Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) - Research is a higher degree by research doctoral degree.The course enables students to make a significant, original contribution to knowledge in the field of clinical psychology.This course specialisation is not available to students who have completed a Masters degree in clinical psychology and … For more content click the Read More button below.

Course offerings

Bedford Park

Courses / qualifications may not be offered in all locations and modes each year.  For more information on Mode of Delivery, visit Mode definitions

Student guidance

Study planner
Program of study overview

Program of study

Research

Admission requirements

Admission requirements
Inherent requirements
English Language requirements

Aims

The course specialisation is designed to provide students with the opportunity to pursue doctoral level research in specialised areas of clinical psychology and to complete coursework topics and field placements to meet eligibility for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

The overall aim is to produce scientist-practitioner clinical psychologists who are able to make a substantial contribution to knowledge in clinical psychology through completion of their PhD and to assume leadership roles in the professional, research and academic spheres of activity.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course you will be able to:
1.
Understand current conceptualisations of the aetiology of psychological disorders
2.
Assess and diagnose psychological disorders
3.
Perform complex psycho-educational and cognitive assessments of children and adults
4.
Develop and deliver evidence-based psychological therapies
5.
Have a thorough understanding of the ethical and professional issues relevant to the practice of clinical psychology
6.
Have completed a thesis of no more than 90,000 words, involving comprehensive research and writing to qualify for the qualification

Student progression rules

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same coursework topic on more than one occasion or in more than one topic, may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

Progression in the time-based research project is governed by the Higher Degrees by Research Policy.

Thesis

The thesis submitted as an outcome of the time-based, supervised research project must meet all requirements for presentation and lodgement specified by the University and must not contain:

  • Material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma
  • Any material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the text of the thesis or in the notes

Assessment

Assessment of coursework topics will be in accordance with the Statement of Assessment Methods for each individual topic.

The thesis examination will assess whether the student has demonstrated the following attributes:

  • A significant original contribution to knowledge
  • Ability to conduct an original investigation or testing of ideas
  • Competence in independent research or experimentation
  • A thorough understanding of the appropriate techniques in the field demonstrated both by their application and a thorough review of the literature
  • Critical use of source material, experimental results (where appropriate) and published works
  • Appreciation of the relationship of the special theme of their research to the wider field of knowledge or area of professional practice
  • The capacity to present well-written work
  • A high degree of independence of thought and approach

 

A significant original contribution to knowledge means uncovering new knowledge by:

  • The discovery of new facts
  • The formulation of theories
  • The innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas

Professional accreditation and recognition

Professional accreditation

Associations

Course/Course specialisation association