Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) (CRICOS course code 083182B) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by Swinburne University of Technology over 4 years. This advanced program combines clinical and forensic psychology training, preparing graduates for professional registration and careers in assessment, intervention, and research. On this page, you'll find official CRICOS data, indicative fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa guidance — all sourced directly from the Australian Government register. Swinburne is a government-owned university (CRICOS 00111D) offering this course at its Hawthorn campus in Melbourne, Victoria.
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Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) (CRICOS 083182B) is a doctoral-level program accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). It is designed for students who already hold an honours degree in psychology and wish to pursue a combined clinical and forensic pathway. The course integrates advanced coursework, supervised placements, and a research thesis. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the Australian Government's quality standards for international students. Swinburne University of Technology, established in 1908, is a recognised leader in psychology education and research.
This course falls under the field of Behavioural Science (090701), focusing on the scientific study of human behaviour in clinical and legal contexts. Doctoral-level study involves developing expertise in psychological assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and forensic evaluation. Students learn to apply psychological principles in healthcare, justice, and community settings. The curriculum typically covers topics such as psychopathology, cognitive-behavioural therapy, forensic risk assessment, and ethical practice. Graduates emerge with the skills to work as registered psychologists in clinical and forensic roles.
The CRICOS register lists the course duration as 208 weeks (4 years). All instruction is in English. This is a single qualification — it does not offer a dual degree or foundation pathway. The course is delivered on-campus at the Hawthorn campus in a full-time, face-to-face mode. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions.
Indicative tuition fees for this course are A$172,000 total, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register. This brings the estimated total to A$172,000. Please note: these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Costs are set by Swinburne University of Technology and are subject to change annually. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website before applying. For a breakdown of typical student costs in Victoria, see our cost of living guide.
Applicants generally need an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent) as evidence of English proficiency. Prior qualifications expected include an honours degree in psychology with a strong academic record. Some providers also require relevant work experience or a research proposal. Entry is competitive. Foundation or pathway options are not listed for this level — students without the required background should contact the provider directly. Admission requirements are set by Swinburne; always check their official website for the most current criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component amounting to 208 weeks at 7.5 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,560 hours. This involves supervised clinical placements in settings such as hospitals, mental health services, and forensic facilities. The work component is integrated into the curriculum and is essential for professional registration. Students gain practical experience under the guidance of registered psychologists.
The course is delivered at Swinburne's Hawthorn Campus, located at John Street, Hawthorn, Victoria. Hawthorn is an inner-eastern suburb of Melbourne, approximately 7 km from the city centre. The campus is well-served by trams, trains, and buses. Melbourne is home to over 100 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. Indicative living costs for a single student in Melbourne range from A$1,200 to A$1,800 per month for rent, groceries, and transport — though this varies widely by lifestyle and accommodation type.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. This visa allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited work during scheduled breaks. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. For detailed visa guidance, visit our Student Visa Subclass 500 page. Remember: HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent — we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) at Swinburne University of Technology: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers offering doctoral degrees in clinical and forensic psychology. Use our directory to filter by course level, field, and location. Step 2: Apply directly to Swinburne University of Technology via their international admissions portal. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results, and any requested supporting documents. Step 3: Upon acceptance, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs.
Victoria is Australia's second-most populous state and a hub for psychology education. It hosts over 150 CRICOS-registered providers, including several universities offering accredited psychology programs. Melbourne consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities, offering diverse cultural experiences, excellent public transport, and a strong job market for psychologists. However, living costs are higher than in smaller cities. Doctoral students should consider the availability of clinical placements and research supervision in their area of interest. Swinburne's Hawthorn campus is well-connected, providing access to major hospitals and forensic facilities. Whether Victoria suits you depends on your personal circumstances, but it offers a rich environment for advanced psychology training.
Ready to apply? Visit the Swinburne University of Technology international admissions page or explore more doctoral courses on HeadStart Academy.
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Swinburne University of Technology. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.