Program Structure

How is the DCP/MSc program structured?

The Doctor of Clinical Psychology/Master of Science (DCP/MSc) is a double degree, initially students enrol only in the DCP degree, the coursework component of the degree. In second semester of second year they also enrol part time in a MSc degree, the research component of the degree. In the third year, students enrol full time in the MSc degree and only part time in the DCP (a zero credit point load). Students will graduate with both a DCP coursework degree and a MSc research degree.

How is the DCP & PhD program structured?

All students must initially enrol in the DCP/MSc program. In the third year, students who have made excellent progress and whose projects are of sufficient scope and merit may apply for transfer to a PhD degree, subject to approval and satisfactory production of a thesis proposal. For students eligible to upgrade from a MSc to a PhD, the program will involve at least four and a half years of full time study. Students will graduate with both a DCP coursework degree and a PhD research degree.

Is the Doctor of Clinical Psychology/Master of Science different to a Master of Clinical Psychology?

At the University of Sydney, the three year Doctor of Clinical Psychology/Master of Science (DCP/MSc) has replaced the two year Master of Clinical Psychology (MPsychol). The DCP/MSc encompasses all of the content of the MPsychol plus goes into further depth with an additional year of supervised clinical internships and research. DCP/MSc candidates graduate with two degrees, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology coursework degree AND a Master of Science research degree. After two years of provisional registration, following the successful completion of all coursework, clinical internship and research requirements for the first two years of the DCP/MSc program, students will be eligible for full registration with the NSW Psychologists Registration Board. At the end of third year, after all requirements for the DCP/MSc degrees have been met, students will qualify for progression to the grade of Clinical Psychologist, as recognized by the New South Wales Department of Health, Corrective Services, and Community Services.

Can I take out a Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree without the research component (Master of Science)?

No, The DCP will only be awarded upon completion of the MSc or PhD. The DCP/MSc and DCP & PhD programs are structured as double degrees.

I have completed already completed a research degee (MSc or PhD), can I complete the Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree alone to gain a clinical qualification?

No. The DCP will only be awarded upon completion of the MSc or PhD. The DCP/MSc and DCP & PhD programs are structured as double degrees. If you have already completed and have been awarded a MSc or PhD, you will be required to complete another MSc or PhD as part of requirements for the DCP/MSc and DCP & PhD program. It may be possible, in special circumstances, for a clinically-relevant project to be transferred into the DCP/MSc or DCP & PhD provided that the thesis has not already been submitted for another degree. Applicants will be required to complete and be successful in the application process for the DCP. Such cases will be considered on an individual basis.

I want to complete a Master of Science by research in clinical psychology but not the DCP/MSc program.

The Clinical Psychology Unit is only able to provide information on the DCP/MSc program. For information on a MSc alone, please contact in the School of Psychology. Information on the areas of research interests for Clinical Psychology Unit academic staff is available from this website.

I want to complete a PhD (research) in clinical psychology but not the DCP & PhD program.

The Clinical Psychology Unit is only able to provide information on the DCP & PhD program. For information on a PhD alone, please contact in the School of Psychology. Information on the areas of research interests for Clinical Psychology Unit academic staff is available from this website.

How is the DCP/MSc offered?

The Doctor of Clinical Psychology/Master of Science (DCP/MSc) involves three years of full time study. The DCP/MSc is offered full time. The program is not available by distance education nor is single unit of study enrolment permitted. Intake is only accepted for the March semester of each year. Mid year intake is not available. The two year Master of Clinical Psychology degree is no longer offered at the University of Sydney. The Doctor of Clinical Neuropsychology/Master of Science is no longer offered.

Can I study the DCP/MSc part time?

Part time places are not available. The DCP/MSc is only available full time.

Am I able to commence the course mid year?

No. Mid year intake is not available. Intake is only accepted for the March semester. The DCP/MSc is only available as a full time three year degree, units of study are NOT available as single unit of study enrolment.

What date does the course start?

Semester 1 2010 commences Monday 1 March 2010. An Orientation meeting is scheduled prior to the start of Semester 1 that all students will be expected to attend. The tentative date for the Orientation meeting is Wednesday 24 February 2010.

Can I complete one DCP unit of study only in order to fulfill requirements for APS or Psychologists' Registration Board?

No. Single unit of study enrolment is not permitted. DCP units of study are only offered to students enrolled full time or part time in the DCP/MSc program. This also means that single unit of study is also not permitted for students wishing to complete just one subject of their interest or overseas students wishing to to complete a semester aboard. The University of Sydney does not offer single unit of study enrolment, therefore does not provide any top up or upgrade to a clinical qualification, for example for the purposes of making up subjects to meet requirements for membership to the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.

Does the University of Sydney meet standards for Psychological Associations and Registration Boards in other countries eg. USA?

You will need to contact the Australian Psychological Society and NSW Psychologists' Registration Board for further information. Or you will need to contact the relevant associations in your own country.

How much supervised clinical internship experience is offered in the DCP/MSc program?

DCP/MSc students complete three years of supervised clinical internship experience. This equates to 1500 hours of clinical internship experience and 600 hours of client contact. In the first half of first year, students receive clinical skills training and complete internal clinical internship observation. In the second half of first year, students commence internal clinical internships with adult therapy, child psychometric and adult psychometric (240 hours); in second year, an internal clinical internship with adult therapy, child therapy, child psychometric and adult psychometric (280 hours) plus an external clinical internship (336 hours); in third year a second external clinical internship (336 hours) plus a third external clinical internship (336 hours). The internal internships take place in the on campus Psychology Clinic whilst the external clinical internships take place in hospital and community settings.

How much research is involved in the DCP/MSc program?

DCP/MSc students are required to complete research requirements throughout all three years of the program. The research component comprises approximately 33% of the program, averaged across the three years. Students are required to complete a Master of Science research thesis, by the end of second semester of third year, in accordance with the University's Regulations of the Senate for a Master of Science thesis.

What is the coursework component of the DCP/MSc program?

The academic coursework involves lectures, workshops, forums and seminars by the University academic staff. Guest lecturers are also invited from time to time.

What is the approach of the DCP/MSc program?

The DCP/MSc adopts a Scientist-Practitioner model with a cognitive-behavioural approach.

Does the DCP/MSc program only involve a cognitive-behavioural approach or other frameworks included?

The DCP/MSc program is largely based on a cognitive-behavioural approach. However, within the program you are offered several two day advanced seminars on interpersonal therapy, schema therapy, integrated approaches to psychotherapy, and family therapy.

Will I be able to do casual work if I am studying full time on DCP/MSc program?

The DCP/MSc is an intensive full time program. Information is available for the workload distribution which outlines for the time commitments for each of the coursework, internship and research components of the degree. Alternatively you may email currently enrolled students for a student perspective. Students are not encouraged to work, however, it recognised that students need to support themselves financially. Some students manage to work casually one day a week, for example, finding employment as a tutor or research assistant in the School of Psychology.