Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Next start date
1 March 2021
Available locations
City
Points
360
Programme type
Doctorate

Programme overview

Clinical psychology is a broad field of clinical practice and research within the discipline of psychology. This professional postgraduate qualification combines original research and clinical practice to prepare candidates for their career as a clinical psychologist.

Candidates complete a preparatory year, specialising in Clinical Psychology, before entry into the three-year DClinPsy programme. Entry into the Clinical Psychology programme is by an application and interview process. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in psychology, be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have relevant work experience (paid or voluntary). 

Candidates can apply for the Clinical Psychology programme by the supplementary application process.

More information

Programme structure

Three years of full-time study, with an additional year of Preparatory Clinical Psychology.

Preparatory Clinical Psychology compulsory courses:

Plus one other 15-point postgraduate course:

Successful applicants who have already completed a research honours or masters degree will enrol in a bridging programme and will be required to complete PSYCH 708A & 708B Clinical Neuropsychology, PSYCH 718 Psychotherapeutic Assessment and Formulation and PSYCH 723 Mental Health Problems: Aetiology and Assessment.

Clinical Psychology compulsory courses:

Year 1:

Year 2:

Year 3:

The placement component is at least one child/family and one adult placement. Evaluation is by internal examination for individual courses/placements and external examination for the research components.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Grade required
    2nd class division i
    • GPA of at least 6.0 in the preliminary Honours year
    • Demonstrate the ability and personal qualities necessary to pursue this programme of study.

Further programme requirements

Supervision and research requirements

Programme-specific requirements

Entry to the DClinPsych is restricted to New Zealand and Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents.

Entry into the Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) is restricted to New Zealand and Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Meeting our academic entry requirements does not guarantee entry. Entry to the clinical programme is competitive, and is based on application, selection and interview. All shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as part of the assessment process. Typically interviews are scheduled in late November. Successful applicants are advised in December/January.

To gain entry into the three-year doctorate, you must first apply for and complete the clinical honours/preparatory year, which includes passing courses in clinical theory and practice and an honours-level dissertation (PSYCH 708, 718, 723, 780 or their equivalents) with a GPA of 6.0.

Successful applicants who have completed an honours or masters programme, but have not fulfilled all the clinical prerequisite courses listed above, must complete these under a bridging programme.

Successful applicants who have already completed the clinical prerequisite courses during prior study will have a stand-down year while others in their cohort complete the bridging programme.

Find more information about the admission process.

How to apply

Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 6.0
    • GPA of at least 6.0 in the preliminary Honours year
    • Demonstrate the ability and personal qualities necessary to pursue this programme of study.
  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Supervision and research requirements

Programme-specific requirements

Entry to the DClinPsy is restricted to New Zealand and Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents.

Entry into the Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) is restricted to New Zealand and Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Meeting our academic entry requirements does not guarantee entry. Entry to the clinical programme is competitive, and is based on application, selection and interview. All shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as part of the assessment process. Typically interviews are scheduled in late November. Successful applicants are advised in December/January.

To gain entry into the three-year doctorate, you must first apply for and complete the clinical honours/preparatory year, which includes passing courses in clinical theory and practice and an honours-level dissertation (PSYCH 708, 718, 723, 780 or their equivalents) with a GPA of 6.0.

Successful applicants who have completed an honours or masters programme, but have not fulfilled all the clinical prerequisite courses listed above, must complete these under a bridging programme.

Successful applicants who have already completed the clinical prerequisite courses during prior study will have a stand-down year while others in their cohort complete the bridging programme.

Find more information about the admission process.

How to apply

Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Doctor of Clinical Psychology cost per year?

2023 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,659.60*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

The next programme start date is 1 March 2023.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2023
1 November 2022
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Clinical psychologists are involved in professional practice, research, teaching and supervision, programme development and evaluation, consultation, public policy and other activities that promote psychological health in individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities. The application of clinical psychology is aimed at preventing, treating, and reducing emotional and psychological problems, personality issues, psychopathology and skill deficits underlying distress or psychological problems. The University of Auckland DClinPsy is approved by the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Graduates may apply to be registered in the Clinical Psychology Scope of Practice.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Clinical psychologist

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