Selection
Is application to the DCP/MSc very competitive?
Yes, as an indication of interest for the program approximately 100 applications are received each year, of these 50 may be interviewed and 15-20 offered places.
How many places are availble for the DCN/MSc?
The Doctor of Clinical Neuropsychology/Master of Science degree is no longer offered.
What is the selection process for admission?
Applicants must meet the admission requirements to be considered. Applications are evaluated according to the criteria listed below. Applications are scored and ranked according to these criteria and top ranking applications are invited to the selection interview. Finally, Applicants are scored and ranked according to interview performance and academic record. The top ranked applicants are offered places.
- Undergraduate academic performance
- Additional academic qualifications in Psychology: MSc, PhD in Psychology
- Publications: published journal articles, published reports, conference presentations
- Relevant clinical work experience: Paid work experience (Psychologist, Counsellor, clinically relevant research), Voluntary work experience (teaching, research, other).
- Referee Reports
Does the University of Sydney offer interviews as part of the admission procedure?
Yes, the interview is an essential part of the selection process. A limited number of applicants will be invited to interview following the evaluation of application documents.
What does the selection interview involve?
The interview is usually conducted by a panel of two staff members (one from the Clinical Psychology Unit and one from the School of Psychology or an external Clinical Supervisor) and lasts around 20 minutes. The interviews are standardised so that all candidates are asked the same set of questions. The questions are designed to assess the candidate's academic, research and work experience and performance, aptitude for clinical psychology or clinical neuropsychology, understanding and awareness of ethical and other issues relevant to clinical practice.
When will the interview be conducted?
Interviews may be conducted in the mid to late November. Exact dates for interviews are not normally set until all applications have been received on the closing date.
I am a local student but will be overseas at the time of interview, can I have a phone interview?
No, phone interviews are not offered to local students who are overseas at the time of interview. It may be considered however, if local students have access to SKYPE, to have have web cam based interview.
I am a international student, am I able to have a phone interview?
All International students are asked to arrange access to a computer with webcam and SKYPE access during the interview period. International students are to advise at the time of application on the application form, their SKYPE address, in order to have a web cam based interview. If at the time of interview, technical difficulties are experienced with SKYPE, a telephone interview may be offered. Therefore International students are asked to nominate on clearly on their application form, the SKYPE address and the landline telephone number that will be contactable on during the interview period. It is however, in the applicant's best interests to have a web cam interview.
When will I be advised of the outcome of my application?
Applicants are potentially advised of the outcome of their application and selection interview, early to mid December. The most highly ranked applicants are offered places. In the event that an applicant declines the offer of a place, a process begins whereby the next most highly ranked applicant on the reserve list is offered the place. Applicants offered places have one week to accept or decline the offer. Should places be offered to applicants on the reserve list, reserve list applicants may not be advised of the outcome of their application for series of weeks as a result of the acceptance procedure. Please note this acceptance procedure usually runs into January, therefore applicants on the reserve list may not be contacted regarding the outcome of their application until this time.
