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Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Doctorate (PhD)

Study Clinical Psychology to assess and deliver psychological interventions for clients with mental health issues. A Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology is the highest level of academic qualification and the best start for a career as a clinical psychologist.

Key details

Degree Type

Doctorate (PhD)

Duration

3.5 years full-time

Course Code

D1073, 079351B

Domestic Fees

$126,840 total

International Fees

$126,840 total

About this course

Overview

If you're working towards becoming a registered psychologist and have completed your fourth year, this course provides you with the education required to complete the doctoral degree pathway. If you are already working as a registered psychologist, you'll gain specialist skills in clinical practice combined with extensive research.

Murdoch's clinical training adopts an integrative and critical approach to clinical practice with a strong emphasis on clinical competencies and preparation for clinical practice. You'll learn how to apply your skills and knowledge in prevention and psychological intervention. You will also become a proficient researcher with practical research skills and the ability to develop novel interventions and program evaluation at the individual and system levels.

The Doctor of Psychology is an intensive three-and-a-half year professional research degree consisting of clinical and research seminars, supervised practical work and supervision of a major research project in clinical psychology. You'll learn through coursework, practicum, and the research components, undertaking at least three practical placements to hone your skills as a clinical psychologist. A Professional Doctoral Degree is a research-focussed qualification recognised and accredited by APAC that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the context of professional practice. You'll achieve professional accreditation as a Clinical Psychologist via a program of structured learning with a comprehensive research program undertaken over at least two years of the qualification.

Entrants into the program enrol in and complete the first year of the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) and then apply for entry to the DPsych based on performance. You will need to submit a detailed synopsis of your intended research and obtain the support of a Murdoch supervisor as part of your application before presenting a research plan to a panel of clinical psychology staff.

You must be registered from the start of the degree as a provisional psychologist if you are a graduate with the Psychology Board of Australia, and obtain a federal police clearance if accepted into the course.

3 reasons to study a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at Murdoch

Learn from leading clinical academics and highly experienced clinicians who are committed to helping you succeed in your studies.
Gain professional experience with real patients through three practical placements, either in our on-campus psychology clinic, or with external clinics.
Establish a network of valuable industry contacts through your external practical placement that will open up employment opportunities when you graduate. Murdoch has arrangements with a wide variety of service providers such as WA Department of Health, Department for Community Development, Department of Justice, Disability Services Commission, WA Police Service and other public and private services and facilities.

Develop your skills

Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you'll cover include:

Applying the rigorous method and innovative findings of psychological science to practice
Assessment and intervention with individuals, families and communities
Developing professional capacity and identity through a process of building comprehensive skills and experience in the context of the ethical and personal development in a supported environment
Assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, the delivery of psychological therapy and mental health promotion and prevention
Working with clients across all stages of the lifespan: pregnancy, infancy, family life and parenting, adulthood and older adulthood.

Your future career

Psychologists are emerging as highly employable professionals in contemporary health services, given their strong grounding in effective interventions, solid assessment skills and their ability to devise and implement research. Employment growth for Clinical Psychologists is expected to be strong following recent government initiatives such as Medicare-rebated services.

You will be able to take up professional roles, working in senior clinical roles, and maintain strong links with academia.

You will be highly employable in a wide variety of areas, including hospital and health settings, private practice as a registered clinical psychologist, and working in various public and private sector agencies in areas such as health, community development, justice, education, child protection, drug and alcohol, and disabilities.

Students with overseas qualifications who may be accepted into the course need to ensure that their undergraduate qualifications meets the requirements of the relevant psychology registration board for equivalence to a four-year Australian degree in Psychology. Applications with qualifications obtained outside Australia must have a formal assessment completed by the Australian Psychological Society before submitting an application for study. The degree requires attendance of on-campus seminars and, for parts of the course, full-day attendance on campus or at a practicum site.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited as a Level 4 course by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Professional recognition

Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and for endorsement of practice in clinical psychology.

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education
You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education
You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training
You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience
You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course Introduction to Academic Communication unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
University study	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course Introduction to Academic Communication unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.	Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
GCE A Levels	Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)	A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.
VET course studied at school	Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Overseas Year 12	Please refer to the information under the country of study.	Please refer to the information under the country of study.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Total score of 24 or higher.	Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	70	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)	CPS 54 or higher.	50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Extenuating circumstances	We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.	Case-by-case assessment.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
Minimum English requirement A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.

VET course studied at school

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Certificate IV AQF level 4	Successful completion of a Certificate IV.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)	Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)	MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

Students who complete the first year of the relevant Master of Applied Psychology and who average grades of Distinction in their core first year units may apply for transfer to the DPsych. Applicants for the DPsych are required to submit a synopsis of their intended research and the name of a supervisor on the staff of the University as part of their application. Applicants will be required to present their research plans to a panel of Psychology staff prior to admission. Students permitted to transfer from the Master of Applied Psychology will be exempt from the units common to both degrees. Applicants who hold the equivalent of the relevant Master of Applied Psychology can apply for entry and are to complete the balance of units in the DPsych. A maximum of 36 points of credit may be granted to those applicants who have completed equivalent coursework. In some circumstances, the degree may be undertaken on a part-time basis but requires attendance of on-campus seminars and, for parts of the course, full-day attendance on campus or at a practicum site.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements Graduate students must be registered from the start of their higher degree as a provisional psychologist. Within the first two weeks of commencing the program, the student must gain provisional registration with Psychology Board of Australia. As many agencies require all staff working with their clients or patients to have a police clearance, students are required to obtain a Federal police clearance (which will include WA clearance) if accepted into the course. Successful applicants also need to have a Working with Children Check before they begin work in the internal clinic. Clearly any agency will only be seeking information about behaviours that may place vulnerable clients at risk and will not be interested in any other type of behaviours. The student meets the cost of these clearances. Please note that some organisations providing professional placements require students to provide full immunisation records. Applicants must be in a position to provide these documents if required.

Advanced Standing

Not applicable to research courses.

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Advanced Standing

Not applicable to research courses.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Study locations

Perth

How to apply

How to apply

Please indicate above whether you're a domestic or international student intending to study at a Western Australian campus.

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Completed official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Complete or incomplete official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion - both original and English translated versions
English Language Proficiency Document (if available)
A recent Curriculum Vitae

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Psychology courses at Murdoch University.

60.3%

Overall satisfaction

76.5%

Skill scale

50%

Teaching scale

63.2%

Employed full-time

$74.4k

Average salary

Data source