Doctor of Psychology

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I already have a Master of Psychology (Clinical or Forensic). Would I be eligible for credit if admitted to the Doctor of Psychology course?

Applicants who have previously completed a Master of Psychology (Clinical or Forensic) 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 – referred to as ‘doctoral-level entry’. Unfortunately, no credit can be granted for the research component of the Doctoral course.

The ‘doctoral-level entry’ program is usually completed over 3 years: 32 credit points of coursework (over 2 years); a professional placement of 500 hours (which may be undertaken in your workplace, subject to appropriate supervision and practicum activities at an advanced level); and a research project leading to a dissertation (64 credit points over 3 years). The coursework and research components will require attendance at residential schools at Bathurst (7 days in late January/early February in the first 2 years; 3 in the last year).

2. I have a Master of Psychology degree in another specialisation. What credit would I be eligible for if admitted to the Doctor of Psychology course?

Applicants who have a Master of Psychology in a different specialisation (i.e. not clinical or forensic) may be admitted to the Doctoral course, but may be required to complete one or more of the Masters coursework subjects before commencing subjects at the Doctoral (6th and 7th year) level. Coursework credit can only be given where equivalence between completed subjects and those in the Doctoral course can be demonstrated.

3. Is there a mid-year intake into the DPsych?

Intake is only once a year (March), however the first residential school runs in February, prior to the start of the session. Applications close at the end of October of the previous year.

4. If I was accepted into the Doctor of Psychology course, could my placements be undertaken at my current workplace?

Yes, some placement experience may be undertaken at your current workplace, subject to the workplace meeting the requirements of the placement, and the availability of appropriate (College member or equivalent) supervision. Normally this will be restricted to one placement.

5. What is the recommended duration of the placements?

There are four placements of 250 hours each, and one placement of 500 hours. Each placement requires one hour of supervision for each day on placement.

6. I am already registered as a Psychologist and have extensive experience since registering. Can I receive credit for the placements?

The placements are integrated within the coursework subjects and must be completed in order to satisfy the course requirements. Credit cannot be given for previous placements or experience.

7. What supporting statements are required with the application for the Doctor of Psychology course?

• Academic transcripts
• Evidence of registration
• Referees reports

8. Is it possible to waive the requirement of registration for enrolment?

Unfortunately there is no way around the 2-year registration requirement for enrolment in our course The reason for this is that distance education students do not have the opportunity to undertake a placement in a university clinic where students would normally obtain initial clinical competencies before commencing their placements.

9.  I already have a PhD. Do I need to complete the research component of this course?

Yes. The APAC accreditation requirements prevent the University from granting credit for research in the Doctor of Psychology course.