University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The program integrates doctoral-level research with the advanced coursework and supervised clinical training typical of clinical neuropsychology. You will complete a substantial PhD research project that contributes original knowledge to brain–behaviour relationships, neurological disorders, cognitive rehabilitation or related areas, while also undertaking master-level units covering core clinical neuropsychology topics.

• Research thesis: An independent, hypothesis-driven research project under the supervision of experienced academics. Research areas commonly include cognitive neuropsychology, neurodegenerative disease, traumatic brain injury, paediatric neuropsychology, neuroimaging and neurorehabilitation.
• Advanced clinical assessment: Training in neuropsychological assessment methods, administration and interpretation of standardised cognitive and behavioural measures across the lifespan.
• Clinical intervention and rehabilitation: Evidence-based approaches to cognitive rehabilitation, behavioural management and the design of individualised intervention plans.
• Neuroscience foundations: Units on neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and the neurological bases of cognition and behaviour to support clinical formulation and research design.
• Research methods and statistics: Advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, psychometrics, longitudinal and experimental design, and training in contemporary neuroimaging or electrophysiological techniques where relevant.
• Professional practice and ethics: Clinical governance, legal and ethical issues in neuropsychological practice, report writing, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Clinical placements: Supervised clinical practicums in hospitals, rehabilitation services and community settings, providing exposure to diverse neurological populations and multidisciplinary teams.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an accredited psychology qualification and demonstrate research potential and clinical aptitude. Typical requirements include a completed honours degree with a substantial research component or a master’s degree with research, or equivalent qualifications recognised by the university.

• Evidence of prior study in psychology that meets national accreditation standards for professional training in psychology.
• Strong academic record (for example, a first-class or upper-second-class honours or equivalent research master’s performance) and a demonstrated capacity to conduct independent research.
• A clear research proposal and identified supervisors with expertise in your area of interest.
• Clinical suitability for practicum placement, which may include references, a statement of clinical experience, and, where required, professional registration or eligibility to register as a psychologist in Australia.
• International applicants must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are equipped for clinical and research-focused careers. The combination of a PhD and clinical neuropsychology training opens pathways in both applied and academic settings.

• Clinical neuropsychologist roles in public and private hospitals, rehabilitation services and community health organisations.
• Private practice providing assessment, diagnosis and rehabilitation services for people with neurological conditions.
• Research positions in universities, research institutes and clinical trials centres focusing on brain health, neurodegeneration, injury and recovery.
• Academic careers involving teaching, supervision and continued research in neuropsychology and related disciplines.
• Specialist roles in forensic settings, aged-care services, paediatric neurology units and industry positions involving cognition and brain health.

Why study at University of Western Australia

UWA provides a strong research environment in brain and behavioural sciences combined with clinical links across Western Australia. Students benefit from access to experienced supervisors, multidisciplinary teams and placements in major hospitals and rehabilitation services.

• Research-active supervisors with expertise across clinical neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience and rehabilitation research.
• Opportunities for collaboration with hospitals and health services in the Perth metropolitan area and regional settings, supporting exposure to diverse clinical populations.
• Well-resourced facilities for behavioural assessment, neuroimaging collaboration and access to specialised clinical training opportunities.
• A pathway that prepares graduates for both accredited clinical neuropsychology practice and academic research careers.