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Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) 

N012      


Campus Availability Study Mode Study Level Duration
Hawthorn Full-time Postgraduate Four years full-time

This higher degree by research combines intensive high-level research training with training in the professional skills of clinical psychology. Clinical psychology is a specialisation focusing on psychopathology and the assessment and treatment of clinical disorders across the life span. Students will develop advanced knowledge/skills and experience in psychopathology, assessment and therapeutic interventions for adults and children suffering from clinical disorders.  

 
Prospective international students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology), and Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) .

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The program is intended to meet the strong demand for professionals who have completed a high level of training in clinical psychology and related skills, and who possess highly developed skills in undertaking research.

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Full-time program

Year 1

Semester 1                                              
HAY627 Advanced Psychological Assessment        
HAYC660 Research Project (Clinical) A                                
Semester 2
HAYC650  Adult Psychopathology                                
HAYC656  Clinical Placement A1                                
HAYC661 Research Project (Clinical) B                                

Year 2
Semester 1
               
       
HAYC662 Research Project (Clinical) C               
Semester 2
HAY625 Systemic Family Counselling                      
                               
HAYC663 Research Project (Clinical) D                        

Year 3
Semester 1
HAYC653  Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology        
HAYC658  Clinical Placement B1                                
HAYC664 Research Project (Clinical) E 
                               
Semester 2
HAY631  Foundations of Health Psychology                        
HAYC659  Clinical Placement B2                                
HAYC665 Research Project (Clinical) F                                

Year 4
Semester 1
HAYC666 Research Project (Clinical) G                        
Semester 2
HAYC667 Research Project (Clinical) H  

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Graduates are equipped for careers in clinical psychology in research centres, psychiatric hospital settings, community mental health centres, specialist services for particular clinical groups, seconday and post-secondary education, clinical rehabilitation services and private practice.

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Graduates of the doctorate program will be eligible for:
  • Membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
  • Registration as a Psychologist in the State of Victoria
  • Membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists

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Graduates are capable in their chosen professional areas:
  • Able to gather information systematically from a wide range of sources
  • A sense of social responsibility for knowledge and its application
  • A highly developed ability in both verbal and written communication skills
  • Logical and critical thinking skills

Graduates are entrepreneurial:

  • Able to identify and realise opportunities for responsible innovation
  • An aptitude for socially responsible decision making

Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically:

  • Communicate effectively with professionals and the community
  • Adaptable, flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change
  • Understanding and commitment to professional and ethical principles
  • Application of the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines
  • Adaptable, flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change
  • Recognise the need for lifelong learning

Graduates are aware of environments:

  • Respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds
  • Understand the impact of culture on therapy
  • Respect for multiple points of view.

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The formal admission requirements for the doctorate are:

  • A degree from an Australian university and to have completed a four-year sequence of studies in psychology at first or upper second class level in a course or courses accredited by the Australian Psychological Society, or equivalent overseas qualifications recognised by the APS, or a masters degree in psychology recognised by the APS.
  • Experience in face-to-face counselling or significant training in counselling skills eg Lifeline, Care Ring, counselling skills in tertiary programs or other appropriate work experience.
  • Demonstrated possession of an appropriate level of knowledge and skill related to research. In accordance with the guidelines set by the Swinburne Graduate Research School, to have applied for and gained candidature approved by the Swinburne Higher Degrees Committee. Applicants who fail to gain candidature will not be eligible to continue in the doctoral program and may choose to apply for a place in the masters program.

International applicants will be required to have minimum English proficiency with an IELTS score of 7 or higher and no bands less than 7 or TOEFL (CBT 237, essay rating 5.0; IBT 91-100 writing score 22).

Applicants with excellent results in their fourth year studies and relevant human services work experience will be short listed and interviewed by a selection panel and an order-of-merit for entry will be prepared taking into account (a) academic record, (b) demonstrated knowledge and skills related to research, (c) previous work experience and training, and (d) academic and professional referees' reports.

Note: This program is normally available on a full-time basis only.

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of previous experience. Following Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) guidelines, only recent postgraduate formal training will be recognised as prior learning in relation to this course. Credit or partial credit towards a qualification cannot be granted in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience and/or life experience.

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Candidates are eligible to apply for both Australian Postgraduate Awards and Swinburne University of Technology Postgraduate Research Awards. The application closing date for these awards is 31 October each year. Go to http://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/schols.htm

Candidates are also eligible to apply, on a competitive basis, for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) fee waiver after the equivalent full-time first year of study.

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Candidates are eligible to apply for a range of research scholarships such as the Swinburne Chancellor’s Research Scholarship (CRS), Australian Postgraduate Awards and Swinburne University of Technology Postgraduate Research Awards or to receive a Research Training Scheme (RTS) award or fee waiver.

For further information, check the Office of Research and Graduate Studies website at http://www.swin.edu.au/research/schols.htm

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Two application forms must be completed for the coursework and research candidature components of the course. Both the Postgraduate application form and Postgraduate Research Candidature application form need to be completed and can be downloaded from http://www.swin.edu.au/hed/postgrad or by contacting the Faculty of Life and Social Sciences - telephone: (03) 9214 5209, email: lssinfo@swin.edu.au 
 
Candidates are eligible to apply for both Australian Postgraduate Awards and Swinburne University of Technology Postgraduate Research Awards.
 
Postgraduate Research Candidature Applications and scholarship applications are made on the same form, however, the deadline for 2009 scholarship applications is 31 October 2008. 
 
Short-listed applicants may be invited to attend a highly competitive selection interview.
 
Mid-year entry for 2008 is not available.
 
Applications for February 2009 entry close on 31 October 2008.
 

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2008 Open Day

Sunday 17 August

10:00 am – 4:00 pm   

Only at Hawthorn, Lilydale and Prahran campuses.

For more information, visit www.swinburne.edu.au/openday

 

 

Postgraduate Information Day

Tuesday, 7 Oct 2008

4:00pm – 7:30pm

Atrium, Hawthorn campus

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Web: Enquire online
Tel: 1300 368 777
Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au

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