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Master of Applied Psychology + Doctor of Philosophy

Course Code: D1028 M1156 M1157

This course is offered to students wishing to combine professional training at Master's level in Clinical or Organisational Psychology with compatible research at the PhD level. It combines a thorough professional training in the chosen area of specialisation with the high level of research training associated with doctoral-level studies.

The combined program allows students to fulfill the requirements of both the relevant Masters degree and the PhD. Students who have a strong academic record demonstrating particular strength in the area of research may be considered for this program. A IIA honours degree or equivalent is a minimum requirement for entry into this program. Candidates will normally complete the full first year of the Masters course before going on to enrol in the PhD for the second, third and fourth years. Combined program students are exempted from the Masters thesis requirement and normally complete a 12-point external placement unit concurrently with the PhD commitment. Whilst candidates are advised to complete the first year of the Masters course in advance of beginning the PhD, it is possible to begin with the latter. Further information about this program is obtainable from the School website www.psychology.murdoch.edu.au

There are two Masters' courses available: clinical psychology and organisational psychology. Coursework is selected and placements organised according to the area of specialisation. It is a requirement that the topic of the PhD must relate to the area of specialisation.

This course adheres to a scientist-practitioner model that stresses a systematic problem-solving approach. Its objective is to prepare psychologists who are skilled in individual casework and can apply their skills and knowledge to prevention, research, development, and evaluation at the individual, organisational, community and system levels. It is a professional qualification in Applied Psychology leading to employment in the health, educational, occupational, ergonomic and community areas, which meets international standards. The course also develops students to be expert researchers in their chosen area of expertise.

Level:	Master - Coursework/Doctorate - Research
Qualification:	Master of Applied Psychology (MAppPsych) + Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Duration:	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Availability:	Murdoch campus (internal)
Employment Prospects:	Job prospects for psychologists are very good; employment growth is expected to be strong following recent government initiatives. On graduation from this course, students will be highly employable in a wide variety of areas, including private practice as a registered psychologist, and working in various public and private sector agencies in areas such as health, community development, justice, education, and disabilities.
Special Requirements:	As many agencies require all staff working with their clients or patients to have a police clearance, students are required to obtain a Federal police clearance (which will include WA clearance) if accepted into the course. In addition, if working with children a separate screening by the Department of Community Development is required. Clearly any agency will only be seeking information about behaviours that may place vulnerable clients at risk and will not be interested in any other types of behaviour. The student must meet the cost of obtaining these clearances. Please note that some organisations providing professional placements require students to provide full immunisation records. Applicants must be in a position to provide these records if required.
Professional Recognition:	The course is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and is recognised as such by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Western Australian Psychologists' Registration Board. Graduates will be eligible for direct registration as psychologists with the WA Psychologists' Registration Board.

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Document creation: 2004-06-08
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URL: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/handbook/courses/71156