Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Course code: 2116 + Course abbreviation: DPsych(Clinical) + 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 psychologists, using the scientist-practitioner model, to conduct research in applied areas of psychology and to work as clinical psychologists in the assessment and treatment of adults and children with relatively severe emotional and/or behavioural disorders.

A feature of the DPsych is that its training in clinical psychology is extended through specialisation in a choice of areas. Students take 'Advanced clinical psychology' in their third year, which enables them to gain more specialised expertise in an area of their choice. Depending on student demand, options may include 'Child, adolescent and family psychology', with its focus on the understanding, assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and families, 'Forensic psychology', with its focus on the application of psychological knowledge to the understanding, assessment and management of individuals in the legal system, or 'Health/medical psychology', with its focus on the application of psychological knowledge to the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of illness.

See also important information about the Doctor of Psychology programs.

Course structure

Coursework and practicum

First year

Semester 1

DPSY5101 Psychopathology part 1
DPSY5102 Psychological assessment part 1
DPSY5103 Research methods in professional psychology
DPSY5104 Legal, ethical and professional issues: principles and practice
DPSY5105 Clinical developmental psychology

Semester 2

DPSY5201 Psychopathology part 2
DPSY5202 Psychological assessment part 2
DPSY5203 Theories and techniques of intervention part 1
DPSY5299 Introductory practicum

Second year

Semester 1

DPSY6101 Case management in clinical psychology part 1
DPSY6103 Theories and techniques of intervention part 2
DPSY6199 Intermediate practicum

Semester 2

DPSY6201 Clinical case management in clinical psychology part 2
DPSY6203 Psychopharmacology
DPSY6204 Clinical neuropsychology
DPSY6299 Advanced practicum

Third year (forensic psychology option)

Semester 1

DPSY7111 Introduction to forensic psychology
DPSY7211 Psychology and criminal law

Semester 2

DPSY7212 Psychology and civil law
DPSY7112 Psychology and children’s and family law

Third year (health/medical psychology option)

Semester 1

DPSY7131 Clinical health and medical psychology part 1

Semester 2

DPSY7231 Clinical health and medical psychology part 2

Third year (child and adolescent psychology option)

Semester 1

DPSY7141 Clinical, child, adolescent and family psychology part 1

Semester 2

DPSY7241 Clinical, child, adolescent and family psychology part 2

Professional recognition

The DPsych in Clinical Psychology has been accredited by the Australian Psychological Society for the purpose of full membership of the society. In addition, it has been approved by the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Students are also able to apply to the Victorian Psychologists Registration Board for full registration as professional psychologists after completing the program. In general, a further two years of supervised relevant experience will be necessary for full membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Completion of an option should satisfy the academic requirements for membership of the APS Colleges of Forensic or Health Psychologists.

Contact details

Manager, postgraduate studies: telephone: +61 3 9905 1232 or visit www.med.monash.edu.au/psych/

Course coordinator

Prof Paul Martin

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