Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Neuropsychology

This course prepares psychology graduates for academic/research and professional careers by providing advanced training in both research and the skills required for practice in clinical neuropsychology. It consists of a combination of coursework, supervised practical experience and a major research component culminating in a thesis of about 70,000 words. A feature of the course is that training in clinical neuropsychology is extended through specialisation in a choice of areas, including rehabilitation, child and adolescent neuropsychology, geriatric neuropsychology, psychiatric neuropsychology and forensic psychology. Clinical neuropsychology is a field which applies an understanding of the neural basis of cognition, behaviour and emotion to the assessment and treatment of adults and children with neurological disorders.The course prepares students for careers in a broad range of settings, including in acute hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care programs, psychiatric settings, paediatric facilities and private practice.The course has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council for the purpose of full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and has been approved by the APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists. In general, a further two years of supervised relevant experience will be necessary for registration as a specialist clinical neuropsychologist. On completion of the course, graduates may apply for registration as a psychologist in Victoria. Candidates who have completed the course will demonstrate a thorough understanding of relevant research techniques in their field through a review of the relevant literature. They will demonstrate their ability, under supervision, to apply relevant research techniques to their chosen field of study. Candidates will be able to present high-quality written work suitable for publication in appropriate scholarly journals, and be able to critically evaluate both their own and others' written work in their chosen field.
Minimum entrance requirements Applicants must have a bachelors degree with honours 1 or honours 2A in psychology from Monash University, or have qualifications which in the opinion of the Research Graduate School Committee are equivalent for a satificatory substitute. The bachelors degree must be accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. In addition to their academic record, applicants will be selected on the basis of their personal suitability for clinical psychology, with factors such as referees reports and presentation at a selection interview considered.
Clinical neuropsychology is a field which applies an understanding of the neural basis of cognition, emotion and behaviour to the assessment and treatment of adults and children with neurological and psychological disorders. Clinical neuropsychologists are employed in acute hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care programmes, forensic settings, psychiatric settings, and paediatric facilities. Private practitioners undertake a range of work including medico-legal assessments. The degree prepares graduates, using the scientist-practitioner model, to conduct research in neuropsychology and to work as clinical neuropsychologists in a broad range of settings. A feature of the course is that its training in clinical neuropsychology is extended through specialisation in a choice of areas. Candidates undertake an advanced specialised placement in their third year, which enables them to gain more specialised knowledge and experience in an area of their choice. Candidates conduct a prescribed program of research for a specified period under the direct supervision of a member of the academic staff. The supervisor, in consultation with the candidate, is responsible for developing the research program to be followed by the candidate, and for reporting at regular intervals on the candidate's progress. Candidates submit a thesis in addition to clinical placements and a prescribed coursework component. The work undertaken as part of this degree must constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the field of clinical neuropsychology, and must demonstrate the capacity of the candidate to carry out independent research. This course may be undertaken in any of the areas of research offered by the faculty. For information about research in the faculty visit http://www.med.monash.edu.au/research.