Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology

This program is offered full-time and part-time on-campus at the Gold Coast and Mt Gravatt campuses.

The first year of the PhD in Clinical Psychology will be a research focused year. Year two of the program (that is, the first year of clinical training) is only offered full-time on-campus. This postgraduate clinical training program requires students to be available for components of the program across the full calendar year. A total of four weeks recreation leave is factored into the calendar year at specific times. The third and fourth years of the clinical program may (with approval of the Program Director (Clinical Psychology) and the HDR Convenor be completed on a part-time basis.

You will be classed as a part-time student if you are enrolled in less than 30 credit points per trimester. International students must maintain a full-time study load. Students enrolling in this program are required to complete coursework, placement and a dissertation.

Coursework: You are required to attend approximately 12-15 hours of scheduled classes per week. It is expected that if you enrol in these courses you will be available to attend. Some of the classes are offered in full day workshop mode and others are scheduled on a weekly basis. Some classes are also scheduled prior to the start of Trimester 1. Classes may be delivered at the Gold Coast, Mt Gravatt or Logan campuses and students are required to attend the classes at the campus where they are delivered. All classes, seminars and workshops are compulsory.

Placement: Clinical PhD students enrol in research in Year 1 and then during the second year (full-time) and subsequent years (either full-time or part-time) they are required to undertake clinical placements / internships/externships which require up to three days attendance at a specific location. Some placements may be outside of the Brisbane/Gold Coast area (for example, Northern New South Wales). Each placement must be completed within a maximum of 12 months.

Dissertation: During your enrolment in the research component of this program which include a dissertation it is expected that you will be able to work independently for most of the time. The requirement for on-campus attendance is relatively flexible. However, you will be required to meet regularly with your supervisor and it is recommended that you discuss the on-campus attendance requirements with your supervisor.

Research supervision

Adequate progress toward completion of the research dissertation is one criterion for continuation in the clinical psychology training program. Students in the clinical training program are not required to be supervised by a clinical staff member and applicants are encouraged to review the research interests of all psychology staff in selecting potential supervisors. The research topic must be relevant to, and contribute to the field of clinical psychology.

The research profile of staff members is diverse and expanding rapidly each year. Therefore, it is advisable that applicants determine whether they share a research interest with a psychology staff member. Both clinical and non-clinical staff have published a substantial number of journal publications, books, chapters, and other research reports, as well as papers that have been presented at national and international conferences.

Grant-funded research and related opportunities for students are increasing annually. Students are encouraged and supported to prepare grant proposals independently and in collaboration with members of the staff.

Work-integrated learning activities (professional placements) integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. The inclusion of work-integrated learning activities in the degree program demonstrates Griffith's commitment to preparing its graduates for success in their working life.

In this program, you will spend time in the work/professional environment undertaking placements at various locations. Placements may be outside of the Brisbane metropolitan/Gold Coast area including northern New South Wales and, very occasionally, interstate or overseas by negotiation. Total work placement (hours): 1000

You will have a high level of competence in assessment, treatment and research, and be able to use these skills with individuals who are experiencing psychological distress and disorders. As a professional Psychologist, you will be prepared for entry into a career in academia, administration, research institutes, private practice, departments of health and mental health, child protection agencies and consultative enterprises.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Graduates are eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Graduates are eligible to apply for the Psychology Board of Australia registrar program in the endorsed area of practice of clinical psychology.

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Psychological Society.

There are placements associated with this program and before undertaking professional experience placements, all students in this program are required to have completed the following by the end of their first trimester of study:

• Vaccinations and Health Tests
• Licenses and Certificates
• Online Training
• Health Placement Requirements

Students should refer to the checklist of professional practice requirements for their Health discipline on the Health Placement Support Hub for full details of the requirements regarding professional placement to ensure that they meet eligibility for placement.