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Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/Doctor of Philosophy (080CL)
Doctorate by ResearchYear: 2019 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Contact
Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Health Hub
Level 1, Brownless Biomedical Library
The University of Melbourne (Parkville Campus)
Victoria 3010, Australia
Future students: http://mdhs-study.unimelb.edu.au/degrees/master-of-psychology-doctor-of-philosophy/overview
Current students: mdhs-gr@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Award title | Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/Doctor of Philosophy |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2019 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 037232A |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Research |
AQF level | 10 |
Duration | 4 years full-time, or equivalent part-time |
The clinical psychology program at the University of Melbourne began in the early 1970s. The program enjoys an excellent reputation as one of the premier clinical psychology programs in the country. The program aims to produce graduates with a strong knowledge base in psychopathology, combined with a high level of skill and acumen in culturally responsive assessment and treatment of psychological conditions that can present across the lifespan. Therapeutic skills are taught primarily within a broad cognitive-behavioural framework within didactic, individual and group-based clinical contexts.
The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), providing the required sequence of subjects for graduates wishing to attain generalist registration as a psychologist in Australia as well as competency in knowledge and skills relevant to the clinical psychology specialisation.
The course is comprised of coursework subjects, practical experience through clinical placements and a major research thesis in an area relevant to clinical psychology. All subjects are compulsory. The academic members of the clinical teaching staff are active in both clinical work and research in a wide variety of clinical domains. Hence, the Program provides the opportunity to access a wide range of clinical placement settings and research programs.
In their first year, all students assess and provide treatment for adult clients referred to the University of Melbourne Psychology Clinic. In addition, all students undertake two second year field placements- one where the focus is on assessment and treatment of children and/or adolescents and the other focussing on clinical work with adults.
For the Doctor of Philosophy component of the course, please also refer to :
http://mdhs-study.unimelb.edu.au/degrees/doctor-of-philosophy/overview
Links to further information
http://mdhs-study.unimelb.edu.au/degrees/master-of-psychology-doctor-of-philosophy/overview
Entry requirements
- In order to be considered for entry in to the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) component, applicants must:
• have completed an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited four-year undergraduate sequence in psychology, namely a three-year major in Psychology as part of an undergraduate degree plus a fourth year Honours specialisation in psychology or equivalent, with a weighted average mark of at least H2A (75%), or equivalent in the last 10 years. The weighted average is calculated one third from third year psychology subjects and two thirds from fourth year psychology subjects; and
• Provide a personal statement of no more than 500 words
• Arrange for two referee reports to be submitted online; and
• Attend a selection interview (short-listed applicants only).
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• suitability for clinical training as determined by the interview, personal statement and referee reports.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7 is required.
Notes:
- Selection into the two Master of Psychology courses associated with a PhD place in Psychology requires the approval of the intended PhD supervisor and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
- Direct entry into the combined Masters/PhD program is available to international applicants only. Applicants must meet the Faculty's entry requirements for the PhD.
- Local applicants must enrol in the Masters program (Clinical Psychology or Clinical Neuropsychology) and then apply to articulate to the combined PhD program towards the end of their first year in the Masters program. Applicants must meet the Faculty's entry requirements for the PhD.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
PhD Component:
All research candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least six months full-time (12 months part-time) advanced study and research at the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.
Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.
The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the first six months of candidature. During this time the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:
- to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
- to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a research higher degree awarded by the University
- to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout candidature.
Professional accreditation
Accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council and recognised by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Intended learning outcomes
Graduates should demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to work as clinical psychologists. These include:
Knowledge
- Graduates should understand and critically evaluate theories and taxonomies of psychological disorders, and integrate knowledge of developmental and biopsychoscial perspectives, including individual and cultural diversity, to understanding mental health across the lifespan.
- Graduates should demonstrate knowledge of psychopharmacology and the biological bases of disorders, including their application to severe mental disorders.
Skills
- Graduates should demonstrate the ability to conduct culturally sensitive assessments of psychological disorders using standardised assessment tools, tests and interviews, as well as information and observations derived from the individual, and other sources relevant to the client, such as family systems.
- Graduates should be able to integrate, interpret, and synthesise clinical psychological assessment data with their knowledge of psychopathology to inform culturally sensitive case formulations, diagnoses and interventions relevant to the presentation of disorders across the lifespan.
- Graduates should demonstrate the ability to undertake a substantial piece of original research in clinical psychology and complete a research thesis which makes a distinct contribution to knowledge.
Application of skills and knowledge
- Graduates should demonstrate skills in selecting, tailoring and implementing appropriate interventions based on a culturally sensitive formulation. Throughout the course specific reference is made to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within this context. They will devise interventions with individuals, dyads and/or carers/dependents across the lifespan, as appropriate They will consider interventions in a range of modalities, including e-health.
- Graduates should demonstrate knowledge of the range of settings in which clinical psychologists work. They will demonstrate the ability to consult and collaborate with colleagues, including those from other professions. They should also demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles and reasoning in psychological research and practice, particularly with reference to the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics and NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
Generic skills
- Written and spoken communication skills
- Analytic skills
Graduate attributes
The Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/Doctor of Philosophy prepares graduates who are distinguished by their breadth and depth of psychological knowledge, research and inquiry skills, and their ability to apply these to identify and provide treatment for psychological disorders that can occur across the lifespan. Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/Doctor of Philosophy graduates demonstrate:
Academic distinction
- Advanced psychological knowledge related to practice in clinical psychology, including identification and treatment of a range of mental health conditions that present across the lifespan.
- Critical, creative thinking with strong reasoning skills. They can apply psychological knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems relating to mental health and illness, human behaviour, and behavioural change.
- Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
- They are adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.
Active citizenship
- A high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment.
- An awareness of the social and cultural diversity in communities and can work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
- In particular, they have an understanding of and deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values.
- They are equipped to be active, well-informed citizens who make substantial contributions to society, and have the potential to become leaders in their professions and communities.
Integrity and self-awareness
- Self-direction, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities.
- The ability to work effectively both independently and in groups.
- Skills in self-assessment, reflective thinking and self-awareness; placing great importance on their personal and professional integrity, and on the willingness to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes.
- Empathy and concern for the welfare of others and have developed skills in managing their own well-being.
Course structure
This course consists of the coursework and placement components of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) together with a full PhD research thesis in Psychology.
Coursework consists of 18 classroom-based subjects taken over the first three years of this four-year course (see below) and 125 days of Placement (30 days in the first-year and 95 days spread over second and third-years).
PhD: A range of University policies and procedures apply to students enrolled in Higher Degrees by Research. Students should familiarise themselves with these policies. Refer to the policy library
Subject options
Master of Psychology/PhD
In order to satisfy the requirements of the combined Master of Psychology (Clinical)/PhD students must complete the following subjects:
First-year Subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC90003 | Research Proposal | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
PSYC90012 | Clinical Placement 1 | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PSYC90006 | Basic Interventions | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90009 | Individual and Cultural Diversity | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90023 | Child Psychopathology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90029 | Graduate Research Methods | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90030 | Principles of Psychological Assessment | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90031 | Adult Psychopathology | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90007 | Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90011 | Introduction to Assessment and Diagnosis | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90015 | Advanced Psychopathology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90008 | Ethics and Professional Issues | March (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
Second-year subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC80004 | PhD Research | Time-based Research (On Campus - Parkville) |
0 |
PSYC90077 | Clinical Placement 2 | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
18.75 |
PSYC90016 | Biological Psychology & Pharmacotherapy | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90027 | Psychology of Health Problems | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
Third-year subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC80004 | PhD Research | Time-based Research (On Campus - Parkville) |
0 |
PSYC90078 | Clinical Placement 3 | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
18.75 |
PSYC90017 | Advanced Psychological Practice | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90010 | Mental Health Issues Across the Lifespan | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
Fourth-year subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC80004 | PhD Research | Time-based Research (On Campus - Parkville) |
0 |
Last updated: 4 June 2022