Key facts

Entry requirements

Entry is based on an accredited bachelor qualification with second-class honours or completion of the first year of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) at distinction level.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Fees
  • International
  • Research Training Program
View more fees information
CRICOS code
  • 053917E
Start Dates and Campus
Research Period 1Research Period 2
OnlineOfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

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UNE psychology student meets with a 'client' in a professional experience setting

Embrace your passion for person-centred clinical practice and pursue research excellence in the rapidly changing world of clinical psychology. UNE’s PhD in Clinical Psychology prepares you to provide high-quality clinical services as a registered psychologist, whilst you produce world-class original research in our collaborative, flexible and innovative research training environment. Complete your clinical placement in our state-of-the-art UNE Psychology Clinic, and future proof your career with clinical skills and proven research experience.

Why study the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) with UNE?

Take advantage of the strong research culture of UNE, and produce independent research of the highest calibre, with our Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) (PhD). As the third oldest Department of Psychology in Australia, we rank among the best when it comes to teaching and research excellence. Our world-class academic staff have diverse research interests in a wide range of psychology disciplines, including cognitive neuroscience, behaviour genetics, animal learning, health psychology, social psychology, environmental psychology, organisational psychology, human sexuality, and clinical psychology.

Entry to our PhD program is via the Master of Psychology (Clinical), with transfer to the PhD after your first year of study. This pathway combines your clinical placement in our state-of-the-art Psychology Clinic with rigorous research training, allowing you to pursue UNE’s highest level award in an academic environment that is renowned for its quality, integrity and flexibility.

What makes our course different?

  • Position yourself at the forefront of change and innovation, with cutting edge training in contemporary psychology research, guided by experienced academic staff. UNE Psychology received a ranking of 5 (well above world standard) in the most recent Excellence in Research for Australia, Australia’s national research evaluation framework.
  • UNE is uniquely placed to focus on the issues that are faced by people in regional and rural communities and we have a strong tradition of bringing this perspective to our internationally-respected research. We are embedded in the rural communities that we serve, and our approach to research and teaching aims to provide optimal outcomes for these areas. In fact, more than 50% of our psychology graduates are employed in rural and regional communities, areas that have traditionally suffered from workforce shortages in health and psychosocial care.
  • Hone your advanced clinical skills, and be ready for practice in the digital world, with your supervised clinical placement at the UNE Psychology Clinic. UNE's Psychology Clinic is a state-of-the-art purpose-built facility, co-located with the UNE Medical Centre, which utilises technology to support clinical practice and provide equitable access to specialist services for our community. Under close supervision from a dedicated, experienced clinical team, you will have the opportunity to provide assessment and intervention to real clients with a range of presenting psychological issues.
  • Our clinic technology is at the cutting edge of contemporary practice and research, and includes audio-visual capture of treatment sessions, iPad-based administration of psychological assessments and telehealth service delivery to clients in remote locations, who would otherwise be unable to access psychological services.
  • Receive detailed and formative feedback on your practice throughout your PhD, supporting your development of the competencies required to practice as a psychologist and clinical researcher.
  • Our research laboratories include those equipped to investigate biopsychology, eye-tracking, and electroencephalogram (EEG) to study brain function, ensuring that you have access to advanced research tools in many specialised areas of the dynamic and diverse field of psychology.
  • UNE’s programs are regionally based but globally connected through the international research collaborations of our academic staff. Our mission is to foster a collaborative, innovative, collegial environment that supports your success, anytime and anywhere. That’s why our students award us 5 stars for Overall Experience, year after year.

If you are an Australian or New Zealand student and meet the criteria for entry to the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology), you may be funded under the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) and may not incur tuition fees for the duration of the course. If you are an international student, you will incur tuition fees.

Internal funding is available to support research projects and UNE offers a range of scholarships for Higher Degree Research students.

As a PhD student at UNE, you may also be eligible to apply for the Award for Excellence in PhD Thesis in Psychology, a $1000 award by the Australian Psychological Society that aims to encourage and reward outstanding research in psychology.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

To be eligible to apply for this course you must meet all of the following entry requirements:

  • You have completed a Bachelor with Honours (AQF Level 8) accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and you have achieved a minimum result of upper second class honours.
  • You have completed the first year of the coursework component of a Master of Psychology (Clinical) with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.0.
  • You have completed a PhD research proposal, which has received relevant approval.

Eligibility for admission is reviewed by the Associate Dean Research (ADR) or delegate.

The Director Graduate Research has final authority for approving admission to research higher degrees.

All admissions are subject to the HDR Admission and Enrolment Policy.

All applicants must meet the English Language Requirements for all Higher Degree by Research candidates (see English Language Requirements higher than the University Minimum Annex).

See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • Previous qualifications documentation. You must provide a certified/notarised copy of your official transcript(s) and certificate(s) for all previous secondary and tertiary study. You do not need to provide transcripts for any previous study completed at UNE. For information on getting your documents certified/notarised, please refer to our Document Certification Guidelines.
  • Evidence of supervision. You must provide evidence that at least one UNE academic staff member has agreed to support your application/supervise your research. For example, email communication with your proposed supervisor.
  • Research proposal. You must submit a research proposal which you will complete in consultation with your potential supervisor. Your proposal must not be longer than three A4 pages. Please refer to the HDR Application Guidelines for the suggested format.
  • Referee reports. You must nominate two people (preferably external to UNE) who can testify to your academic achievements. You will need to contact your referees prior to lodging your application and request that they complete the online HDR Referee Report form. UNE cannot request these reports on your behalf.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. All documents provided must be a certified/notarised copy. Australian citizens must provide a birth certificate, passport or citizenship certificate. New Zealand citizens must provide a passport and visa. Australian Permanent Residents must provide a passport and visa, and the date you became a permanent resident. International applicants must provide a passport, and evidence of the country you hold citizenship in; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved English test within the past two years, please provide a copy of the test results with your application.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

You can apply for Advanced Standing for coursework already completed as part of other qualifications. The relevant Associate Dean Research or delegate will assess and approve Advanced Standing as part of your admission to candidature.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
International
$36,226*
Research Training Program
$0*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*For more information, visit our Research Training Program page. Please note that International fees are a guide only and will vary depending on the discipline you are applying for. Please visit our Visa and Fees page for more details.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for both Domestic and International Higher Degree Research (HDR) Students. HDR scholarships can include funding for many things including tuition fees, living allowance stipends, relocation, travel and research specific projects. There are also targeted scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

HDR Scholarships are confidential and the application process is free. Please visit the HDR scholarships webpage for current scholarship opportunities.

Your career

Career outcomes

With UNE’s Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology), you will be a proven expert in research at the highest level, having contributed substantially to the field of knowledge of clinical psychology. Your research expertise, extensive clinical practice experience, and adaptability open up a wide range of opportunities across the private, public and non-government sectors.

With registration as a psychologist and proven research experience you could consider roles in diverse settings, including:

  • academic and applied research
  • hospitals and community health services
  • policy development
  • law courts and prisons
  • private practice
  • market research.
Professional recognition

UNE’s Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and is approved as higher degree pathway by the Psychology Board of Australia.

At the completion of your PhD you will be eligible to apply for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (if you do not already hold general registration). Subsequent supervised practice will lead to endorsement as a clinical psychologist.

Course outcomes

The Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) course aims are to provide a program of independent, supervised research for high calibre graduates that makes a substantial and original contribution to scholarship and mastery of an academic field of knowledge. In addition it aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies required for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. The course includes a 5th and 6th year sequence of professional training in clinical psychology, which focuses on psychopathology and the assessment and treatment of mental disorders across the lifespan. The course includes coursework units focused on the scientist-practitioner approach and evidence-based assessment and treatment of psychological disorders, a capstone research experience which facilitates the translation of research into practice and practical placements, where students apply and develop their competencies through engaging in client work. Graduates of this course will be eligible for endorsement as a clinical psychologist after completing a further 18 months of supervised full-time equivalent practice.
  1. exhibit an expert understanding of an academic field of knowledge relevant to Clinical Psychology by: (a) having systematically acquired a substantial body of intellectual skill and experience that is grounded in contemporary developments in the field of Clinical Psychology; (b) creating and communicating original scholarship of a quality to satisfy peer review, extending the frontier of the field of knowledge and potentially meriting publication: (c) demonstrating thorough knowledge of research principles and methods applicable in advanced academic inquiry;
  2. conduct research independently and systematically by: (a) conceptualising, designing and implementing a project which will increase knowledge that is applicable or contributes new insights to the field of Clinical Psychology: (b) evaluating ideas and making informed judgments on complex issues or challenges in the field of specialisation; (c) communicating ideas, methodologies and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
  3. be accountable for their own learning and professional training by: (a) demonstrating the capacity to undertake further learning and/or a further career in or around research at an advanced level, and contributing substantially to the development or dissemination of new techniques, ideas or approaches; (b) displaying the qualities and attributes necessary to exercise personal responsibility and autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, whether in professional environments or in the public domain;
  4. effect an advanced body of knowledge of the theories, principles and practice of applied clinical psychology and an understanding of the management of psychological disorders;
  5. apply diagnostic interviewing, counselling skills and assessment and management of risk;
  6. apply the principles and practice of clinical assessment, diagnosis and case formulation, taking account of wider contextual and cultural factors;
  7. execute psychological testing and test data interpretation using a culturally responsive approach;
  8. execute high level skills in individual and group clinical interventions across the lifespan, using an evidence-based and culturally responsive approach;
  9. monitor treatment progress, modify approach based on evolving formulation and evaluate treatment outcomes;
  10. apply advanced skills in research and evaluation within a scientist-practitioner framework;
  11. consult and collaborate appropriately and ethically with other professionals in the management of complex case presentations, including in rural settings;
  12. effect knowledge of the legal and professional frameworks for practice and engage in supervision, self-reflection and self-care;
  13. apply cultural responsiveness when working with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including ATSI peoples; and
  14. apply knowledge and skills with proficiency in the workplace.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates have an extensive knowledge of clinical psychology practice, including an understanding of assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology across the lifespan. Graduates also have an advanced and demonstrated knowledge in research within clinical psychology. Graduates site their clinical practice within international perspectives on theory, diagnostic systems and evidence-based treatments. Graduates respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and understand the impact of culture on therapy.

Communication Skills

Graduates have high level verbal and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills for psychology practice and research. Graduates communicate with professionals and the general and scientific community via case reports, research reports, peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations.

Problem Solving

Graduates are logical and critical thinkers, able to select and use evidence-based procedures and techniques and critically evaluate their practice as well as research evidence.

Information Literacy

Graduates have advanced information literacy skills gained through literature searching, objective scientific writing, and exposure to resources for professional practice and research.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates practice within the legal and ethical frameworks of the profession. Graduates also have a sense of social responsibility for knowledge and decision-making and its application in professional practice. Through the application of the scientist-practitioner model, graduates contribute to the development of the profession.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates engage in continuing professional development accessing research and skills training to inform clinical practice. Graduates are also adaptable and flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change. Graduates communicate research findings to the scientific and professional communities.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates practice across a variety of clinical and research settings and work independently or collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Graduates respect multiple points of view and interact in accordance with professional ethics.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

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Why study with us?

Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.

Greg Kemmett

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. You can apply for this course at any time — there are no closing dates for applications.

If you would like to apply for a scholarship, closing dates do apply and are specific to each individual scholarship. Please see the HDR Scholarships webpage for further information.

Preparing to apply

The documents you will need to include in your application depend on:

  • Your chosen HDR program
  • Your personal circumstances

Please review the course rules and entry requirements above before you apply. If you have any questions or need help with your application please contact the Graduate Research School team.

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.