Doctor of Psychology

What is this course about?

CSU's Doctor of Psychology provides psychologists with the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and skills in the practice of clinical psychology.

The Doctor of Psychology program provides advanced training in the theory, research and practice of clinical psychology, enabling registered psychologists to obtain a qualification that reflects an enhanced level of knowledge and skills in psychological practice. Students participate in linked components of coursework, research and practicum based in the scientist-practitioner training model.

To assist psychologists in rural and remote areas to undertake doctoral training in clinical psychology, the course is offered by distance education, with coursework delivered through a combination of residential schools and online learning. Students also complete professional placements in clinical psychology settings, along with a dissertation reporting the results of an empirical research project.

Admission requirements

Enrolment in the Doctor of Psychology is only open to students who have previously completed an accredited Master degree or who are currently enrolled in CSU's Master of Psychology program. Psychologists who do not hold a Master degree are invited to apply for entry into CSU's Master of Psychology.

Doctoral-level entry

Applicants who have previously completed a Master degree in clinical psychology are eligible to receive full credit in the Doctoral course for the coursework they have undertaken, leaving only the Doctoral coursework and research components to be completed.

For commencing students who hold a Master degree in clinical psychology, the doctoral-level entry program is usually completed over three years. Students are required to complete one coursework subject (over two years), a professional placement of 500 hours' duration, and a research project leading to a dissertation.

For commencing students who hold a Master of Psychology in a field other than clinical psychology, additional coursework subjects of the Master of Psychology may have to be completed before commencing subjects at the Doctoral level. Academic credit for coursework subjects will be granted where equivalence between previously completed units of study and subjects in the Doctoral program can be demonstrated.

Residential schools

The doctoral-level coursework and research components require attendance at compulsory residential schools at Bathurst Campus. These will involve seven days in late January / early February in the first two years, and three days in the last year.

Professional recognition

CSU's Doctor of Psychology is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Graduates will be eligible to apply for recognition by the Psychology Board of Australia as a Clinical Psychology Registrar. On completion of one year of supervised experience subsequent to graduation from the program, graduates will be eligible to be registered as holding an endorsement in clinical psychology, and to be specialist clinical psychology practitioners with Medicare Australia.

The course has also been approved by the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Graduates of this program will be eligible for full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and for associate membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Following completion of one year of subsequent supervised experience, graduates will be eligible to apply for full membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.