Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology)

This higher degree by research combines intensive high-level research training in clinical psychology and training in forensic psychology by way of coursework, clinical placements and a research thesis concerned with clinical forensic psychology.

The program will train highly qualified researchers and clinicians who can work in clinical and forensic psychology domains.

Prospective students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) (DR-PHICP) and Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) (MA-PSYCLP) (domestic only).

Prospective students interested in a research-only PhD in related areas (without clinical psychology training) may wish to consider the Doctor of Philosophy [Health Sciences] (DR-HTHSCI).

Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) Prospective students interested in a research-only PhD in related areas (without clinical psychology training) may wish to consider the Doctor of Philosophy [Health Sciences] (DR-HTHSCI).

To receive the award of Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) students must satisfactorily complete 100 credit points in the designated coursework component, 1,500 hours of placement (50 credit points) and must receive a pass from at least two of the nominated examiners for their thesis (250 credit points) in order to complete this degree.

Overall the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) degree comprises:

• Research (thesis and embedded research in the coursework)
• Coursework component and
• Placement component

Units of study

PSY80081 Counselling Theory and Skills PSY80075 Advanced Psychological Assessment PSY80091 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) A PSY80074 Adult Psychopathology PSY80102 Clinical and Forensic Placement A1 PSY80092 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) B PSY80078 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research PSY80099 Forensic Psychology, Children and Families PSY80093 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) C PSY80100 Forensic Psychology, Theory and Practice PSY80103 Clinical and Forensic Placement A2 PSY80094 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) D PSY80086 Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology PSY80104 Clinical and Forensic Placement B1 PSY80095 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) E PSY80101 Health and Forensic Psychology (Civil) PSY80105 Clinical and Forensic Placement B2 PSY80096 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) F PSY80097 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) G PSY80098 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) H

OR

(in lieu of full-time research units PSY80097 and PSY80098)

Semester 1

PSY80151 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) G1

Semester 2

PSY80152 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) G2

Semester 1

PSY80153 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) H1

Semester 2

PSY80154 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) H2

* International students are required to study full-time.

The formal admission requirements for the doctorate are:

• A four-year degree from an Australian university and to have completed a four-year sequence of studies in psychology at first or upper second class level in a course or courses accredited by the Australian Psychological Society, or equivalent overseas qualifications recognised by the APS, or a masters degree in psychology recognised by the APS
• Demonstrated possession of an appropriate level of knowledge and skill related to research. In accordance with the guidelines set by the Swinburne Graduate Research School, to have applied for and gained candidature approved by the Swinburne Higher Degrees Committee. Applicants who fail to gain candidature will not be eligible to continue in the doctoral program and may choose to apply for a place in the masters program
• Preferable: experience in face-to-face counselling or significant training in counselling skills e.g. Lifeline, Care Ring, counselling skills in tertiary programs or other appropriate work experience.

Applicants with excellent results in their fourth year studies and relevant human services work experience will be shortlisted and interviewed by a selection panel and an order-of-merit for entry will be prepared taking into account (a) academic record, (b) demonstrated knowledge and skills related to research, (c) previous work experience and training, and (d) academic and professional referees' reports. Note: this program is normally available on a full-time basis only. Applicants who have obtained qualifications from overseas should ensure that their qualifications have been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Following Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) guidelines, only recent postgraduate formal training will be recognised as prior learning in relation to this course.

The program is intended to meet the strong demand for professionals who have completed a high level of training in clinical and forensic psychology and related skills, and who possess highly developed skills in undertaking research.

Upon completion of the research component (thesis), graduates will be expected to have:

• A substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of the clinical and forensic fields in Psychology, including knowledge that makes a significant and original contribution to a discipline or profession
• Substantial knowledge of research approaches, principles, ethical standards, and methods relevant to the clinical and forensic fields in Psychology including any applicable technical and creative skills
• Cognitive skills that demonstrate the capacity to comprehend, synthesise and critically reflect upon theoretical knowledge and its applicability to practice
• Cognitive capacity for independent, intellectual, critical thought, for critical evaluation of existing knowledge, and for systematic investigation as well as reflection upon theory and practice to generate original knowledge
• Communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions
• Communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers, scholarly communities and stakeholders
• Expert capacity to scope, plan, execute, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge in their field of knowledge and/or professional practice
• The production of an original piece of research that demonstrates intellectual independence, initiative and creativity, full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs, and the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge

Graduates are capable in their chosen professional areas:

• Able to gather information systematically from a wide range of sources
• A sense of social responsibility for knowledge and its application
• A highly developed ability in both verbal and written communication skills
• Logical and critical thinking skills

Graduates are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community:

• Able to identify and realise opportunities for responsible innovation
• An aptitude for socially responsible decision making

Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically in work and community situations:

• Communicate effectively with professionals and the community
• Adaptable, flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change
• Understanding and committed to professional and ethical principles
• Application of the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines
• Recognise the need for life-long learning

Graduates are aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural):

• Respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Understand the impact of culture on therapy
• Respect for multiple points of view