Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PGDipPsych(Clin)) is a three-year programme. The first two years of the programme are often taken concurrently with the Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc), but may also be coordinated with work toward a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); the Masters/PhD must be completed before beginning the final (internship) year of the programme.

Applicants interested in concurrent enrolment in a PhD should contact the convenor of the programme to discuss a programme of study.

Clinical psychology is a discipline characterised as an applied science, with a firm empirical foundation, and an emphasis on objective data to support assessment and treatment of persons who are experiencing psychological problems in their life.

Training in clinical psychology is based on the "Boulder model" where the emphasis is on the use of research-based knowledge to develop practical competencies. An integration of science and practice is emphasized so that research informs practice, practical understanding and issues guide meaningful research, and individualized and unique clinical work is strengthened by scientific method.

Clinical psychologists base their assessment and treatment on the evidence generated through research. Assessment and treatment with clients raises new questions which helps design research. For these reasons, clinical psychologists need to be trained in both practice and research as well as the integration of the two.