Faculty of Science and Information Technology
Doctor of Clinical Psychology
| Program Code | 11579 |
|---|---|
| Graduate Level | Postgraduate |
| Locations | Newcastle (Callaghan) |
| UAC Code | 922813 - Newcastle (Callaghan) |
| CRICOS Code | 053407E |
| Contributing Schools and Faculties | Faculty of Science and Information Technology |
| Admission Instructions | How to apply as a: |
| Program Award Rules and Schedules | Rules Governing Postgraduate Coursework Awards |
| Mode of delivery | Ten of the eleven taught courses will be face-to-face on campus using a variety of methods, chiefly seminars, workshops, and problem based learning. The course on Organisational Management (undertaken in the third year of full-time study) will be delivered in a flexible mode utilising web-based content delivery as a primary tool, and including prescribed readings, email discussions and weekend workshops/seminar presentations. The method of teaching in the five-practicum courses will be by clinical placement. The primary means of instruction for the research project will be by individual supervision, with regular meetings between supervisor and student on campus. |
Back to topDescription
The Doctor of Clinical Psychology is a professional qualification for those who wish to work as clinical psychologists. Graduates of the Doctor of Clinical Psychology will be capable of conducting research that makes an original and significant contribution of merit in Clinical Psychology. They will also be knowledgeable, skilled and ethical practitioners of Clinical Psychology, who have a wide-ranging understanding of their profession, and who are capable of adhering to the model of practice specified in the Course Approval Guidelines of the Australian Psychological Society.
The program is accredited by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and approved by the College of Clinical Psychologists for the purposes of determining College membership, and accepted by the NSW Psychologists Registration Board as an approved fifth, sixth and seventh year of study.
Back to topWhy study with us?
We believe your life should be enhanced by your learning, not hampered by it. That's why we've produced a program that's flexible, allowing you to balance work, family and lifestyle commitments. With the program running across three evenings per week, it's possible to both study and earn a living. In fact, many of our students are employed as part-time psychologists, with two days a week dedicated to clinical placements.
You control your learning. If you're looking for rapid completion, then the full-time on campus nature of the program is the perfect option. Alternatively our part-time on campus option caters for those with heavier commitments.
Back to topCareer Opportunities
There are many career opportunities for Clinical Psychologists and Health in Area Health Services, both mental health and general health. There are also opportunities in the Department of Community Services, the Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care and in both non-government organisations and the private sectors.
Back to topAdmission Requirements
Admission to the program would be available to students who:
1. Hold an Honours degree, awarded at the level of First Class or Second Class Division A (or an equivalent three year/1 year postgraduate combination at Distinction level) in Psychology that has been accredited by Australian Psychological Society. Applicants with an overseas qualification must provide evidence from the APS that their studies are equivalent to the above;
2. Be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychologists Registration Board of New South Wales and associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society;
3. Satisfy the School of Psychology of their suitability for the professional practice of Clinical Psychology and their ability to conduct doctoral level research.
4. Applicants would normally be expected to have had several years of relevant professional experience i.e. helping people with physical and/or mental health problems or otherwise work with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly.
Selection criteria will also be based on applicants demonstrating a clear understanding of Clinical Psychology and the areas in which a Clinical Psychologist might work.
Back to topSelection Criteria
Desirable criteria include research experience additional to Honours and involvement with professional organisations (e.g. APS).
Back to topCredit Transfer
The PVC, on the recommendation of the Faculty Board, may grant credit for coursework units if;
(a) they can be demonstrated to be directly equivalent in terms of content and depth of study to the corresponding components of the Doctoral program, and
(b) they were completed within the previous five years in a program accredited by the Australian Psychological Society.
c) In accordance with the Accreditation Guidelines of the Australian Psychological Society, credit may be granted for the prior award of a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent) accredited by the Australian Psychological Society but only to a maximum of 120 units, and no credit may be granted for a previous research thesis.
Back to topPractical Experience
The approval guidelines of the College of Clinical Psychologists (of the Australian Psychological Society) stipulate that students must spend at least 1500 hours in clinical placements. This requirement will be met with five of the courses within the program being devoted to clinical placements.
Back to topProfessional Accreditation
This degree program is accredited by the Australian Psychological Society and approved by the College of Clinical Psychologists for the purpose of determining eligibility for membership of the College.
Back to topInternational Students
International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English Language Proficiency requirements. Consequently, no additional strategies in relation to English language beyond those provided by the University should be required.
Back to topSpecial Needs
The support structures of the Student Support Unit will be available to assist any students with a disability or chronic illness. The Faculty accepts responsibility, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will draw on the assistance and support provided by the Wollotuka Indigenous Support Unit.
Back to topRequirements and Structure
To qualify for admission to the Doctor of Clinical Psychology, a candidate shall satisfactorily complete a program of study totalling not less than 240 units, comprising coursework, placements and a major thesis.
Five Clinical Placements (50 units). These Placements are available in a wide range of settings. One of the five placements will be in the Psychology Clinic of the University of Newcastle. Students must have completed the courses Counselling and Clinical Intervention (PSYC6502) and Professional and Ethical Practice (PSYC6501) before starting their final placement or they must take these courses concurrently with their final placement.
Research and Research-Related Courses (90 units). One of these is a compulsory taught course on research methods (10 units), whilst the other courses (80 units) comprise an individual research project undertaken under supervision. The project must make an original and significant contribution of merit to scientific knowledge and must address a topic relevant to Clinical Psychology.
Compulsory Courses (100 units). These courses include professional and ethical practice, counselling and clinical interventions, the clinical psychology of adults, children, adolescents and older adults, people with intellectual disabilities, clinical neuropsychology, clinical health psychology and organisational management.
Students who have completed the same 160 units which are included in the Master of Clinical Psychology will be eligible to exit with the Master of Clinical Psychology.
