Combined Master of Psychology/PhD
The Department of Psychology offers the Combined Masters/PhD programs in:
- Clinical Psychology
- Clinical Neuropsychology
- Clinical Psychology (Child Specialisation) - no intake after 2010
2012 Application form can be downloaded from here
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) - no intake after 2010
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. Normally this qualification should have been completed within 10 years prior to applying to the MPsych/PhD. Admission also depends on supervision and resource availability.
Selection criteria
Selection into professional programs is based on academic performance and a selection interview.
A weighted average is calculated for each applicant using results from third- and fourth-level psychology subjects. The average of third-level subjects accounts for a third of the overall weighted average.
This can be expressed as follows: Â (average of 3rd-year + average of 4th-year + average of 4th-year) divided by 3 = Weighted Average.
All results are converted to the University of Melbourne scale where an H1 is equivalent to the range 80% - 100%.
Applicants are then ranked according to their weighted average and the top ranked applicants are shortlisted for a selection interview. Ultimate selection into the course is dependent on the applicant’s performance in the interview, which is designed to assess their suitability for clinical practice.
It should be noted that students are only considered for selection if the weighted average of all third- and fourth-year psychology subjects is at least 75% (when converted to the University of Melbourne scale).
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.