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Monash University

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Neuropsychology

Course code: 2932 ~ Course abbreviation: DPsych(ClinNeuro) ~ 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 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 and psychological 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
  • Geriatric neuropsychology, with its focus on assessment and management of elderly persons with neurological and psychiatric disorders
  • Psychiatric neuropsychology, with its focus on assessment and management of adults with a primary mental illness
  • Forensic neuropsychology, with its focus on the assessment of individuals in the legal system.

See also important information about the 'Doctor of Psychology programs' under 'General faculty information' in the 'Faculty information' section of this handbook.

Course structure

Course requirements

Coursework and practicum placements

First year
Semester 1
  • DPSY5102 Psychological assessment 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 1
  • DPSY5262 Case analysis and professional practice in neuropsychology 1
  • DPSY5263 Neuropsychological assessment
  • DPSY5264 Neurology and neuroimaging for the neuropsychologist
  • DPSY5265 Neuropsychological syndromes
Second year
Semester 1
  • DPSY5101 Psychopathology 1
  • DPSY5203 Theories and techniques of intervention 1
  • DPSY5299 Introductory practicum
  • DPSY6162 Case analysis and professional practice in neuropsychology 2
  • DPSY6261 Developmental neuropsychology
Semester 2
  • DPSY6105 Psychopharmacology
  • 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
Semester 2
  • DPSY7199 Advanced specialised practicum

Professional recognition

The program has been accredited by Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for the purposes of registration as a psychologist in Australia and full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). In addition, it has been approved by the APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists as meeting their requirements for full College membership.

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

Postgraduate studies office: telephone +61 3 9905 4359 or visit http://www.med.monash.edu.au/spppm/pgrad

Course coordinator

Professor Jennie Ponsford