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Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) 

N008     


Study Mode Study Level Duration Campus and Intake Show intake calendar
Full-time
Part-time (day & evening) 		Research 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time Hawthorn (Semester 1)

This is a higher degree by research, incorporating coursework and professional placement components, completed over four years of full-time or eight years of part-time study*. It is possible for students to move between full-time and part-time modes in certain circumstances.

The program gives candidates the opportunity to develop professional and research skills in counselling psychology. The major component of the program (70%) involves a substantial research project, and reporting this research in the form of a thesis. Normally the thesis is 40,000-60,000 words in length, not including appendices and references.

A research topic must be mutually agreed upon by the candidate and a member of staff in the psychology discipline who is qualified to supervise the research. There will normally be an intake of up to five new entrants each year. The faculty may vary the frequency of intake and the number of new entrants depending on the availability of staff to provide suitable research supervision.

Prospective local students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology), Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) or Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology).
 
 
*International student visa holders must study full-time.

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Aim
To provide students with key generic skills commensurate to those promoted by the Psychology Board of Australia.
 
Objectives
  • To promote the development of a broad base of knowledge and understanding of general psychological principles and of their application to human behaviour
  • To enhance a student’s understanding of human behaviour and the competencies and experiences needed to enter into appropriate occupational settings
  • To facilitate the development of competencies and an in‐depth knowledge of major issues, techniques and theories enabling students to function as entry‐level practitioners in human services and mental health fields
  • To expose students to applied areas of psychology, through field experiences and supervision, thus providing opportunities to practice prerequisite skills and competencies
  • To enable students to assess the level of psychological functioning of individuals, groups, organisations, couples and families experiencing difficulties connected with relationships, education, careers, work, crisis and life changes and to formulate appropriate interventions strategies
  • To become competent in the administration and interpretation of a range of psychological assessment tools and techniques and to develop a capacity to diagnose psychological disorders and formulate appropriate interventions
  • To apply more specialised psychological skills and knowledge to normal and/or clinical populations
  • To maintain high standards of professional practice in order to protect the public by training in: a) ethical, legal and professional matters; self‐evaluation skills – developing awareness of professional limitations; therapeutic interventions, the ability to assess client behaviour, cognitions and to affect and identify presenting problems. To determine whether the practitioner has the skills base to apply appropriate therapeutic intervention, or whether to make a referral to a more qualified practitioner; b) professional competencies in professional work settings; c) assessment of students’ level of proficiency in the specified competencies

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Candidates undertaking the Doctor in Psychology (Counselling Psychology) program will complete the coursework components, 1500 hours of placement and their major thesis. Graduates will be highly skilled in research and professional practice in the area of counselling psychology.

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Semester 2
HAY672 Research Project (Counselling) H2

Note: subject availability may vary slightly from year to year due to timetable constraints.
 
* International students are required to study full-time.

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Graduates are equipped for careers in counselling psychology in hospitals, community welfare organisations, research organisations, and private practice.

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This program has been granted full accreditation as a fifth and sixth year course in psychology by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Graduates will be eligible for:
  • Membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
  • Registration as a psychologist
  • Membership of the APS College of Counselling Psychologists, after a one year internship approved by the Psychology Board of Australia

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The formal admission requirements for the doctorate are:
  • A degree from an Australian university and a completed 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
  • 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
  • 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
Applicants with excellent results in their fourth year studies and relevant human services work experience 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.
  
Note: this program is normally available on a full-time basis only.
 
Applicants  who have obtained qualifications from overseas should ensure that their qualifications have been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
 
Following Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) guidelines, only recent postgraduate formal training will be recognised as prior learning in relation to this course.

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of previous experience.  Credit or partial credit towards a qualification cannot be granted in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience and/or life experience.
 
Following Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) guidelines, only recent postgraduate formal training will be recognised as prior learning in relation to this course.

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Candidates are eligible to apply for both Australian Postgraduate Awards and Swinburne University of Technology Postgraduate Research Awards. The application closing date for these awards is 31 October each year. Go to www.swinburne.edu.au/research/schols.htm

Candidates are also eligible to apply, on a competitive basis, for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) fee waiver after the equivalent full-time first year of study.

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Refer to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies website for further information and guidelines www.swin.edu.au/research/schols.htm

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Domestic applicants for the Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) program must lodge the following forms and associated documents by the closing date:
 Closing Date: 26 October 2012 (for Semester 1, 2013 intake).

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Web: Enquire online
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au
 

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