Doctor of Clinical Psychology/Master of Science

The Doctor of Clinical Psychology/Master of Science (DCP/MSc) is a postgraduate double degree in the professional specialisation of clinical psychology. The DCP/MSc provides psychology graduates with doctorate level clinical and research training in clinical psychology.

Overview

The DCP/MSc program adopts a scientific and evidence-based approach to clinical psychology. The treatment model is based on a cognitive-behavioural approach, and the introduction of alternative models of therapy in later years ensures both a depth and breadth to the clinical training.

The DCP/MSc involves three years of full-time study and includes three components: academic coursework, supervised clinical internships and research.

Qualified clinical psychologists provide interns with supervised clinical practice in an internal on-campus psychology clinic as well as a variety of external teaching hospitals and clinics. The DCP/MSc includes a minimum of 1500 hours of clinical internship experience and 600 client contact hours. The research component requires students to produce a Master of Science (MSc) research thesis.

Students initially enrol in the DCP, extending this enrolment in second year to include the MSc. Upon completion of all requirements for both programs, students will graduate with the DCP/MSc double degree.

Students who demonstrate acceptable academic ability in their initial application and who meet the School’s requirements for acceptance into a PhD program (including having a supervisor who agrees to supervise the PhD project) may take the PhD research path, and in their second year enrol directly into a PhD. Students in the MSc research path who wish to upgrade, and who have made excellent progress, and whose projects are of sufficient scope and merit may apply in the first semester of the third year for transfer to a PhD, subject to approval and satisfactory production of a thesis proposal. Students who transfer to a PhD will graduate only when they complete requirements for both DCP and PhD programs. The DCP & PhD program involves five years of full-time study.

University of Sydney Advantage

Studying at the University of Sydney provides students with the benefits of an on-campus training psychology clinic, intensive clinical supervision with observation facilities and provides excellent links with University teaching hospitals for research and internships.

Academic staff (clinical psychologists or neuropsychologists with expertise and clinical experience in their respective areas) offer teaching, and research and clinical supervision.

Program Expectations

• At the end of the program students will have the expertise, both practical and academic, to enable them to work as a professional clinical psychologist in a variety of clinical and community settings. Students will be trained to carry out academic and clinical assessments in family therapy settings, adult health psychology, and psychological assessment of neuropsychological and psychological disorders in adults and children. These outcomes will be supported by three years of supervised clinical internship experience in the on campus psychology clinic, hospitals and community settings, as well as research training at the MSc or PhD level.

Mode of Delivery

The DCP/MSc is offered on a full-time basis, single unit of study enrolment is not permitted. The program is not available by distance education.

Admission Requirements

Completion of a four-year Honours degree in Psychology, gaining at least an upper second class (2.1) Honours, or equivalent. All qualifications obtained from a non-Australian University must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) before an application may be submitted. To determine equivalency, visit the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) or APS website. Students must also provide evidence of English language proficiency and two referee reports (for more information see below).

Applicants must meet the admission requirements to be considered for the selection interview, an essential part of the selection process.

Clinical relevance for application

Students applying are not required to have completed an empirical research project in the area of abnormal or clinical psychology, or clinical neuropsychology. The selection process aims to identify students with a demonstrated interest in these areas, an awareness of clinical issues, and relevant experience. Clinical relevance may be demonstrated on the basis of projects in other areas of psychology, such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, human learning, neuroscience or social psychology, or relevant work experience.

Research Requirements for Application

At the time of application, it is not necessary to submit a research proposal or arrange a research supervisor.

English Language Requirements for Application

If your degree was conducted in a language other than English, you are required to provide documentary evidence of satisfying English language requirements for admission. An IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0, and a minimum score of 7.0 in each band, is required for admission to the DCP/MSc. The TOEFL and TWE is not accepted for admission to the DCP/MSc. Contact the International Office for further information.

Program Requirements

Students must satisfactorily complete 84 credit points of study.

Units of Study

Up to date list of all units of study available in the DCP.

After Graduation

The program aims to provide students with expertise, both practical and academic, which will enable them to work as a professional clinical psychologist in a variety of settings. The DCP/MSc program is recognised by the NSW Department of Health as qualifying the holder for progression to the grade of clinical psychologist. The program is accredited by APAC, providing the fifth, sixth and seventh years of training, and is an approved qualification for Associate Membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. The NSW Psychologists Registration Board, through the APAC, also accredits the program for the purposes of registration.

Application Forms

DCP/MSc application forms can be downloaded from: Clinical Psychology website.

To apply, local students must complete a ‘DCP/MSc application form’ and provide two referee reports (one must be academic, the other may be academic or relate to work experience). International students must complete an ‘International postgraduate coursework application form’, provide two referee reports (one must be academic, the other may be academic or relate to work experience), plus complete a ‘DCP/MSc application form’ (outlining research experience, relevant work experience and relevant courses completed). An application will be considered incomplete, and will not be evaluated nor proceed to interview, unless all documents are received by the closing date.

Selection Interview

The selection interview specifically assesses relevant academic, research and work experience and performance, aptitude for clinical psychology or clinical neuropsychology, and awareness of ethical issues relevant to clinical practice. Interviews are usually held in the third and fourth week of November. Web-cam based SKYPE interviews may be offered to international students.

Applicants will be assessed on their undergraduate academic performance; any additional academic qualifications in psychology, such as a MSc or PhD; the quality of publications, journal articles and conference presentations; relevant clinical work experience, either paid work experience (psychologist, counsellor, clinically relevant research) or voluntary work experience (teaching, research, other) and their referee reports.

NOTE: Receptionist, shop assistant, babysitting or similar work is not considered relevant work experience.

Offer of Places

Following the selection interview applicants are ranked upon their interview performance and academic record. The top ranking applicants are offered places by the end of the second week of December. Offers of places will occur informally by phone, followed by a formal letter of offer sent by the Faculty of Science. Applicants have one week to accept the offer. Should an applicant decline an offer, the place is offered to the next applicant on the reserve list. Offers to applicants on the reserve list may continue into January. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised in writing by the Faculty of Science from January onwards.

Credit from Previous Study

Credit for previous study is available in some circumstances. Please see the website for details.

Annual intake

20 places

As an indication of interest in the program, each year 100 applications may be received and 50 applicants offered interviews.

Minimum Program Duration - Full Time

DCP/MSc – 6 semesters

Is Mid-Year Entry Available?

No