Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy

The Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy is a combined degree that provides students with the opportunity to complete a master's degree in clinical psychology and a doctoral degree in philosophy. The program is designed to provide students with advanced training in clinical psychology and research skills, as well as the opportunity to conduct original research in their area of interest.

Admission Requirements

Admission into this course is subject to supervision and resource availability. Students already enrolled in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) who have completed Year 1 with a Distinction average across all subjects and were admitted to the Master with a minimum of Second Class Honours Division A (HIIA) or equivalent may be eligible to transfer to the combined degree.

• Applicants must first contact the School of Behavioural and Health Sciences to explore potential research areas, identify a potential PhD supervisor, and write a brief research proposal.
• Upon successful completion of the first year of studies, candidates may then apply to Candidature Services for admission to the PhD program.

Completion Requirements

To qualify for the combined degree, a student must complete the required credit from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, consisting of:

• 60 cp from Specified Units (Part A)
• 30 cp from Practicum Units (Part B)
• 240 cp from Thesis Units (Part C)
• 40 cp from Clinical Specialisation Units (Part D)

Maximum Periods

The maximum duration of candidature will normally be not more than ten years from the commencement of enrolment.

Progression Requirements

Students are required to follow the pattern of unit enrolment set out in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide, unless otherwise approved by the Course Coordinator. In all aspects of progress through the course, students will be advised by the Course Coordinator.

Schedule of Unit Offerings

Part A: Specified Units

Complete exactly 60 credit points from the following:

• PSYC621 Professional Practice in Psychology (10 CP)
• PSYC622 Practicum Skills (10 CP)
• PSYC624 Evidence Based Practice for Psychologists (10 CP)
• PSYC630 Psychological Assessment (10 CP)
• PSYC638 Therapeutic Skills (10 CP)
• PSYC648 Reflective Practice and Radical Self-care (10 CP)

Part B: Practicum Units

Complete exactly 30 credit points from the following:

• PSYC613 Practicum A (10 CP)
• PSYC614 Practicum B (10 CP)
• PSYC629 Practicum C (10 CP)

Part C: Thesis Units

Complete exactly 240 credit points from the following:

• PHDY701 Doctoral Thesis FT (240 CP)
• PHDY702 Doctoral Thesis PT (240 CP)

Part D: Specialisation Units: Clinical Stream

Complete exactly 40 credit points from the following:

• PSYC660 Adult Clinical Psychology (10 CP)
• PSYC661 Child Clinical Psychology (10 CP)
• PSYC662 Clinical Health Psychology and Psychopharmacology (10 CP)
• PSYC663 Advanced Psychotherapeutic Interventions (10 CP)

Course Map

The course map outlines the units to be completed in each year of the program. Students commencing in Semester 1 will complete the specified units, practicum units, and thesis units over four years.

• Year 1: Complete specified units and practicum units
• Year 2: Complete specialisation units and commence thesis units
• Year 3: Continue thesis units and complete practicum units
• Year 4: Complete thesis units

Research Areas

The Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy program provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research in their area of interest. Students will work with a supervisor to develop a research proposal and conduct their research over the course of the program.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for the Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy program will vary depending on the student's eligibility for government support and their enrollment status. Students should contact the university for more information about tuition fees and financial support.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

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Overview:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a leading Catholic university in Australia, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its strong commitment to faith and values, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

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Services Offered:

ACU provides a comprehensive range of student services, including:

Academic Skills Development:

The Academic Skills Unit offers support in developing essential study skills, academic writing, referencing, maths and numeracy, and exam preparation.

Campus Ministry:

Provides spiritual guidance and support to students.

Career Development Services:

Offers career advice, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Connect2Uni:

Provides support and resources for first-year students.

Counselling Services:

Offers confidential counselling and support for students' mental health and wellbeing.

Disability Support:

Provides tailored support for students with disabilities.

Medical Centres:

Offers healthcare services on campus.

Student Advocacy:

Provides support and guidance to students facing academic or personal challenges.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Services:

Offers dedicated support and resources for Indigenous students.

Student Veterans Support Program:

Provides support and resources for students who have served in the military.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

ACU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with opportunities for students to:

Join clubs and societies:

Participate in a wide range of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Engage in creative and cultural activities:

Participate in various events and activities, including arts, music, and theatre.

Develop leadership skills:

Take advantage of leadership opportunities within clubs, societies, and student associations.

Participate in ACU Sport:

Access gyms, fitness classes, and sports facilities, and join sports clubs and activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Catholic values and ethics:

ACU's commitment to faith and values creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Comprehensive student services:

Provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Vibrant campus life:

Offers a diverse range of clubs, activities, and events to enhance the student experience.

Focus on practical skills and real-world application:

Emphasizes the development of practical skills and knowledge relevant to future careers.

Strong reputation and rankings:

ACU is consistently ranked among the top universities in Australia.

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Academic Programs:

ACU offers a wide range of academic programs across its four faculties:

Faculty of Education and Arts:

Offers programs in education, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Faculty of Health Sciences:

Offers programs in nursing, medicine, psychology, and allied health.

Faculty of Law and Business:

Offers programs in law, business, and economics.

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy:

Offers programs in theology, philosophy, and religious studies.

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Other:

ACU has campuses located in Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Rome, and Strathfield. It also offers a range of online programs through ACU Online.