2932 - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Neuropsychology

The DPsych is a research degree with both coursework and clinical components, and requires the candidate to submit a thesis. The work undertaken as part of this research degree must constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the field of clinical neuropsychology, and must demonstrate the capacity of the candidate to carry out independent research.

The DPsych is offered by the School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine. For detailed descriptions of research disciplines available, please refer to 'Principal areas of research' listed in the faculty chapter of this handbook.

A candidate for the DPsych is required to conduct a prescribed program of research for a specified period under the direct supervision of a member of the academic staff. The supervisor, in consultation with the candidate, is responsible for developing the research program to be followed by the candidate, and for reporting at regular intervals on the candidate's progress.

A feature of the DPsych is that its training in clinical neuropsychology is extended through specialisation in a choice of areas. Students undertake '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.

Candidature rules

Duration of candidature

The total permissible period of candidature is four years full-time, or its equivalent in part-time candidature up to a maximum of eight years part-time, after which the candidature will lapse. The minimum period of candidature is two years (four years part-time). Candidates are encouraged to complete their theses as quickly as possible.

Probationary candidature

Probationary candidature applies for all doctoral candidates, except where doctoral candidates have transferred from a masters by research program. Candidature will be confirmed subject to the receipt of a satisfactory report of progress at the end of the 18-month (full-time) or 36-months (part-time) period of probationary candidature.

Time available for study

Full-time candidates must be able to devote the equivalent of a minimum of four days a week to the pursuit of their research project; all part-time candidates must devote at least two full days a week to their studies. In the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, part-time candidates in laboratory disciplines must undertake their two days of study during normal working hours/week days. For those part-time students in non-laboratory disciplines, at least one of their study days must be a week day.

Employment restrictions

Full-time candidates are permitted, with the approval of their main supervisor, to undertake a strictly limited amount of paid employment throughout the year, being no more than 15 hours of work per week on average. Up to a maximum of six hours only on average of this employment may be undertaken during normal working hours (9 am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays). However, this may be extended to a maximum of eight hours if the employment is limited to one weekday. The candidate's supervisor(s) must be satisfied that any part-time work undertaken does not interfere with the candidate's study program and progress. International students need to be aware that the employment restrictions outlined above apply even though a student visa permits students to work up to 20 hours a week.

Students who have completed the course will demonstrate a thorough understanding of relevant research techniques in their field through a review of the relevant literature. They will demonstrate their ability, under supervision to apply relevant research techniques to their chosen field of study. Students will be able to present high-quality written work suitable for publication in appropriate scholarly journals, and be able to critically evaluate both their own and others' written work in their chosen field.

Students will also be able to:

• identify and define research questions
• identify the appropriate research methods to address the research questions
• demonstrate mastery of their chosen research methodology/methodologies
• demonstrate theoretical knowledge at doctoral level in their chosen field of research
• communicate their research findings in a format appropriate to their academic discipline
• write up their research into a high quality thesis
• contribute new information or new ways of understanding information in the field of research.

This DPsych 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.

The program consists of a number of coursework units (20 per cent), practicum placements (10 per cent) and research culminating in a major thesis (70 per cent) of approximately 60,000 to 70,000 words.. Assessment is by thesis, written examinations, oral presentations and practical reports.

Students submit a thesis of approximately 60,000 to 70,000 words. The thesis may be in the form of a traditional monograph or as a thesis by publication. The work presented for examination must be the original work of the candidate, except where due reference is made in the text. A candidate may include published work which is directly relevant to the argument of the thesis, provided such work has been written during the period of candidature. Candidates may not present in, or in support of, a thesis any work which the candidate has presented for any other degree or diploma at this university, or any other institution, except with the permission of the Research Graduate School Committee.

The first two years must be undertaken full-time. From third year, students may elect to complete their studies on either a full-time or part-time basis. Part-time paid internships may be offered to selected students who wish to study part-time while gaining supervised experience.

Coursework and practicum placements

First year

Semester one

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

Semester two

• 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 one

• 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 two

• 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 one

• DPSY6299 Advanced practicum

Semester two

• DPSY7199 Advanced specialised practicum

The program has been accredited by 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 Neuropsychologists as meeting their requirements for full membership.

Candidates may apply for full registration as a psychologist in the state of Victoria upon successful completion of the degree. Further information may be found on the Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria's website at http://www.psychreg.vic.gov.au.