Doctor of Psychology

What is this course about?

CSU's Doctor of Psychology aims to provide advanced knowledge and training to practitioners encompassing coursework, professional placement and the completion of a dissertation.

The chief objective of the Doctor of Psychology program is to provide advanced knowledge and training to practitioners. Specific objectives are to bring to their professional practice a clearer understanding of the relationship between research and practice, a clearer understanding of ethical issues, and advanced knowledge and skills in the student's chosen area of specialisation in clinical or forensic psychology.

Completion of the Doctor of Psychology involves coursework, professional placements and a dissertation reporting on the results of an empirical research project.

Professional accreditation

The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Residential schools

In the first four years of the course, there will be a compulsory residential school of between three and five days duration held every session. First session residential schools will be scheduled in either January/February, or April/May, and second session residential schools in September/October. In first year, students attend residential schools in January/February for five days, and in September for four days.

In each of the final two years of the course, a compulsory residential school will be held in January/February over 7 days

Research Component

The research component has two stages.  The first stage involves completing an eight credit point academic subject (PSY524 Research Methods) which develops research skills and knowledge for students to apply in clinical or forensic settings.  Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are employed.  The perspective presented in this subject is that research should be perceived as part of the psychologist's normal professional role.  The subject is taught in the second year prior to the students formally beginning their research for the doctoral dissertation. A component of this subject is the preparation of a written research proposal.  This proposal would normally form the basis for the dissertation subject commenced the following year.

During the third year students begin the research component of the degree (PSY723 Doctoral Dissertation). Working more closely with supervisors, students finalise the research design. The Research Proposal is presented in an open seminar to allow staff and peers to contribute to its final development. The major outcome of this stage of the course is the implementation of the research, under appropriate supervision by a member of staff, and the writing of the doctoral dissertation.

All students enrolled in PSY723 Doctoral Dissertation have at least one staff member appointed as primary supervisor. In some cases, where the expertise of more than one staff member is required, or where it is appropriate to have a field supervisor, a co-supervisor may also be appointed. Supervisors will be chosen on the basis of experience and knowledge in the area appropriate to the student's dissertation.