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Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy

The Master of Clinical Psychology (MCP) and Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy (MCP/PhD) trains psychology graduates in the professional specialisation of clinical psychology. The MCP and MCP/PhD are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a 5th and 6th year of study. The Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) , through APAC, also recognises both courses for the purposes of registration and for an endorsed area of practice in clinical psychology. The MCP and MCP/PhD include three components: academic course work, supervised clinical placements and research. The academic coursework involves lectures, workshops, forums and seminars by the University academic staff. The program includes a minimum of 1200 hours of clinical placement experience, through supervised clinical practice in our on-campus Psychology Clinic and external teaching hospitals and clinics. The research component requires students to undertake research on a clinical topic, and to complete either a masters research project or doctoral research thesis. Students gain knowledge and practical experience to work as a professional clinical psychologist. Our programs adopt a Scientist-Practitioner model, led by practicing psychologists with expertise in their research areas recognised at an international level. The course develops foundational skills in cognitive behavioural therapy, by gaining experience of therapy and psychometric assessment across the lifespan. Students develop further depth and breadth to their clinical experience, through advanced units of study and external clinical placements by exposure to additional models of treatment.

Contact and further information

Program Coordinator: Associate Professor Maree Abbott, Director of Clinical Education [email protected]

Course resolutions

These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 (as amended) (the ‘HDR Rule’); the Higher Degree by Research Supervision Policy 2020, the Progress Planning and Review for Higher Degree by Research Students Policy 2015, the Resolutions of the Faculty, the Research Code of Conduct 2019, the Research Data Management Policy 2014, and the Thesis and Examination for Higher Degree by Research Policy 2015.

Additionally, the coursework components of this award course are subject to (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the ‘Coursework Rule’), the Coursework Policy 2021 (the ‘Coursework Policy’), the Academic Integrity Policy 2022 and the Academic Integrity Procedures 2022. Current versions of all policies are available from the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies

1 Course codes

2 attendance pattern.

The attendance pattern for this course is full-time for the first year. Students may apply to the Director of Clinical Training to switch to a part-time enrolment from second year.

3 Admission to candidature

Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit and interview, according to the following admissions criteria.

(1) To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean, an applicant must:

(a) hold or have completed the requirements for an APAC-accredited 4th year qualification with First Class Honours in Psychology; and

(b) satisfy the Head of the School of Psychology of their personal suitability for the practice of clinical psychology, as determined by interview.

(2) The Dean may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause (1), provided that the applicant holds a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the Dean, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).

(3) An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the Faculty:

(a) satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission; and

(b) two academic referees' reports, as required by the Head of the School of Psychology.

(4) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants who wish to be considered for admission under the Cadigal Program must additionally apply through the University's Mana Yura Student Support Team. Eligible applicants may be given priority in ranking.

(5) The admission requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy must also be satisfied.

4 Requirements for award

(1) The units of study that may be taken for the Master of Clinical Psychology are set out in the table of units of study for the Master of Clinical Psychology course.

(2) To qualify for the award of the degree of Master of Clinical Psychology, a candidate must:

(a) complete 96 credit points of units of study as set out in the table of units of study; and

(b) complete clinical placements as prescribed by the Head of School; and

(3) The candidate must also satisfy the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.

5 Cross-institutional study

Cross-institutional study is not available in this course.

6 Course transfer

(1) A candidate in the Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy double degree may abandon the Master of Clinical Psychology component and continue in the Doctor of Philosophy.

(2) A candidate in the Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy double degree may abandon the Doctor of Philosophy and transfer into the Master of Clinical Psychology standalone degree course.

7 Credit for previous study

(1) Credit transfer for the Master of Clinical Psychology component is subject to the provisions of the Coursework Policy and the Resolutions of the Faculty of Science, except that:

(a) no more than 48 credit points may be credited; and

(b) the coursework should have been completed no more than three years prior to first enrolment in this course and not have been counted towards another award.

(2) Credit transfer for the Doctor of Philosophy component is subject to the provisions of the Doctor of Philosophy course resolutions relating to the degree of Master of Science and to the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011.

8 Time limits

Except with the permission of the Dean or Associate Dean, a candidate will complete the requirements for the Master of Clinical Psychology component of the double degree:

(1) within a minimum period of six semesters and a maximum period of twelve semesters for full-time study; or

(2) within a minimum period of eight semesters and a maximum period of twelve semesters for part-time study; and

(2) within six calendar years of admission to candidature.

9 Progression rules

(1) Candidates for the award course must satisfactorily complete all units of study.

(2) PSYC6079, PSYC6080, PSYC6081, PSYC6086 are defined as barrier practicum units under the Progression rules of the University of Sydney (Coursework) Policy 2014.

(3) Coursework and research units of study will be dealt with under the Progression rules of the Coursework Policy 2014.

(4) Students who fail any of the barrier practicum units will be advised to undertake remediation prior to re-enrolling in the failed unit.

10 Transitional provisions

(1) These resolutions apply to persons who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2022 and persons who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2022 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.

(2) Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2022 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed by 1 January, 2027.

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School of Medicine and Psychology ANU College of Health and Medicine

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Psychology

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at The Australian National University (ANU) offers a robust and comprehensive research experience in both psychology and medicine. This program is designed for students aiming to undertake significant original research that contributes to their field of study, culminating in a thesis.

Areas of Research

Social Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Health Psychology
Applied Social and Organisational Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Neuropsychology and Neuroimaging
Developmental Psychology
Decision Science
Behavioural Neuroscience

Supervision and Support

Supervisory Panels : Students collaborate closely with a principal supervisor and an advisory panel of experts.
Resources & Office Space : Research students are provided with shared office space, desktop computers, and comprehensive technical and administrative support.
Statistical & Methodological Support : ANU provides excellent training in advanced research methods and statistics.
Active Research Environment : Students engage in a vibrant research community with numerous opportunities for publication and collaboration with leading scholars.

Facilities and Opportunities

Research Laboratories : State-of-the-art facilities equipped for diverse types of research.
Teaching Opportunities : Opportunities for casual employment as tutors and participation in the Graduate Teaching Program.
Local Facilities : Access to extensive library facilities and the National Library of Australia.
Global Connections : Opportunities for international collaboration and participation in global conferences and summer schools.
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