Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) (DPCL) - DPsych (Clinical)

CRICOS code (International applicants): 056703F

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Program focus

The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) has been developed to meet the needs of Psychologists wishing to achieve the highest specialisation in Clinical Psychology. The aim of the program is to provide advanced training in psychological assessment, clinical intervention and a range of professional skills within a scientist-practitioner framework. An extended specialist clinical practicum and doctoral level dissertation ensures that students develop the capacity to undertake independent, critical research and practice.

Professional accreditation

Graduates may :

• apply for admission to the Australian Psychological Society following a period of supervised practice

• apply for admission to the College of Clinical Psychology of the Australian Psychological Society.

Program aims

On completion of this program graduates will be able to:

• apply for positions which require a higher degree in Clinical Psychology

• take an active role in theoretical and practical developments in clinical psychology

• contribute to the overall development of the discipline of Psychology.

Program objectives

Successful completion of the program will enable graduates to:

• demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge base concerning evidence based practice of clinical psychology

• demonstrate diagnostic interview skills

• demonstrate understanding and competence in the principles and practice of clinical assessment, diagnosis and case formulation

• demonstrate high level skills in psychological testing and test data interpretation

• apply principles and practice of health intervention

• demonstrate advanced level skills in individual and group clinical intervention

• demonstrate doctoral level research skills in data analysis interpretation and presentation in a theoretical framework

• interact ethically with clients and other professionals

• demonstrate high level clinical intervention skills within a range of community agencies.

Admission requirements

Applicants for admission must be able to:

• demonstrate that they have achieved a minimum of First Class Honours in an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)-accredited four-year honours program or equivalent

• provide two satisfactory referee reports indicating the applicant's abilities to successfully undertake the professional and research components of the program

• be assessed in an interview with a panel of Departmental staff as having the interpersonal skills required for professional course work.

Before commencing the program, students must have General Registration with Probationary Conditions or full registration from the Queensland Registration Board.

International Applications

International applicants must have met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/UNIPREP programs .

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for postgraduate programs may be made directly to USQ. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing dates.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Student contribution amount

For domestic students who are offered Commonwealth supported places, the Government pays some money directly to the University, but students are also required to make a contribution. This contribution is called the ‘student contribution’. For more information about student contribution amounts, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ fees.

Tuition fee

Domestic fee-paying places are funded entirely through the tuition/direct fees paid by the student. Tuition/direct fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. For more information about Tuition Fees, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ Fees.

International fees

International students pay tuition fees. For details about international student fees, refer to the International Fee Schedule provided by USQ International.

Program structure

The program is designed for full-time or part-time attendance in the on-campus mode. The program contains 24 units of study comprising of 10 units of coursework, a seven-unit thesis and seven units of practicums.

Lectures for the coursework component of this program are given in three two day workshops over the semester. These workshops are normally held on weekdays.

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 6 years to complete this program.

IT requirements

Computers can play an important role in the studying and learning process, and students are strongly encouraged to make use of up-to-date computer technology to facilitate learning, and in the production of assessment material. Many courses make use of the Internet through online discussion groups and course web pages. Some courses require substantial access to a computer because computer software or CDROMs are integral to the material being taught in the course.

Therefore, when considering the suitability of current computer access and/or the purchase of a new computer, students may need to take into account the courses they will study, and any special requirements of particular courses. Students may be able to study successfully for many courses with a computer sufficient to run one of the current word-processing and spreadsheet programs. All students, particularly those studying in external mode, are strongly encouraged to have access to the Internet and to have a computer capable of running the latest versions of Internet web browsers such as Netscape Communicator or Internet Explorer. To achieve this level of capacity, students should consult the Recommended Hardware and Software Standards of the University .

Articulation

Students who have achieved distinctions or better in Masters coursework courses, successfully completed Project A, and have recommendation from their thesis supervisor, will be permitted to apply for entry into the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) program. Students in the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) who choose not to complete this program may elect to transfer credit to the Master of Psychology (Clinical).

Exit points

Students who have completed eight units of courses in this program, may exit with the award of Master of Science in Behavioural Studies in Health.

In this section:

• Recommended enrolment pattern - Full-time students
• Recommended enrolment pattern - Part-time students

Recommended enrolment pattern - Full-time students

Recommended enrolment pattern - Part-time students