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Doctor of Psychology (Sport & Exercise, Clinical)
The Doctor of Psychology (Sport & Exercise, Clinical) is designed to prepare students for professional practice as both Sport and Exercise and Clinical Psychologists. The program is accredited by APAC and is an AQF level 10 qualification. Graduates would be eligible to enter the PsyBA registrar program to pursue area of practice endorsements as Clinical and/or Sport and Exercise Psychologists.
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The Doctor of Psychology (Sport & Exercise, Clinical) provides skills and knowledge centred around understanding psychological factors that contribute to peak performance, wellbeing, and mental health. These factors are explored through assessment, theory and practice of psychological skills for performance, sport medicine, rehabilitation, psychopathology, child and adult psychological disorders, and methods to treat mental illness. Given ISN’s philosophy is rooted in psychology and neuroscience, you will learn a well-considered body of knowledge on practical approaches in sport, exercise, and clinical psychology, which align with the accreditation requirements governed by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). ISN has access to world-renowned academics in the field of psychology, as well service agreements with leading corporations who know the benefits of sport and exercise psychology. Our associated ISN Clinic has been set up to provide research informed treatments for mental illness, to restore mind body balance and to promote resilience and well-being. We use evidence-based techniques from across the world to apply and improve existing treatments. We carefully monitor the progress of each client to measure effectiveness and success. The course consists of coursework, practical placements, and research components.
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Sport and Exercise Psychology involves exploring the psychological factors that are associated with participation and performance in sport and exercise as well as identifying risk factors that may contribute to mental illness. You will learn to provide therapeutic interventions for common psychological conditions in sport and excercise settings.
An understanding of Human Performance like never before with the added strength of Clinical Psychology
Evidence-based approaches are used to not only enhance performance but to provide expertise is such areas as health and wellness coaching, anxiety and stress management, concentration and mental preparation, overtraining and burnout, team building and leadership, weight management, debriefing and program evaluation, recovery and restoration, injury rehabilitation, psychological assessment, career transitions, coping strategies, and balancing sport, study, employment, and family life.
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Graduates of the Doctor of Psychology are also prepared for clinical work to address mental illness in a number of settings through psychiatric hospitals, specialist services, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations, schools, forensic settings, or private practice.
Entry Requirements
Prospective students who have completed a four-year, APAC accredited* sequence in Psychology are eligible to apply for a place in the Doctor of Psychology (Sport & Exercise, Clinical) at ISN Psychology.
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The minimum academic entry requirement is the completion of an APAC accredited 4th year of study at a study average equivalence across units of 75%. Entry into the Doctor of Psychology (Sport & Exercise, Clinical) is competitive and requires consideration of academic results, relevant experience, and the outcome of interviews/assessment.
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Applicants who can demonstrate that they are currently registered as a psychologist, and are complying with the CPD requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), will be exempted from the aforementioned entry requirements and considered for entry into the postgraduate course based on experience in the field.
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Applicants must be eligible for registration as a provisional psychologist with PsyBA. Successful candidates will be asked to apply for provisional registration and provide a police check, working with children check, and evidence of appropriate professional indemnity insurance and/or APS membership as part of the enrolment process.
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Applicants will be ranked on the basis of academic merit (based on the transcripts provided), previous work experience and/or training, and academic and professional referee reports.
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Short-listed applicants will be invited to attend an interview/assessment and a decision will be made after this process to select candidates for the program.
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Domestic students with Australian citizenship or Permanent Residency rights (or New Zealand Citizenship) can apply.
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ISN cannot currently accept applications for international students.
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Candidates must meet minimum English language proficiency standards for entry. This will require that candidates have successfully completed a 4th year APAC accredited psychology degree (and demonstrated English equivalency).
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Permanent residency students and/or students who have obtained their qualifications from overseas, in addition to providing their APS documentation* for equivalency, need to demonstrate acceptable International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. An overall minimum of 7.0 (with no band less than 7 expected).
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(*Students who completed their undergraduate studies overseas but meet the domestic student criteria can apply for this course. ISN requires evidence of course equivalence in the form of an APS assessment document for all international qualifications).
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Personal Statement
Students are required to provide a 500 word personal statement to accompany their application. In particular, reviewers at ISN are interested in:
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Why you are interested in the combined Sport and Exercise/Clinical psychology programme;
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Why you are applying for this program rather than another health discipline or scope of practice;
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What makes you a suitable candidate;
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Any particular psychology interests or passions you may have;
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Your relevant skills, work and personal experiences; and
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A diversity statement – that is, describe what professional or personal skills, experience or community engagement demonstrate your commitment to sensitivity and awareness of diversity issues (e.g. gender, culture, ethnicity, sexuality, etc.).
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Selection Process
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Phase 1 – Domestic student status and Academic entry requirements review: Academic achievement in an APAC accredited four-year sequence of study in psychology with greatest weighting given to the 4th year (Honours or Graduate Diploma). Students must have completed an APAC accredited 4th year of study and be eligible to register as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) to be considered for entry.
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Phase 2 – Candidate ranking based on academic ability and all supporting documentation (CV, Personal Statement, Referee Reports) for candidates that meet phase 1 entry requirements;
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Phase 3 – Interviews/assessment with shortlisted candidates
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Phase 4 – Ranking of shortlisted candidates based on interview/assessment performance
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Phase 5 – Offers sent out to candidates based on final rankings and intake quota.
Course Structure and Fees
Course Structure, Fees for 2025 and further information are indicated in the course handbook linked below:
ISN Psychology is a FEE HELP approved provider. Tuiton fees are payable upfront or through FEE HELP for eligible students.
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Census Dates for each Semester are outlined in our Key Dates Page.
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For more information about tuition fees please contact us (03) 9008 1600
Applications Open for 2025
Upon acceptance of the offer (or prior to the beginning of the enrolment period for enrolled students undertaking a course degree sequence), students will be required to indicate any prior learning to be considered as credit towards the degree and whether the student wishes to apply for any disability assistance. Credit will be determined based on a a pro-rata basis with 100 credit points equivalent to 1 full year of tuition fees.
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Based on the information provided in the acceptance, enrolment forms will be issued where students will be able to verify enrolled course degree units and the cost of units will be outlined together with payment options. Students will have unto census date to withdraw from units enrolled before incurring any fees.
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Students can pay up-front for their fees, or apply for FEE-HELP. FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists eligible fee paying students to pay all or part of their tuition fees. See: http://studyassist.gov.au.
For full information on our fee structure, fee credit and refund policy, please see Section E of ISN's Policy and Procedure Manual.
