Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology)

The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical and Forensic Psychology combines intensive high-level research training in clinical psychology and training in forensic psychology by way of coursework, clinical placements and a research thesis. Our program trains highly qualified researchers and clinicians who can work in clinical and forensic psychology domains.

Research areas

Forensic Psychology

Clinical Psychology

Psychology

Skills you’ll learn

Develop research program

Professional ethics

Psychological assessment

Psychological diagnosis and intervention across the lifespan

Your career opportunities

Psychologist

Academic

Researcher

Consultant

The formal admission requirements for the doctorate are:

A four-year degree from an Australian university and to have completed a four-year sequence of studies in psychology at first or upper second class level in a course or courses accredited by the Australian Psychological Society, or equivalent overseas qualifications recognised by the APS, or a masters degree in psychology recognised by the APS

Demonstrated possession of an appropriate level of knowledge and skill related to research. In accordance with the guidelines set by the Swinburne Graduate Research School, to have applied for and gained candidature approved by the Swinburne Higher Degrees Committee. Applicants who fail to gain candidature will not be eligible to continue in the doctoral program and may choose to apply for a place in the masters program.

Preferable: experience in face-to-face counselling or significant training in counselling skills e.g. Lifeline, Care Ring, counselling skills in tertiary programs or other appropriate work experience.

English language requirements

International applicants must provide evidence of one of the following:

• minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 79 (with a reading band no less than 18 and writing band no less than 20); or Pearson (PTE) 58 (no communicative skills less than 50) no longer than 24 months before submitting your application
• satisfactory completion of Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced level certificate at the postgraduate level (EAP 5: PG-70%)
• successful completion of a total of 24 months (full time equivalent) of formal study where the language of instruction and assessment was English at AQF level 7 or above (or equivalent) at an approved university no longer than 60 months before submitting your application.