Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology)
Overview
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.
Your industry experience
As part of this course you’ll be required to undertake multiple clinical placements.
Graduates of the program will be eligible for:
Membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
General registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA)
Clinical and Forensic Psychology areas of practice endorsement (after an additional 18 months of approved supervised full-time equivalent practice with a PsyBA-approved supervisor).
Research areas
- Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychology
Skills you’ll learn
- Develop and conduct research
- Professional ethics
- Psychological assessment
- Psychological diagnosis and intervention across the lifespan
Your career opportunities
- Psychologist
- Academic
- Researcher
- Consultant
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional accreditations
Why Swinburne?
Ranked Top 250 in Psychology
Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 2023Qualifications
Applicants must have completed within the last 10 years:
- An APAC-accredited four-year sequence of study in psychology with at least an upper second class Honours (H2A) or equivalent overall mark; OR
- An APAC-accredited Master's degree in Psychology; OR
- Overseas qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society as equivalent to either of the above; AND
- Demonstrated possession of an appropriate level of knowledge and skill related to research.
- Demonstrable counselling experience (e.g., Lifeline, Care Ring, or similar) is preferable but not essential for entry.
Applicants must have completed within the last 10 years:
- An APAC-accredited four-year sequence of study in psychology with at least an upper second class Honours (H2A) or equivalent overall mark; OR
- An APAC-accredited Master's degree in Psychology; OR
- Overseas qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society as equivalent to either of the above; AND
- Demonstrated possession of an appropriate level of knowledge and skill related to research.
- Demonstrable counselling experience (e.g., Lifeline, Care Ring, or similar) is preferable but not essential for entry.
Other requirements
Interview
Applicants meeting the above criteria will be shortlisted and interviewed by a selection panel and an order-of-merit for entry will be prepared taking into account (a) academic record, (b) demonstrated knowledge and skills related to research, (c) previous work experience and training, and (d) academic and professional referees' reports.
Worker Screening Check
Students enrolled in this course may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to commencing placement with an NDIS provider. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.
Note: Students must be eligible for registration as a Provisional Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, and may be required to provide a satisfactory police check, Working with Children Check, and/or NDIS Worker Screening check to undertake placements.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Demonstrate English proficiency with one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 7.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 7.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 75%, all skills 75% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
English language tests are to be undertaken within two years of application and formal study in English for two years at AQF7 or above is undertaken within five years of application.
Note: Prospective students should refer to the following website http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx for details of the standards for English language skills for registration as a practitioner in the Psychology profession on completion of the program..
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)
-
Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
-
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) (Swinburne Online delivered)
Course structure
To receive the award of Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) students must satisfactorily complete 112.5 credit points in the designated coursework component, at least 1500 hours of placement (50 credit points), satisfactorily complete all HDR milestones as detailed in the Research Training Statement of Practice, and receive a pass from at two nominated examiners for their doctoral thesis (237.5 credit points).
Overall, the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) degree comprises
- 66% research component (thesis and associated research training),
- 15.5% coursework component, and
- 18.5% placement component.
Progress reviews
Progress reviews used to monitor academic progress and provide feedback to candidates at different stages of their candidature. Progress review due dates will vary based on your degree and enrolment status.
| Progress reviews process | Due date from enrolment |
|---|---|
Preconfirmation review Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops |
3 months |
Confirmation of candidature review Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops |
9-12 months |
Mid-candidature review Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops |
I2-24 months |
Draft thesis review Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops |
33-36 months and follow-up 3 months prior to thesis submission |
Your units
The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic) is only available for full-time enrolment throughout Years 1-3. If all clinical placements are completed, students are able to transfer to part-time enrolment in Year 4 in consultation with their research supervisor.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Counselling Theory and Skills
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80081 |
|
Advanced Psychological Assessment
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80075 |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) A
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
PSY80091 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Adult Psychopathology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80074 |
|
Clinical and Forensic Placement A1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80102 |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) B
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
PSY80092 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80078 |
|
Psychology Practice with Children and Adolescents
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80099 |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) C
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
PSY80093 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Forensic Psychology, Theory and Practice A
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80100 |
|
Clinical and Forensic Placement A2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80103 |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) D
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
PSY80094 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80086 |
|
Clinical and Forensic Placement B1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80104 |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) E
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
PSY80095 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Foundations of Health Psychology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80101 |
|
Clinical and Forensic Placement B2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80105 |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) F
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
PSY80096 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) G
Core unit, 50.0 credit points |
PSY80097 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) H
Core unit, 50.0 credit points |
PSY80098 |
Alternatively, candidates may apply to undertake research on a part-time basis during Years 4 and 5 (in lieu of full-time research units PSY80097 and PSY80098)
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) G1
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
PSY80151 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) G2
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
PSY80152 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) H1
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
PSY80153 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) H2
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
PSY80154 |
Government-funded Research training program (RTP)
If you are a domestic student (including Australian and New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents) your application will be automatically considered for a Government-funded Research Training Program (RTP) place.
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$41,300.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2025 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are now open. Our research scholarships are awarded to candidates with exceptional potential who are undertaking doctoral studies. These opportunities seek to promote equity and recognise excellence and achievement.
Please view our guidebook to help determine which documents you’ll need to prepare an application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply for a research degree
Step 1: Decide on a research topic
Your research topic should align with one of the areas of research we are involved in. You can find out about Swinburne's areas of research through our:
Step 2: Find a supervisor
Using the Find a Supervisor tool search for a potential supervisor in your area of interest and contact them directly to discuss supervision. You must find a supervisor for your research project before applying for a research degree. Your application will not be considered unless you have an appropriate and willing supervisor.
Step 3: Submit your application
Once you have decided on a research topic and found an appropriate and willing supervisor, you must complete and submit the online application form, along with the following documents prior to the closing date.
- Application for Admission to Research Higher Degree Candidature and Scholarship online form and supporting documentation
- Academic Referee Report (your referee should complete the online report via the referencing system by the closing date)
- Professional Referee Report (your referee should complete the online report via the referencing system by the closing date)
- APS assessment of qualifications (for qualifications obtained outside Australia)
Intake closing dates
- Semester 1 2025 – closing 5pm, 18 October 2024
Note: Applications for Semester 1, 2025 close on 18 October 2024. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be held on November 6, 7 and 8, 2024.
Note: Applications for Semester 1 2025 close 5pm, 18 October 2024. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.