The course is comprised of coursework subjects, practical experience through clinical placements and a research thesis in an area relevant to clinical psychology. All subjects are compulsory. The academic members of the clinical teaching staff are active in both clinical work and research in a wide variety of clinical domains. Hence, the Program provides the opportunity to access a wide range of clinical placement settings and research programs. In their first year, all students assess and provide treatment for adult clients referred to the University of Melbourne Psychology Clinic. In addition, all students undertake two second year field placements- one where the focus is on assessment and treatment of children and/or adolescents and the other focussing on clinical work with adults. This program aims to provide graduates with the theoretical skills and knowledge to work as professional clinical psychologists as well as a thorough grounding in the discipline of clinical psychology, particularly in the area of serious mental illness. The program aims, also, to provide students with a working knowledge of the medical, mental health and relevant systems and settings where clinical psychologists are employed. A further aim is to provide students with advanced skills in research and evaluation, alongside of excellent clinical skills so that graduates of the clinical psychology program are well prepared to go on to be leaders in the professional clinical psychology community. They should also be expected to generate and apply research knowledge in ongoing enhancement and evaluation of their professional work. The Clinical programme aims to produce graduates with a strong knowledge base in "organic" and "functional" psychopathologies, combined with a high level of skills and acumen in the detection, assessment and diagnosis and treatment of various "psychological" conditions. The expectation is that graduates of the clinical psychology programme will not only become excellent clinicians but will go on to be leaders in the professional clinical psychology community.