Master of Clinical Psychology

The Master of Clinical Psychology builds upon the latest psychotherapy process and outcome research findings and uses an integrative approach to training students in assessment and treatment of mental health problems and disorders.

This approach assists students to develop a flexible and client-focused approach to practice, consistent with contemporary standards for evidence-based practice in clinical psychology.

Students learn to conceptualise and treat clinical presentations using relational psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, systemic, and narrative therapeutic approaches.

Graduates of this course have the knowledge and competence to provide assessment and treatment across the lifespan.

Domestic Students

The coursework component of this program provides training on how to assess and diagnose clinical presentations. It provides unique training on how to conceptualise and treat a broad range of child and adult clinical presentations from relational psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, and systemic narrative therapeutic approaches.

Clinical placements begin in the first semester with an internship spanning the first year. Students complete the internship under intense supervision at the specialised Psychology and Counselling Clinic at QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus. During the internship, students gain experience in assessing and treating a range of clinical cases across the lifespan.

Once students are deemed competent through the internship, they continue their clinical training with external placements in hospitals, community agencies and a variety of child and adult mental health settings.

To undertake the supervised practice, students need to provide evidence of provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and hold a current blue card as required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Guardian Act (2000).

International Students

The coursework component of this program provides training on how to assess and diagnose clinical presentations. It provides unique training on how to conceptualise and treat a broad range of child and adult clinical presentations from relational psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, and systemic narrative therapeutic approaches.

Clinical placements begin in the first semester with an internship spanning the first year. Students complete the internship under intense supervision at the specialised Psychology and Counselling Clinic at QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus. During the internship, students gain experience in assessing and treating a range of clinical cases across the lifespan.

Once students are deemed competent through the internship, they continue their clinical training with external placements in hospitals, community agencies and a variety of child and adult mental health settings.

To undertake the supervised practice, students need to provide evidence of provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and hold a current blue card as required by the Commission for Children and Young People and Guardian Act (2000).

A completed recognised psychology honours or four-year bachelor degree (or higher) in psychology completed within the last 10 years*; and

A minimum fourth year psychology units grade point average (GPA) of 6.0 (on QUT's 7 point scale) in your psychology bachelor degree; and

The degree must be accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a four-year training (or equivalent) program. For example, QUT's Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours Psychology) degree.

Applicants with overseas qualifications must provide certification with their application from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) stating their degree is equivalent to APAC-approved, four-year training in psychology. The Australian Psychological Society advises the average processing time is eight weeks, therefore applicants with overseas qualifications need to seek certification by no later than July.

Additional entry requirements

1. Ask two referees to provide us with confidential reports via the Psychology Reference System. You will also need to ensure that you have shared these reports with QUT in the Psychology Reference System. Please note: This system is the same across many Australian universities. To be able to use the system, you will need to have an active annual subscription. The cost is $25.00 and can be paid for through the "My Account" section in the payment tab.
2. Completed questionnaire (PDF file, 336 KB); the questionnaire must be provided with your application.
3. Provide your current CV with your application.
4. Successful interview, if shortlisted.

Selection process for interview

Applicants are shortlisted in priority order based on their GPA, referee reports and questionnaire. Shortlisted applicants for the first round will be contacted in mid-October to attend an in-person interview at the Kelvin Grove campus in late October/early November to assess their interpersonal skills in a clinical context. If required, a second round of in-person interviews will be conducted in late November/early December.

Admission process

Admission is based on GPA, interview, questionnaire, and referee reports. Mid-November is when first round of offers will be issued to selected interviewed applicants along with notifications to unsuccessful applicants. If you were interviewed or did not receive an outcome in mid-November, your application is being held for consideration in late November/early December should places become available.

* Qualifications completed more than 10 years ago

Applicants who completed their degree with the required GPA more than 10 years ago must either successfully complete refresher training (see below) OR provide evidence of current registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Refresher training

At QUT we recommend you undertake:

1. Assessment and diagnosis: PYB309 Individual differences and assessment and PYB306 Psychopathology
2. Psychological Interventions: PYH402 Counselling Psychology
3. Psychopathology: PYB306 Psychopathology
4. Ethics: PYH407 Research and professional development seminar

This training may be completed as single units of study and applicants can apply for admission online. To fulfil Psychology Board requirements, refresher training needs to have been completed within the last ten 10 years.

Early closing date

Closing date is 30 September. Applications, questionnaires, CV and/or (if applicable) APS certifications received after this date will not be considered.

Places are limited. Apply now to ensure your application is considered.

Careers and outcomes(DOM,INT)

This course provides the academic foundation for a career in clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists are employed in a wide range of health and counselling services and are also able to work as independent (private) practitioners. Clinical psychology may also provide a springboard for other careers, subject to additional or complementary training.  

Please note that while successful course completion leads directly to general registration as a psychologist, endorsement as a clinical psychologist requires an additional period of approved supervised practice. Please see http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au for further information

On endorsement, graduates may apply for specialist positions as clinical psychologists and enjoy increased scope of practice and more flexible arrangements under Medicare, when working in private practice settings.

Professional recognition(DOM,INT)

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a psychologist in Australia. The course meets the accreditation requirements of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists and the Psychology Board of Australia.

Possible careers

• Change Manager
• Clinical Psychologist
• Counsellor
• Critical Incident or Disaster Response Manager
• Forensic Psychologist
• Health Psychologist
• Program Evaluator
• Psychologist
• Research Fellow