Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Course

The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology is a research degree offered by the School of Psychology and Psychiatry.

Clinical psychology is a field which applies the scientific knowledge, methods and principles of psychology to the understanding, assessment and treatment of adults and children with relatively severe emotional and/or behavioural disorders.

Clinical neuropsychologists are employed in acute hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care programmes, psychiatric settings, and paediatric facilities. Private practitioners undertake a range of work including medico-legal assessments. This course prepares psychologists for research in applied areas of psychology and to work as clinical psychologists in the assessment and treatment of adults and children with emotional and/or behavioural disorders in a broad range of settings. In particular, it equips psychologists to work in the treatment of children and families; the assessment and management of people in the legal system; or the application of psychological knowledge to the promotion of health and the prevention and treatment of illness.

A feature of the DPsych(Clinical) is that its training in clinical psychology is extended through specialisation in a choice of areas. Candidates complete an advanced internship in their third year, which enables them to gain more specialised expertise in an area of their choice.

Depending on candidate demand, options may include areas outlined below.

Clinical child, adolescent and family psychology

This area focusses on the understanding, assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and families in a variety of mental health, paediatric and community settings. An understanding of presenting issues and behaviours is formulated within a developmental theoretical framework in which the links between the child's outward behaviour, patterns of inner experience, and the external environment (including family, school, community, society and culture) are explored and researched. Clinicians in this field contribute to discussions in the community on policy matters affecting children and families, and to the development of initiatives that promote the emotional and physical well-being of children and families.

Clinical forensic psychology

This specialisation focuses on the application of psychological knowledge to the understanding, assessment and management of individuals in the legal system including the behaviour of offenders, victims, witnesses, judges and juries, prisoners and prison staff. Careers in clinical forensic psychology include assessment and/or treatment of accused persons, prisoners, civil litigants, victims, and family members in custody disputes. Clinicians in this field can also act as expert witnesses in consultancy to statutory bodies and the legal profession on relevant areas of psychological knowledge.

Advanced health psychology

Advanced health psychology focusses on the application of psychological knowledge to the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of illness , the identification of aetiological and diagnostic correlates of health, illness and related dysfunction, and to the analysis and improvement of health care systems and health policy formation. Candidates completing this specialisation will learn how to assess and change behaviour and lifestyle relating to common disorders such as obesity and headache/migraine, and the high mortality diseases such as heart disease and cancer. They will also learn about health promotion and the prevention of disease.

Candidates 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. Candidates submit a thesis in addition to clinical placements and a prescribed coursework component. The work undertaken as part of this degree must constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the field of clinical psychology, and must demonstrate the capacity of the candidate to carry out independent research. This course may be undertaken in any of the areas of research offered by the faculty. For information about research in the faculty visit http://www.med.monash.edu.au/research

Candidates 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. Candidates 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.

Candidates 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.

Credit will not be given for work completed more than 10 years prior to admission to doctoral candidature, nor for more than 50 per cent of the coursework. Credit will not be given for coursework credited to another degree or diploma. The Faculty Board may give credit for coursework and/or supervised practice already completed and equivalent to particular units and practical work. Appropriate methods for assessment of equivalence of prior study will be applied either through a viva voce, written examination, submission of referees' reports and/or presentation of written work. No credit will be given for elective units. Credit will not be given for previous research. A minimum enrolment period of two years will apply to all later-year applicants.

70 per cent

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 probationary period (full-time).

Progress reviews

Supervisors and academic units monitor the progress of candidates throughout their candidature. All candidates are required to complete an annual questionnaire in order to review the conditions of their candidature. The academic progress of candidates is formally reviewed via three candidature milestones: confirmation of candidature; mid-candidature review; and pre-submission seminar.

The mid-candidature review and pre-submission seminar are mandatory requirements for all candidates who commenced their candidature from 1 January 2010.

Candidates should note that satisfactory performance in all three components of the DPsych is necessary throughout the course, and that progression is contingent on satisfactory completion of previous requirements. In addition, an assessment of personal suitability to undertake or continue work as a trainee clinical psychologist is made prior to each placement.

Time available for study

Throughout their candidature, all candidates must regularly attend their department, school, centre or faculty and participate fully in the intellectual, research and academic life of their academic unit. The first two years of the program must be undertaken on a full-time basis, 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 the equivalent of one-and-a-half days a week to their studies. The half-day should normally 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 candidates need to be aware that the employment restrictions outlined above apply even though a student visa permits candidates to work up to 20 hours a week.

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.

The program 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 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 Australia upon successful completion of the degree. They may also gain an area of practice endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist with an additional one year of full-time equivalent psychological practice following completion of the degree, including 40 hours of Board-approved supervision and 40 hours of professional development activities. Further information may be found on the Psychology Board of Australia's website at http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au.

This course comprises a number of coursework units (20 per cent), practicum placements (10 per cent) and research culminating in a major thesis (70 per cent). Assessment is by thesis, written examinations, oral presentations and practical reports.

The first two years must be undertaken full-time. From third year, candidates may elect to complete their studies on either a full-time or part-time basis

Thesis

Candidates submit a thesis of approximately 60,000 to 70,000 words. The word length for a thesis does not include footnotes, references or appendices, nor does it include equations, tables, diagrams or other illustrations. 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.

Coursework

Coursework is conducted over two 13 week semesters in each of the first three years of the course. Coursework objectives will be assessed through seminar presentations, case presentations, written assignments and examinations. The Monash University system of grades is used for most units, with participation in seminars and practical sessions taken into consideration in the assessment process.

In addition to the core coursework units, candidates will be expected, from time to time, to attend workshops and relevant special seminars.

The DPsych program is based on a 52-week year with 4 weeks of annual leave. The first year of the program usually commences in the first week of February. While much of the teaching will take place at Monash University's Clayton campus and the Monash Medical Centre (Clayton) campus, candidates should be prepared for some travel to other teaching venues

First year

Semester one

• 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 two

• DPSY5201 Psychopathology 2
• DPSY5202 Psychological assessment 2
• DPSY5299 Introductory practicum
• DPSY6103 Theories and techniques of intervention 2

Second year

Semester one

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

Semester two

• DPSY6105 Psychopharmacology
• DPSY6204 Clinical neuropsychology
• DPSY6299 Advanced practicum

Third year

Clinical forensic psychology option

Semester one

• DPSY7111 Introduction to forensic psychology
• DPSY7211 Psychology and criminal law

Semester two

• DPSY7112 Psychology and children's and family law
• DPSY7212 Psychology and civil law

Health psychology option

Semester one

• DPSY7131 Clinical health and medical psychology 1

Semester two

• DPSY7231 Clinical health and medical psychology 2

Clinical child, adolescent and family psychology option

Semester one

• DPSY7141 Clinical child, adolescent and family psychology 1

Semester two

• DPSY7241 Clinical child, adolescent and family psychology 2

Practicum placements

Candidates are required to gain supervised assessment, treatment and professional experience with a range of problems across varying age ranges. Thus, placements are available with clients of varied age groups in settings within the psychiatric, forensic and health domains. Candidates' responsibilities in their placements increase as they proceed through the training so that by the final placement, they should be able to independently carry out assessments and generate, implement and evaluate management plans. At the commencement of each placement a contract is developed between the candidate, university and placement supervisor which identifies the tasks to be undertaken by the candidate. At completion of the placement, these form the basis of the assessment reports, with performance assessed as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. During all placements candidates are required to keep detailed log books of all activities.

A total of 1000 hours (126 days) of placements are required for the first three placements, which are completed during the first and second years of the program. Candidates complete an advanced internship in their third year.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology