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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:
- PSYCH 708A & 708B Clinical Neuropsychology (30 points)
- PSYCH 718 Psychotherapeutic Assessment and Formulation (15 points)
- PSYCH 723 Mental Health Problems: Aetiology and Assessment (15 points)
- PSYCH 779 Research and Communication Skills (15 points)
- PSYCH 780 Dissertation (30 points)
Plus one other 15-point postgraduate course:
- Recommended course: PSYCH 707 Forensic Psychology
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:
- PSYCH 801 Scientist-practitioner Model 1 (30 points)
- PSYCH 897 Portfolio of Clinical Research Part 1 (15 points)
- PSYCH 899 Thesis Part 1 (75 points)
- Includes 200 hours of placement (as part of PSYCH 801)
Year 2:
- PSYCH 802 Scientist-practitioner Model 2 (30 points)
- PSYCH 897 Portfolio of Clinical Research Part 2 (30 points)
- PSYCH 899 Thesis Part 2 (60 points)
- Includes two placements of 200 hours each (as part of PSYCH 802)
Year 3:
- PSYCH 803 Internship (60 points)
- PSYCH 897 Portfolio of Clinical Research Part 3 (45 points)
- PSYCH 899: Thesis Part 3 (15 points)
- Includes 1500 hours of internship (as part of PSYCH 803)
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.
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
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
New Zealand Outside New Zealand
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 required2nd 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.
For more information and advice, contact the Clinical Programme Administrator:
Sheryl Robertson
Academic Services Coordinator
Phone: +64 9 923 6852
Email: s.robertson@auckland.ac.nz
Room: 302-256
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.
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
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
How much does a Doctor of Clinical Psychology cost per year?
2021 fees
Domestic studentsNZ$7,329.60*International studentsNZ$44,464.80*
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 $8.02 per point, estimated at $962.40 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 2021.
Application closing dates
Semester One 20221 November 2021 For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
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