Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology is a broad field of clinical practice and research within the discipline of psychology. This professional postgraduate qualification combines original research and clinical practice to prepare candidates for their career as a clinical psychologist. Candidates complete a preparatory year, specialising in Clinical Psychology, before entry into the three-year DClinPsy programme. Entry into the Clinical Psychology programme is by an application and interview process. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in psychology, be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have relevant work experience (paid or voluntary). Candidates can apply for the Clinical Psychology programme by the supplementary application process.

Three years of full-time study, with an additional year of Preparatory Clinical Psychology.

Preparatory Clinical Psychology compulsory courses:

• PSYCH 708A & 708B Clinical Neuropsychology (30 points)
• PSYCH 718 Psychotherapeutic Assessment and Formulation (15 points)
• PSYCH 723 Mental Health Problems: Aetiology and Assessment (15 points)
• PSYCH 779 Research and Communication Skills (15 points)
• PSYCH 780 Dissertation (30 points)

Plus one other 15-point postgraduate course:

• Recommended course: PSYCH 707 Forensic Psychology

Successful applicants who have already completed a research honours or masters degree will enrol in a bridging programme and will be required to complete PSYCH 708A & 708B Clinical Neuropsychology, PSYCH 718 Psychotherapeutic Assessment and Formulation and PSYCH 723 Mental Health Problems: Aetiology and Assessment.

Clinical Psychology compulsory courses:

Year 1:

• PSYCH 801 Scientist-practitioner Model 1 (30 points)
• PSYCH 897 Portfolio of Clinical Research Part 1 (15 points)
• PSYCH 899 Thesis Part 1 (75 points)
• Includes 200 hours of placement (as part of PSYCH 801)

Year 2:

• PSYCH 802 Scientist-practitioner Model 2 (30 points)
• PSYCH 897 Portfolio of Clinical Research Part 2 (30 points)
• PSYCH 899 Thesis Part 2 (60 points)
• Includes two placements of 200 hours each (as part of PSYCH 802)

Year 3:

• PSYCH 803 Internship (60 points)
• PSYCH 897 Portfolio of Clinical Research Part 3 (45 points)
• PSYCH 899: Thesis Part 3 (15 points)
• Includes 1500 hours of internship (as part of PSYCH 803)

The placement component is at least one child/family and one adult placement. Evaluation is by internal examination for individual courses/placements and external examination for the research components.