Course details

Summary

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PGDipPsych(Clin)) is a three-year programme following the successful completion of the Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours (BSocSc(Hons)) majoring in Psychology.

The first two years of the programme are often taken concurrently with the Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc), but may also be coordinated with work toward a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). In any case, either a Masters or a PhD must be completed before you can begin the final (internship) year of the programme.

If you are interested in a PhD you should discuss your programme of study with the Convenor of the PGDipPsych(Clin) programme. The PGDipPsych(Clin) is comprised of academic coursework and supervised clinical practice.

There is a gradual transition over the three years from an emphasis on didactic teaching and observation in the first year, to mainly supervised clinical experience (internships) in the final year. In all years, substantial independent work is required, such as accessing and reading journal articles and writing clinical reports and case studies.

Clinical Psychology Programme

Clinical psychology is a discipline characterized as an applied science, with a firm empirical foundation, and an emphasis on objective data to support assessment and treatment of persons who are experiencing psychological problems in their life.

Training in clinical psychology is based on the “Boulder model” where the emphasis is on the use of research-based knowledge to develop practical competencies. An integration of science and practice is emphasized so that research informs practice, practical understanding and issues guide meaningful research, and individualized and unique clinical work is strengthened by scientific method.

Clinical psychologists base their assessment and treatment on the evidence generated through research. Assessment and treatment with clients raises new questions which helps design research. For these reasons, clinical psychologists need to be trained in both practice and research as well the integration of the two.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology is a three-year programme of study, usually taken concurrently with the Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The programme involves four professional papers and a twelve-month supervised internship.

Papers for the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical)

• PSYC521 Professional Issues in Clinical Practice (20 points)
• PSYC522 Bicultural Approaches to Clinical Practice(20 points)
• PSYC523 Clinical Practicum 1: Fundamental Clinical Skills(20 points)
• PSYC524 Clinical Practicum 2: Advanced and Specialist Skills(20 points)
• PSYC526 Clinical Internship – Assessment focused (part-time 15 points; full-time 30 points)
• PSYC527 Clinical Internship – Treatment focused (part-time 15 points; full-time 30 points)

Entry criteria

Applicants must be a graduate of a recognized Bachelor’s degree with a B/B+ grade average. They must also have a major in the relevant subject area with a B/B+ grade average.

English language requirements:

IELTS - 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in writing); iBT (internet based TOFEL) - 90 with a score of 22 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic- 65 with English language requirements no less than 58 for each communicative skill; From Waikato Pathways College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic (CAAE) programme.