Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

If you’re working towards becoming a registered psychologist and have completed your fourth year, this course provides you with the education required to complete the doctoral degree pathway. If you are already working as a registered psychologist, you’ll gain specialist skills in clinical practice combined with extensive research.

Murdoch’s clinical training adopts an integrative and critical approach to clinical practice with a strong emphasis on clinical competencies and preparation for clinical practice. You’ll learn how to apply your skills and knowledge in prevention and psychological intervention. You will also become a proficient researcher with practical research skills and the ability to develop novel interventions and program evaluation at the individual and system levels.

The Doctor of Psychology is an intensive three-and-a-half year professional research degree consisting of clinical and research seminars, supervised practical work and supervision of a major research project in clinical psychology. You’ll learn through coursework, practicum, and the research components, undertaking at least three practical placements to hone your skills as a clinical psychologist. A Professional Doctoral Degree is a research-focussed qualification recognised and accredited by APAC that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the context of professional practice. You’ll achieve professional accreditation as a Clinical Psychologist via a program of structured learning with a comprehensive research program undertaken over at least two years of the qualification.

Entrants into the program enrol in and complete the first year of the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) and then apply for entry to the DPsych based on performance. You will need to submit a detailed synopsis of your intended research and obtain the support of a Murdoch supervisor as part of your application before presenting a research plan to a panel of clinical psychology staff.

You must be registered from the start of the degree as a provisional psychologist if you are a graduate with the Psychology Board of Australia, and obtain a federal police clearance if accepted into the course.

3 reasons to study a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at Murdoch

1. Learn from leading clinical academics and highly experienced clinicians who are committed to helping you succeed in your studies.
2. Gain professional experience with real patients through three practical placements, either in our on-campus psychology clinic, or with external clinics.
3. Establish a network of valuable industry contacts through your external practical placement that will open up employment opportunities when you graduate. Murdoch has arrangements with a wide variety of service providers such as WA Department of Health, Department for Community Development, Department of Justice, Disability Services Commission, WA Police Service and other public and private services and facilities.

Develop your skills

Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:

• Applying the rigorous method and innovative findings of psychological science to practice
• Assessment and intervention with individuals, families and communities
• Developing professional capacity and identity through a process of building comprehensive skills and experience in the context of the ethical and personal development in a supported environment
• Assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, the delivery of psychological therapy and mental health promotion and prevention
• Working with clients across all stages of the lifespan: pregnancy, infancy, family life and parenting, adulthood and older adulthood.

Your future career

Psychologists are emerging as highly employable professionals in contemporary health services, given their strong grounding in effective interventions, solid assessment skills and their ability to devise and implement research. Employment growth for Clinical Psychologists is expected to be strong following recent government initiatives such as Medicare-rebated services.

You will be able to take up professional roles, working in senior clinical roles, and maintain strong links with academia.

You will be highly employable in a wide variety of areas, including hospital and health settings, private practice as a registered clinical psychologist, and working in various public and private sector agencies in areas such as health, community development, justice, education, child protection, drug and alcohol, and disabilities.

Students with overseas qualifications who may be accepted into the course need to ensure that their undergraduate qualifications meets the requirements of the relevant psychology registration board for equivalence to a four-year Australian degree in Psychology. Applications with qualifications obtained outside Australia must have a formal assessment completed by the Australian Psychological Society before submitting an application for study. The degree requires attendance of on-campus seminars and, for parts of the course, full-day attendance on campus or at a practicum site.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited as a Level 4 course by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Professional recognition

Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and for endorsement of practice in clinical psychology.

IELTS: Score: 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

TOEFL: Score: 79+, with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13.

PEARSON: Score: 64+, with no communicative skill below 60.

CAMBRIDGE: Score: 176+, with no skill less than 169.