The Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Clinical Psychology provides you with an opportunity to gain the highest level of research and practical training in clinical psychology. The two strands reflect and facilitate the scientific-practitioner model of practice.
Study with Us
Research
Globally recognised for our research strengths and innovations in teaching, our impact-driven research transforms lives and shapes the future.
About Western
School of Business
School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences
School of Education
School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment
School of Health Sciences
School of Humanities and Communication Arts
School of Law
School of Medicine
School of Nursing and Midwifery
School of Psychology
School of Science
School of Social Sciences
School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences
School of Education
School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment
School of Health Sciences
School of Humanities and Communication Arts
School of Law
School of Medicine
School of Nursing and Midwifery
School of Psychology
School of Science
School of Social Sciences
Duration
Full Time: 4.5 Years
Next Start Date
05 January 2026
End of Session
Campuses^
Penrith
Bankstown City
Domestic Student Fees
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 1812
CRICOS Code: 111602F
Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Clinical Psychology at Western
This degree provides an opportunity for exceptional students to gain the highest level of research training as well as specialised professional training in clinical psychology. Two strands reflect and facilitate the scientist-practitioner model of practice. The PhD in this combined program will engage future clinicians in research. Following commencement of the PhD, the Master of Clinical Psychology complements this study through academic programwork.
The combined degree provides thorough training in the knowledge, clinical and research skills necessary to understand dysfunctional behaviour and psychopathology, and to implement effective evidence-based interventions.
This is achieved through the following:
1. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree provides graduates with the training, education and capacity to complete a research project in a topic in clinical psychology at a high level of originality and quality.
2. Specified programwork and 1000 hours of supervised placement within the Master of Clinical Psychology is designed to develop competent clinical psychologists with a thorough training in evidence-based clinical psychological theory and practice.
Application Process:
- For PhD: Apply directly through the Graduate Research School.
- For Master of Clinical Psychology: Apply directly through UAC
Make your next move
Our Postgraduate Expo is the perfect chance to explore study options, get career advice and have real conversations that can shape your future.
Register now to join us from 6pm, Thursday 16 October.
The Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Western is ranked in the Top 200 in the world for Psychology in the QS World University Rankings 2023 by subject.
What you can expect to study
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue an academic research career, and/or complete the remaining requirements for the full endorsement of practice in clinical psychology, as avenues to a career in:
- Private Practice
- Hospitals
- Mental and Community Health Centres
- Disability and Home Care
- Alcohol and other Drugs Rehabilitation Centres
Alumni
"For me, the most meaningful attribute of this combined degree was the supervision. Expert research and clinical supervision allowed for extensive guidance and support in navigating what is an incredibly interesting, complex and rewarding academic and professional pursuit."
- Daniel Talbot, Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Clinical Psychology
Entry requirements for domestic students
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about special requirements here.
Entry requirements for international students
**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.
Indicative annual fee
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
Apply as a Domestic Student
As a Domestic (HDR) student undertaking the M Clinical Psychology component, you are usually provided with a funded government place under the Research Training Program (RTP).
For the PhD component, this place is four and a half years full time. Overtime fees beyond this period may apply.
There are overtime fees for Higher Degree Research studies where RTP and Western Sydney University funded EFTSL has been exceeded.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
Apply as an International Student
You should refer to the Higher Degree Research Fees page for information about tuition fees for this program.
FAQs
We have compiled a list of answers to some of the most common enquiries regarding Higher Degree Research, as well as information around fees.
Want to know more?
We're here to provide clarity.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.if you have any further questions or would like to know more, please submit your enquiry here.
For more information visit the Higher Degree Research Knowledge Directory.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.