Combined Master of Psychology/PhD

The Department of Psychology offers the Combined Masters/PhD programs in:

• Clinical Psychology
• Clinical Neuropsychology
• Clinical Psychology (Child Specialisation)

Course Objectives

The combined degree program aims to provide students with the skills to work as a professional psychologist in the chosen domain of specialisation, and a thorough grounding in the knowledge base in that domain. It also provides students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of original research in the domain of the specialisation, and to complete a thesis which:

• shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields;
• demonstrates a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations;
• makes a distinct contribution to knowledge;
• demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively.

The combined degree program offers several advantages to prospective students interested in research in professional domains. Students undertaking the combined degree can complete the program in four years (rather than the five required by consecutive enrolments in the Master of Psychology and PhD programs) and undertake a PhD rather than a minor thesis.

For details of the relevant Master of Psychology programs refer to the Professional Training Programs section, and for details of the PhD thesis requirements, please refer to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) section.

Course Structure

The program of study combines the thesis requirements of the PhD degree with the coursework and placement components of the Master of Psychology degree. It normally requires four years of full-time study. During the period of study, students are required to engage in supervised research and submit a PhD thesis to the School of Graduate Studies that is examined according to standard PhD procedures. In addition, students are required to complete the coursework and placement requirements of the Master of Psychology program. The rationale for the course structures is that they permit students' research activities to be informed by clinical and professional issues.

Please refer to the following course structures for combined programs in:

• Clinical Psychology
• Clinical Neuropsychology
• Clinical Psychology (Child Specialisation)

Course Duration

Students are able to enrol on either a full-time or half-time basis.

• Full-time:  4 years
• Half-time:  8 years

Commencement

The program commences at the beginning of the academic year.

There is no mid-year entry.

Fees

Please see the University Fees pages for the most up-to-date information. Further information about the University's fee policy can be obtained online or from the brochure 'Arrangements relating to the payment of fees'.

Admission Requirements

Since the purpose of the program of study is training for an academic/research career, eligible applicants must normally possess either: (i) a Masters degree in psychology of an appropriate honours standard; or (ii) a degree including an accredited four-year sequence in psychology (or its equivalent) of at least H1 (or High Distinction) standard in the fourth year of study. Admission also depends on supervision and resource availability.

Selection is based primarily on the student's academic performance, however, the personal suitability of each student as assessed by referees' reports and/or interview may also be taken into account.

Application Details

Application forms are available from, and should be submitted to, the Department of Psychology. Students who wish to apply for this course must complete the combined Master of Psychology/PhD application form.

Applications (both local and international) close on 31 October each year.

Supervision arrangements must be finalised before the application can be processed. For further details contact the Postgraduate Programs Officer in the Department.

International applicants should refer to the information provided in the 'International Postgraduate Prospectus' available from the International Centre. International applicants must complete the PhD section of the MPsych/PhD application form which outlines thesis supervision arrangements. International applicants must also provide three referee reports and a personal statement for each of the streams for which they apply (as for local applicants). All extra information should be firmly attached to the international application form.