Handbook

Required reading

General information

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

International

Handbook sitemap

Professional doctorates in the Faculty of Health Sciences

Course code/s: Albury-Wodonga, Melbourne (HDCS)

Doctor of Clinical Science

Offered in the following specialisations:

• Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Clinical Vision Sciences
• Family Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Professional Doctorates

Offered in the following disciplines:

• Doctor of Counselling Psychology
• Doctor of Nursing
• Doctor of Physiotherapy
• Doctor of Public Health
• Doctor of Social Work

These programs provide an alternative to the traditional PhD for experienced practitioners in the health-related professions, and for other graduates to further develop their expertise and increase their research in professional settings. The programs for each are similar, but the research component will specialise in relevant professional areas.

The program is designed to be the equivalent of four years full-time (although many students will study part-time) and consists of approximately one-third coursework and two-thirds thesis. The coursework component of the Doctorates will assist students to develop their expertise over a broader area than is possible with a single thesis topic.

Students can specialise in any of the profession-specific areas listed below, however, not all areas will be available for any one intake year.

The doctorates adhere to the Commonwealth Government definition of a research degree and may allow candidates to gain a funded research place and to apply for Commonwealth scholarships (full-time).

In the first year of the program, all students will study subjects in health research. These subjects will expose students to advanced qualitative and quantitative approaches to research in health care, will canvas research issues in clinical science, social work and public health, and will reinforce students’ skills in research synthesis.

To complete first year, electives are taken from within the Faculty or outside the Faculty, depending on the field of study undertaken by a student. Up to 30 credit points of elective subjects may be taken from appropriate existing coursework masters subjects, although doctoral level assessment is required.

A particular strength of the professional doctorates is the possibility of taking up to 75 per cent of the coursework in subjects with a strong professional orientation, including practicum electives.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have:

• an Honours degree of at least H2A standard or equivalent, or a Masters by coursework. In each case the degree must include a thesis component of at least 10,000 words, of a high academic standard, and
• at least three years of relevant professional experience.

In some circumstances, a candidate who can supply sufficient evidence of research capacity may be admitted through a special entry category. For more information contact the relevant school.

Applicants enrolling in the clinical science doctorates and professional doctorates will be required to have appropriate professional qualifications.

Applicants enrolling in the Doctor of Public Health will have either appropriate professional qualifications (eg. a Master of Public Health) or relevant professional experience in public health, as determined by the Department of Public Health.

Thesis

Option 1

A thesis of approximately 30,000–60,000 words (depending on whether the thesis is science or arts based) and which should not exceed 75,000 words.

Option 2

A bound volume incorporating published papers and an integrating overview of the research totalling approximately 30,000–60,000 words, but not exceeding 75,000 words.

The research for both options must be undertaken during the period of candidature.

The degree of rigour and intellectual standing of a thesis for a professional doctorate is the same as that of a PhD, but is not as extensive in scope.

It is expected that the thesis topic will be relevant to the profession in which the candidate works. The thesis should demonstrate the candidate’s ability for critical appreciation of current knowledge in the field of study and build on that knowledge to make an original contribution to the field of study or practice.

Seminars

Seminars will be arranged for all enrolled students with presentations by staff, visiting academics, and by students presenting their final thesis designs, research instruments, analysis strategies and interim results. Schools may also require professional Doctorate students to present their work as part of a school seminar program.

Doctors of Clinical Science

Counselling and Psychotherapy – Melbourne

Course Coordinator: Prof Margot Schofield

Contact: ph (03) 9479 3072 email m.schofield@latrobe.edu.au

Web: www.latrobe.edu.au/health/about/schools/departments/department-of-counselling-and-psychological-health

Course Duration: 4 years

The Doctor of Clinical Science (Counselling and Psychotherapy) provides a path for experienced practitioners, in the counselling-related professions, to further develop their expertise and increase their research in professional settings.

Course structure

This is a professional doctorate that normally takes four years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) to complete. The first year consists of coursework (120cps), whilst the following years are devoted to conducting and writing up a substantial research project. In some circumstances, a bound volume of published work can also meet the research requirements.

The research component of the degree would normally reflect an area of research interest of one of the staff in the Department of Counselling and Psychological Health. The core of the first-year coursework component consists of the subjects Clinical Evaluation A - where students reflect critically on their own practice - and Clinical Evaluation B - where issues related to supervision are explored. In addition, students enrol in two research subjects and two relevant subjects taught within the doctor or master programs.

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-SEM-1	PHE6CEA	Clinical Evaluation A	30
TE-SEM-2	PHE6CEB	Clinical Evaluation B	30
TE-SEM-1	PHE6HRA	Health Research A	15
TE-SEM-2	PHE6HRB	Health Research B	20

Application process

Successful applicants will have the appropriate professional qualifications and will fall into two categories:

Mode 1

• honours degree, H2A, or above
• postgraduate diploma with thesis equivalent to honours
• master degree with thesis of at least 10,000 words; plus
• a minimum of three years of professional experience

Mode 2

• postgraduate diploma or master with no thesis; plus
• a history of significant professional experience in the counselling and psychotherapy domain; plus
• evidence of research capacity, eg. published papers in relevant refereed journals

Candidates admitted on the basis of Mode 2 (above) will be given 'conditional admission' and will only be able to progress to the thesis component after satisfactory completion of the coursework component, achieving a B average in at least two of the subjects.

Clinical Vision Sciences - Melbourne

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Kerry Fitzmaurice

Contact: ph (03) 9479 1914 email k.fitzmaurice@latrobe.edu.au

Family Therapy - Brunswick

Not available in 2013

Course Coordinator: Ms Robyn Elliott

Contact: ph (03) 9385 5100 email r.elliott@latrobe.edu.au

Occupational Therapy - Melbourne

Course Coordinator: Professor Carolyn Unsworth

Contact: ph (03) 9479 5700 email c.unsworth@latrobe.edu.au

Course Structure

In the first year, students select subjects totalling 120 credit points which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

First year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-SEM-1	PHE6CEA	Clinical Evaluation A	30
TE-SEM-1	PHE6CEB	Clinical Evaluation B	30
TE-SEM-1	PHE6CEC	Clinical Evaluation C	30
TE-SEM-1	PTY6RPR	Systematic Review and Evaluation of Physiotherapy Research	30
TE-SEM-2	PHE6CED	Clinical Evaluation D	30
TE-SEM-1	PHE6HRA	Health Research A	15
TE-SEM-2	PHE6HRB	Health Research B	20

 

Second year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-ALLYR		Thesis	120

 

Third year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-ALLYR		Thesis	120

Professional Doctorates

Doctor of Counselling Psychology – Melbourne  (HDPCR)

This course is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)-three and a half year of study in professional psychology. This is a higher degree by research (HDR) and consequently the proportion of time and commitment is weighted much more heavily toward research than the other degrees in counselling psychology.

The first two years of the program are continuous with that of the Master in Counselling Psychology, however, RTS doctoral students begin their thesis research in the first semester of the first year of enrolment. A research proposal of 2,000 words is required at the end of May and a literature review of approximately 20,000 words is due at the end of the second semester. A 15,000-word justification and description of the intended method is due in February of the following year. Students are required to receive a minimum of H2A at each stage of the research seminar in order to proceed with the project. In the second year of enrolment, students are expected to have collected data. The remainder of the enrolment will involve completion of data analysis (approximately 20,000 words) and discussion of results (approximately 20,000 words). The thesis must not exceed 75,000 words.

The thesis must be located within existing published research and involve a clear rationale and an appropriate method. Data are to be formally and systematically analysed and a critique made of the results. The study must make a substantial contribution to the discipline and profession of counselling psychology. These theses may take a number of forms, including the formulation and testing of original hypotheses, the design and evaluation of clinical interventions, and the theoretical and empirical analysis of professional psychological practice. Both positivist and post-positivist models of conducting research are acceptable.

Admission requirements

Admission is restricted to people who hold a first class honours degree in an APAC accredited program. Overseas-qualified graduates would need to have their qualifications ratified by the Australian Psychological Society. Applicants would need to demonstrate outstanding research capability. There is no provision for external study.

Course Structure

The degree is undertaken over three and a half years of full-time study. It requires 420 credit points and full-time students typically progress through the degree by enrolling in 60 credit points per semester over seven semesters. The degree is structured with the following weightings: coursework (16.5%, 70 credit points), internship placements and intern-related subjects (16.5%, 70 credit points) and research (67%, 280 credit points).

First year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-SEM-1	PSY6DSA	Individual Counselling Psychology A	15
TE-SEM-2	PSY6DSB	Individual Counselling Psychology B	15
TE-SEM-1	PSY6DAA	Psychological Assessment A	15
TE-SEM-2	PSY6DGC	Group Counselling Processes Theory and Practice	15
TE-SEM-1	PSY6DIA	Counselling Psychology Internship A	10
TE-SEM-2	PSY6DIB	Counselling Psychology Internship	10
TE-SEM-1	PSY6DRA	Doctoral Research Thesis A	20
TE-SEM-2	PSY6DRB	Doctoral Research Thesis B	20

 

Second year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-SEM-2	PSY6DCF	Child and Family Psychology	10
TE-SEM-1	PSY6DAB	Psychological Assessment B	10
TE-SEM-1	PSY6DIC	Counselling Psychology Internship C	10
TE-SEM-2	PSY6DID	Counselling Psychology Internship D	10
TE-SEM-1	PSY6DRC	Doctoral Research Thesis C	40
TE-SEM-2	PSY6DRD	Doctoral Research Thesis D	40

 

Third year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-SEM-1	PSY6DIE	Counselling Psychology Internship E	10
TE-SEM-2	PSY6DIF	Counselling Psychology Internship F	10
TE-SEM-1	PSY6DRG	Doctoral Thesis G	50
TE-SEM-2	PSY6DRH	Doctoral Thesis H	50

 

Fourth year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-SEM-1	PSY6DRI	Doctoral Thesis I	60

Doctor of Nursing – Melbourne (Bundoora) (HDNR) - not offered in 2013

Graduates of this program will be specialist nurses who are qualified to provide leadership in advanced clinical, management, research and academic aspects of the provision of health services. They will possess a unique blend of abilities stemming from clinical experience, rigorous intellectual development and participation in the study of issues significant to nursing.

Admission requirements

Applicants should have:

• an Honours degree of at least H2A standard or equivalent, or a Masters by coursework. In each case the degree must include a thesis component of at least 10,000 words, of a high academic standard, and
• at least three years of relevant professional experience.

In some circumstances, a candidate who can supply sufficient evidence of research capacity may be admitted through a special entry category. For more information contact the relevant school.

Applicants enrolling in the Doctor of Nursing must be eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Doctor of Physiotherapy – Melbourne (HSDPHT)

Course structure

In first year, students select subjects totalling 120 credit points which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

First year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-SEM-1	PTY6CEA	Clinical Evaluation A	30
TE-SEM-1	PTY6CEB	Clinical Evaluation B	30
TE-SEM-1	PTY6CEC	Clinical Evaluation C	30
TE-SEM-2	PTY6CED	Clinical Evaluation D	30
TE-SEM-1	PTY6RPR	Systematic Review and Evaluation of Physiotherapy Research	30
TE-W10-22	PHE6HRA	Health Research A	15
TE-SEM-2	PHE6HRB	Health Research B	20

 

Second year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-ALLYR		Thesis	120

 

Third year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-ALLYR		Thesis	120

Doctor of Public Health – Melbourne

This program provides an alternative to the traditional PhD for experienced practitioners in the health-related professions, and for other graduates to further develop their expertise and increase their research skills in professional settings.

The program is designed to be the equivalent of three to four years, full-time, although many students will study part-time, and consists of one-third coursework and two-thirds thesis. The coursework component of the doctorate will assist students to develop their expertise over a broader area than is possible with a single thesis topic.

The doctorate adheres to the Commonwealth Government definition of a research degree and may allow candidates to gain a funded research place and to apply for Commonwealth scholarships (full-time).

In the first year of the program, all students will study subjects in health research. These subjects will expose students to advanced qualitative and quantitative approaches to research in health care, will canvas research issues in public health, and will reinforce students’ skills in research synthesis.

To complete first year, electives can be taken from within the Department of Public Health, or from outside the Department, subject to Course Coordinator's approval. Up to 30 credit points of elective subjects may be taken from appropriate existing coursework masters subjects, although doctoral level assessment is required.

Admission requirements

• an honours degree of at least H2A standard or equivalent, or a master by coursework. In each case the degree must include a thesis component of at least 10,000 words, of a high academic standard
• at least three years of relevant professional experience

In some circumstances a candidate who can supply sufficient evidence of research capacity may be admitted through a special entry category. Prospective students should contact the School to discuss candidature prior to applying.

First year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-SEM-1	PHE6HRA	Health Research A	15
plus
TE-SEM-1	PHE6AIS	Advanced Issues in Health	15
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Electives		30
or
TE-SEM-2	PHE6HRC	Health Research C	30
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Electives		30

 

Second year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-ALLYR		Thesis	120

 

Third year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit Points
TE-ALLYR		Thesis	120

Thesis

Option 1

A thesis of approximately 30,000–60,000 words (depending on whether the thesis is science or arts based) and which should not exceed 75,000 words.

Option 2

A bound volume incorporating published papers and an integrating overview of the research totalling approximately 30,000–60,000 words, but not exceeding 75,000 words.

The research for the thesis must be undertaken during the period of candidature.

The degree of rigour and intellectual standing of a thesis for a professional doctorate is the same as that of a PhD.

The thesis should demonstrate the candidate’s ability for critical appreciation of current knowledge in the field of study and for building on that knowledge to make an original contribution to the field of study or practice.

Doctor of Social Work – Melbourne (HDSW)

Course structure

First year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit points
TE-SEM-1	PHE6HRA	Health Research A	15
plus
TE-SEM-2	PHE6HRB	Health Research B	20
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Electives1		85
or
TE-SEM-2	PHE6HRC	Health Research C	30
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	electives1		75

 

Second year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit points
TE-ALLYR	SWP6THP	Thesis	120

 

Third year

Teaching period	Subject code	Subject title	Credit points
TE-ALLYR	SWP6THP	Thesis	120

Key: ^1. Doctor of Social Work students are required to take Clinical Evaluation A (SWP6CEB), both 30 credit points, as part of their program.