Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology

Combine professional training as a clinical psychologist with doctoral research

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology course is perfect for those looking to take their career to the highest levels and have both the passion and commitment to see it all the way through.

This course will help you complete all the requirements of masters-level professional training including; learning advanced assessment, evaluation, and intervention skills, and participating and publishing an independent research project - which in turn will allow you to register as a psychologist once you graduate.

This course will provide you with everything that you will ever need to start working as a practicing psychologist.

Study a PhD in Clinical Psychology at UC and you will:

• use your knowledge of psychology and mental health to critically assess, diagnose, develop case formulations, treat and prevent psychological problems and mental health issues across the lifespan
• understand your profession concerning the unique role of clinical psychologists in providing evidence-based psychological services, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, research and consultancy services across diverse settings
• understand psychopathology, psychological psychopharmacology and psychological medicine, and neurological issues relevant to mental health presentations, diagnostic systems, health psychology and behavioural medicine
• transform research and evaluation findings into policy, applied knowledge, and improved treatments
• provide competent expert oral and written reports to various stakeholders on psychological matters for health, medical, medico-legal, and forensic purposes
• competently work within a cross-cultural context
• practice with children, adolescents, adults and older persons in a manner relevant to Clinical Psychology
• conduct high-level advanced independent research on a topic of clinical relevance.

Work Integrated Learning

During this course, you will undertake four practical placements, totaling 1000 hours. The first two placements will be in the student-led clinic on campus and take place in a range of different settings, including working with children, adolescents, adults, and older people, and in a variety of stakeholder organisations. In your placements, you will develop your competencies as a clinical psychologist by working with clients under supervision.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities for Clinical Psychologists are considerable, and UC graduates are in high demand in a wide range of services within the public and private sectors, such as:

• private practice, supporting members of the public
• health departments, hospitals, and community practices
• national, state or local government or non-government organisations
• welfare agencies, educational institutions, defence, justice and community services
• agencies conducting research and evaluation
• university departments of psychology.

Course-specific information

To enrol in the Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology course, you must apply for entry into both the Master of Clinical Psychology course and the Clinical PhD course.

To be eligible for consideration for the UC Master of Clinical Psychology course, you must be able to provide evidence of completing a four-year sequence in psychology within the last ten years - with accreditation by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), or equivalency as determined by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

This requirement is necessary to ensure eligibility for provisional registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and Associate Membership of the APS and the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA).

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an on-campus interview which will help determine your eligibility.

Provisional registration with AHPRA will also require a federal police clearance and all relevant immunisations must be up to date before participating in any clinical placements.

Some placement organisations may also require a current Working with Vulnerable People clearance.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology Handbook 2024

Professional accreditation

The Master of Clinical Psychology covers the Levels 3 and 4 graduate competencies set by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC https://apac.au/ ) and is an accredited postgraduate training program. Upon completion graduates to be eligible for general registration as a psychologist and entry into the registrar program for the Clinical Psychology Area of Practice Endorsement through AHPRA. The course also meets the requirements for membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Associate membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, and membership for the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA).