Doctor of Psychology (Sport & Exercise, Clinical)
The Doctor of Psychology (Sport & Exercise, Clinical) is an APAC-accredited program designed to train graduates in both sport & exercise psychology and clinical psychology. It prepares students for general registration as a psychologist and eligibility to commence registrar programs for endorsement in both clinical and sport & exercise psychology.
ENTRY
REQ:
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Meet criteria as a domestic student
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Hold a recognised APAC-accredited four-year psychology sequence with WAM ≥ 75
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Be eligible for provisional registration with PsyBA
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Meet extra requirements: police check, WWC check, immunisation, insurance
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Provide APS equivalence if qualifications are from overseas
LOCATION: Melbourne (Ivanhoe, Kew, Bundoora) & Sydney learning hubs; Live online available for students outside metro areas (with quotas)
DURATION: 3.5 years full time or part-time equivalent.
2026 Per year cost = $42,170
TOTAL FEES: ~$126,510 – FEE-HELP available for eligible students
Course Overview
This program is designed to prepare students for professional practice as both Sport & Exercise and Clinical Psychologists.
Students will leave ISN armed with a world-class body of knowledge on practical approaches in sport, exercise, and clinical psychology. The program includes a blend of traditional coursework, practical placements, and research components and our graduates are eligible to enter the PsyBA registrar program to pursue endorsement as Sport and Exercise Psychologists as well as Clinical Psychologists.
Advanced placements are typically undertaken in-person at an approved external host organisation or within our Melbourne or Sydney Advanced ISN Clinic. Our policies on placements available on our website,are a rich source of information to help guide students on our expectations.
We teach the leading edge of evidence-based techniques from across the world, and our graduates learn how to carefully monitor client progress to measure effectiveness and success in a holistic, informed approach.
Course Structure
This doctorate is structured as a 3.5-year full-time program delivered across seven 12-week semesters. Core units are informed by contemporary best practice and taught, where possible, through a hybrid model combining online and in-person learning. The program includes extensive supervised placements, advanced coursework, and a research thesis in a sport, exercise, or clinical psychology focus area.
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ISN’s placement partnerships offer diverse training experiences, including client goal-setting in support of coaching staff, small-group psychoeducation on psychological skills, and individual or group sessions targeting recovery and wellbeing techniques such as relaxation training.
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During the first year, students build foundational academic knowledge and therapeutic skills. The second year emphasises integration of these skills through advanced coursework and additional placements, while the third year focuses on the completion of clinical psychology units and placements.
Most 10-credit point coursework units require around six hours of weekly self-directed study in addition to workshop attendance and engagement with learning materials. Placement is typically scheduled for two days per week. Flexible part-time study plans and customised learning sequences are available to support diverse student needs. Further details can be found in the relevant policies on our website.
Delivery:
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Hybrid Learning: On-Campus or Live Online
Doctor of Psychology (Sport & Exercise, Clinical) is designed to fit your life with in person (Ivanhoe) and live synchronous participation with recorded lecture material available. -
Placements: ISN Clinics, hospitals, health services, and professional sport/exercise organisations
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Research: staged research projects culminating in a doctoral thesis
Duration:
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3.5 years full time (7 semesters)
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No fixed part-time plan (developed case by case with Course Coordinator)
(*Some units only available once per year; mid-year intake may complete them in reverse order.)
Credit Points: 200 total
Course Structure, and further information are indicated in the course handbook linked below:
*New changes currently being approved, 2026 updates will occur soon.
Entry Requirements
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To apply for a position in the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons), prospective students mustdemonstrate that they:
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Domestic students only (Australian citizens or Permanent Residents)
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Completed an APAC-accredited four-year psychology sequence (or overseas equivalent deemed by APS) with a minimum WAM ≥ 75
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Eligible for registration as a provisional psychologist with PsyBA (may require additional English standards; see psychologycouncil.org.au)
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​Additional requirements: police check, Working With Children Check, immunisation evidence, and professional indemnity insurance
*Applicants with international qualifications must provide APS equivalence assessment
Applications must include:
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A completed application form
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Original documentation outlining student achievements, past tertiary education results, and
references where applicable -
Additional documents when applying under educational disadvantage grounds (see section
4.4) ​ -
Personal statement and CV containing employment or volunteer history in related areas
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Referee Reports to be made available by the HODSPA portal
Fees
Estimated Tuition Fees:
Tuition Fees:
Yr 1: 42,170
Yr 2: 42,170
Yr 3: 42,170
Yr 4: 4 Subsidised no charge (50 Credit Points)
Total Estimated Tuition Fees: AUD $126,510
Final thesis unit (Research Project 5) subsidised ($0)
ISN Psychology is a FEE HELP approved provider. Tuiton fees are payable upfront or through FEE HELP for eligible students. Learn more about fees and financial assistance here.
NOTE: All tuition fees are subject to annual CPI increases. Fee increases will be indicated on this website each year prior to the start of the year in line with year on year Educational Consumer Price Index rises.
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Career
Graduates are eligible for:
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General registration as psychologists (after internship/registrar program)
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Endorsement pathways in both Clinical Psychology and Sport & Exercise Psychology
Career settings include:
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Clinical and hospital settings
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Sport and exercise organisations, gyms, and elite performance programs
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Schools, community health, and mental health services
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Private practice and academic research
