Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy
Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- Domestic
This course is only available to students already undertaking ACU’s Master of Psychology (Clinical) or ACU’s Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental). If you are a current student and interested in transferring to the combined Master of Psychology / Doctor of Philosophy course, please contact your course coordinator for further details.
Offered at 2 locations
- Melbourne
- Strathfield
- Melbourne
- Strathfield
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Not availableMidyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available
Approval to study an Individual unit within these degrees must be sought from the Course Coordinator.
Overview
These concurrent degrees combine professional training within educational and developmental psychology with a research Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
During these concurrent degrees, students will:
- Gain valuable experience in the delivery of psychological services through practicums;
- Study subjects such as Professional Practice in Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Therapeutic Skills and Evidence-based Practice for Psychologists;
- Complete a doctoral thesis
Specialisation subject units in the clinical psychology stream are:
- Adult Clinical Psychology
- Child Clinical Psychology
- Clinical Health Psychology and Psychopharmacology
- Advanced Psychotherapeutic Interventions
Professional experience
Students must complete 1000 hours of practicum placement in clinical settings with at least 400 hours of face-to-face client contact.
Professional recognition
This course is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.
Accreditation
This course is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.
Careers
Graduates will be well-prepared for work as practitioner psychologists or skilled researchers in a range of institutions and agencies providing psychological and mental health services.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy, a student must complete 370 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Additional course information
PhD component of course
Students already enrolled in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) who have completed Year 1 with a Distinction average across all subjects and were admitted to the Master with a minimum of Second Class Honours – Division A (HIIA) or equivalent may be eligible to transfer to the combined degree. Admission into this course is subject to supervision and resource availability.
Applicants must first contact the School of Behavioural and Health Sciences to explore potential research areas, identify a potential PhD supervisor and write a brief research proposal. Upon successful completion of the first year of studies, candidates may then apply to Candidature Services for admission to the PhD program.
Candidates should apply to the Candidature Services Office for admission to the PhD component: Application forms for the PhD component are available from the Graduate Research website, under 'How to Apply' or by email to res.cand@acu.edu.au
ACU Funded Research Higher Degree
ACU funds Research Higher Degree students for their term of study.
Note: funding does not refer to coursework components of the concurrent MPsych/PhD degrees. Students must pay Library Fees. Some students may be eligible for RTS places. Continuation of Candidature is dependent upon the candidate adhering to Research Higher Degree Regulations and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. This is monitored twice annually with the completion of a mandatory Academic Progress Report whereby the candidate and Principal/Co-Supervisors agree on the student's progress.
Entry requirements
Admission into this course is subject to supervision and resource availability. Students already enrolled in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) who have completed Year 1 with a Distinction average across all subjects and were admitted to the Master with a minimum of Second Class Honours – Division A (HIIA) or equivalent may be eligible to transfer to the combined degree.
Applicants must first contact the School of Behavioural and Health Sciences to explore potential research areas, identify a potential PhD supervisor and write a brief research proposal. Upon successful completion of the first year of studies, candidates may then apply to Candidature Services for admission to the PhD program.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
English language requirements
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Fees
Course costs
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Deferment
No deferment available.