Note: 144 UOC is the PhD component only.

The combined Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Psychology (Forensic) degree program has an emphasis on research training in forensic fields. The combined degree program requires a minimum of four full-time years to complete, and offers advanced training in research skills that are particularly relevant to forensic areas. It is accredited as fifth and sixth years of study leading to full membership of the Australian Psychological Society and to its College of Forensic Psychologists, and registration as a psychologist in NSW.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree encourages initiative and originality in research. Students will make a significant contribution to knowledge in their field and will be competent to carry out research in their chosen area.

The combined program consists of two components which are compulsory: (1) a research project (PhD), and (2) a coursework component (MPsychol(For)). The research project should be original, and lead to a significant contribution to our knowledge of the nature of psychological processes, particularly in the field of forensic psychology. The program structure requires students to work on their research project during the entire candidature until submission, and the same research-related requirements as for the regular PhD degree (Program code 1400) will apply for the first two years of this program. University regulations and guidelines for good practice in postgraduate research supervision will apply to this program.

Students will concurrently undertake a compulsory coursework component, which is set out below. There are twelve courses and students will normally complete these by taking three courses in each of the four years. In the first year only one course may be taken in Session 1. The coursework program focuses on training in the assessment of people with a range of psychological disorders, disabilities and/or special needs, advanced interviewing and counselling skills for dealing with such clients, familiarity with statutory and common law provisions and procedures and government policies and programs relevant to different forensic settings.

Note: For information on a course please view its record in the Postgraduate section, accessed via the Handbook Home link to the left.

The normal entrance requirements are (1) completion of an Honours Class 1 degree in Psychology from UNSW or a qualification deemed equivalent, and (2) the availability of adequate supervision and research infrastructure. As the number of places is limited, entry into the combined program is competitive. Referees reports will be sought for applicants who are short-listed and an interview may be required. Students may apply for advanced standing, credit transfer or exemption of coursework components. The minimum period of registration before the award of the degrees is eight sessions.

Please refer to the following website for more information: http://legacy.handbook.unsw.edu.au/general/2007/SSAPO/AwardRulesFSci_PhDMPsychol.html

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

If you are considering applying for a PhD at UNSW you will need to make contact with the relevant School or Faculty. This is necessary in order to establish that your research interests and those of the School and Faculty are aligned, and that there is a suitable supervisor for your particular area of research.

Prospective students are strongly advised to make contact with potential supervisors before applying for research study at the University.

Please refer to the relevant Faculty home page for contact details of Schools and Departments.

Please refer to the following web-page for further information on how to apply, scholarships, English language requirements, thesis preparation and other research related matters: www.unsw.edu.au/futurestudents/research