University of Sydney Handbooks - 2017 Archive

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Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy

 

Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy


These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Coursework Policy 2014, the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism. Up to date versions of all such documents are available from the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies.
In respect of the Master of Clinical Psychology component of the double degree, these resolutions must be read in conjunction with the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 and the Resolutions of the Faculty of Science.
In respect of the Doctor of Philosophy component of the double degree, these resolutions must be read in conjunction with the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011.

Course resolutions

1 Course codes

Code

Course and stream title

MACLPPHD-01 / RPPHDSCI-04

Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy

2 Attendance pattern

The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time. Both full-time and part-time students must follow a fixed timetable in the Master of Clinical Psychology component of the double degree.

3 Admission to candidature

Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit and interview, according to the following admissions criteria.
(1)
To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean, an applicant must:
(a)
hold or have completed the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Economics (Social Sciences)(Honours) or Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours) from the University of Sydney with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours Division 1 in Psychology; and
(b)
satisfy the Head of the School of Psychology of his or her personal suitability for the practice of clinical psychology, as determined by interview.
(2)
The Dean or Associate Dean may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause (1), provided that the applicant holds a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the Dean or Associate Dean, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).
(3)
An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the Faculty:
(a)
satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission; and
(b)
two academic referees' reports, as required by the Head of the School of Psychology.
(4)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants who wish to be considered for admission under the Cadigal Program must additionally apply through the University's Koori Centre. Eligible applicants may be given priority in ranking.
(5)
The admission requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy must also be satisfied.

4 Requirements for award

(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the Master of Clinical Psychology are set out in the table of units of study for the Master of Clinical Psychology course.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the degree of Master of Clinical Psychology, a candidate must:
(a)
complete 96 credit points of units of study as set out in the table of units of study; and
(b)
complete clinical placements as prescribed by the Head of School; and
(c)
conduct a research project on an approved topic.
(3)
The candidate must also satisfy the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.

5 Cross-institutional study

Cross-institutional study is not available in this course.

6 Course transfer

(1)
A candidate in the Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy double degree may abandon the Master of Clinical Psychology component and continue in the Doctor of Philosophy.
(2)
A candidate in the Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy double degree may abandon the Doctor of Philosophy and transfer into the Master of Clinical Psychology standalone degree course.

7 Credit for previous study

(1)
Credit transfer for the Master of Clinical Psychology component is subject to the provisions of the Coursework Rule and the Resolutions of the Faculty of Science, except that:
(a)
no more than 48 credit points may be credited; and
(b)
the coursework should have been completed no more than three years prior to first enrolment in this course and not have been counted towards another award.
(2)
Credit transfer for the Doctor of Philosophy component is subject to the provisions of the Doctor of Philosophy course resolutions relating to the degree of Master of Science and the HDR Rule.

8 Time limits

Except with the permission of the Dean or Associate Dean, a candidate will complete the requirements for the Master of Clinical Psychology component of the double degree:
(1)
within a minimum period of six semesters and a maximum period of twelve semesters for full-time study; or
(2)
within a minimum period of eight semesters and a maximum period of twelve semesters for part-time study; and
(2)
within six calendar years of admission to candidature.

9 Transitional provisions

(1)
These resolutions apply to persons who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2017 and persons who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2017 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2017 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed by 1 January, 2020, or later date as the faculty may, in special circumstances, approve.

Course overview

The Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy (MCP and PhD) is a double degree which trains psychology graduates in the professional specialisation of clinical psychology and provides doctoral level research training in a clinically relevant area. The MCP and PhD program is based on a Scientist-Practitioner model with an emphasis on a cognitive behavioural therapeutic approach, providing students with expertise, both practical and academic, to enable them to work as professional Clinical Psychologists in a variety of clinical settings. Advanced units of study and external placements allow students to develop a breadth of clinical experience as they are introduced to additional therapeutic approaches such as Schema therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, Systems and Child and Family therapy. The MCP and PhD double degree is awarded upon the successful completion of all coursework, clinical placement and research components for both degrees.

Course outcomes

Graduates will have a highly developed knowledge base and strong clinical skills necessary for both the practice of professional psychology and conducting psychological research.