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Monash University

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Course code: 2116 ~ Course abbreviation: DPsych(Clinical) ~ 8 semesters full-time, 10 semesters part-time ~ Managing faculty: Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

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:

  • Clinical child, adolescent and family psychology, with its focus on the understanding, assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and families
  • Clinical forensic psychology, with its focus on the application of psychological knowledge to the understanding, assessment and management of individuals in the legal system
  • Health 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' under `General faculty information' in the `Faculty information' section of this handbook.

Course structure

Coursework and practicum

First year

Semester 1
  • DPSY5101 Psychopathology 1
  • DPSY5102 Psychological assessment 1
  • DPSY5103 Research methods in professional psychology
  • DPSY5104 Fundamentals of professional practice
  • DPSY5105 Clinical developmental psychology
  • DPSY5203 Theories and techniques of intervention 1
Semester 2

Second year

Semester 1
  • DPSY6106 Advanced clinical practice
  • DPSY6107 Health psychology and behavioural medicine
  • DPSY6199 Intermediate practicum
Semester 2

Third year

Clinical 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
Health psychology option
Semester 1
  • DPSY7131 Clinical health and medical psychology 1
Semester 2
  • DPSY7231 Clinical health and medical psychology 2
Clinical child, adolescent and family psychology option
Semester 1
  • DPSY7141 Clinical child, adolescent and family psychology 1
Semester 2
  • DPSY7241 Clinical child, adolescent and family psychology 2

Professional recognition

The DPsych in Clinical Psychology has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for the purposes of registration as a psychologist in Australia and membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). In addition, it has been approved by the APS College of Clinical Psychologists as meeting their requirements for full College membership. Graduates who have completed the forensic specialisation in third year, as well as a doctoral thesis in the field of forensic psychology, are also eligible for membership of the APS College of Forensic Psychologists.

Candidates may apply for full registration as a psychologist in the state of Victoria upon successful completion of all coursework and placement requirements of the course, and submission of their research thesis to the University for marking, and its subsequent approval. Further information about the requirements for registration as a psychologist in Victoria may be found on the Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria's website at http://www.psychreg.vic.gov.au.

Contact details

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

Course coordinator

Professor Paul Martin