychology programs

Three Doctor of Psychology (DPsych) programs - the DPsych in Clinical Psychology, the DPsych in Clinical Neuropsychology, and the DPsych in Organisational Psychology - are offered on-campus by the School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine.

Each DPsych is a research degree consisting of a combination of research, coursework and supervised practical experience. All DPsych programs are administered by the Research Graduate School Committee under the rules and regulations applying to doctoral degrees unless stipulated otherwise by the committee.

Entry requirements

Applicants for the DPsych must have completed an approved bachelors degree with honours (first or upper second) in psychology or equivalent. In addition to their academic record, students are selected on the basis of their personal suitability for clinical or organisational psychology with such factors as referees’ reports and presentation at a selection interview considered. Students selected for the DPsych whose academic records show deficiencies in research methods, statistics, human development, personality theory, abnormal psychology and/or psychological assessment are required to undertake a course of readings prior to the start of the program.

Enrolment into the DPsych will be contingent upon the applicant submitting a brief research proposal and arrangements put in place for supervision of the research project, and approval of the Research Graduate School Committee. Enrolment will be probationary for the first 18 months with firm admission to the program granted at the end of 18 months if performance in all components is satisfactory.

The course takes place at a number of different venues. Students should therefore be prepared for some travelling between venues.

Course structure

Each of the degrees is based on a 48-week study year, and comprises three components: thesis (70 per cent), coursework (20 per cent) and supervised placements (10 per cent).

The first two years are taken on a full-time basis. Students wishing to complete the DPsych in three-and-a-half years can take the final 18 months on a full-time basis; those who opt to complete the final 18 months on a half-time basis will need a total of five years to complete the program. Half-time paid internships may be offered to selected students who wish to study half-time while gaining supervised experience.

Thesis

The thesis is expected to provide a significant contribution to knowledge and/or practice in the relevant field of specialisation and to demonstrate the capacity of the student to carry out independent research. The word length of the thesis is approximately 60,000 to 70,000 words.

Coursework

Refer to the individual DPsych course entries for details.

Practicum placements

Students will complete a minimum of three practicum placements (125 days) in a variety of settings.

Assessment

The thesis is marked by two external examiners. Coursework is assessed using the Monash University system of grades. Participation in seminars and practical sessions is taken into consideration in the assessment process. Performance in practicum placements are assessed as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, with supervisors providing detailed reports on students’ progress.

Students should note that satisfactory performance in all three components is necessary throughout the course and that progression is always contingent upon satisfactory completion of previous requirements. In addition, an assessment of personal suitability to undertake or continue work as a clinical psychologist will be made prior to each practicum. Students who fail the meet the required standards in the first year will be required to leave the program. Students may seek admission to, or transfer to, other programs of study.

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