Doctorate (PhD)
The Doctor of Psychology is an intensive three and a half year professional research degree consisting of seminars, supervised practical work and applied research.
The first year of study is the same as Year 1 of the relevant Master of Applied Psychology (MAppPsych). Students who complete the first year of the Master of Applied Psychology with marks of distinction may apply for transfer to the DPsych. The specific purpose of the DPsych is to enable students to undertake applied Doctoral-level research on a topic of their choice which will make a distinct contribution to the profession whilst gaining skills in applied psychology to meet registration requirements, and to pursue specialised study in a professional area of their choice.
All the teaching staff are practising Applied Psychologists. Murdoch University has the Psychology Clinic, the Counselling Psychology Consulting Service and the Organisational Psychology Consulting Service to act as practical training facilities and community services. In addition, the University cooperates with Commonwealth and State Public Service Ministries and Departments such as Department for Community Development, Justice, Employment, Health, Safety and Welfare, Education, the Disability Services Commission and other public and private services and facilities in Western Australia.
In the first year, candidates will select units and practical placements to be approved by the School Committee.
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and approval by the relevant Colleges of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
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.