Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

The Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) provides high-level training in psychopathology, assessment and therapeutic interventions for adults and children suffering from clinical disorders such as anxiety disorder, clinical depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, personality disorders, trauma, alcohol dependence, childhood disorders and psychogeriatric conditions.

Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) PSY60007 Counselling Theory and Skills PSY60002 Advanced Psychological Assessment PSY60001 Adult Psychopathology PSY80007 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research PSY80062 Systemic Family Counselling PSY60003 Child Psychopathology and Assessment PSY80014 Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology PSY60006 Foundations of Health Psychology PSY70001 Clinical Placement A1 PSY70002 Clinical Placement A2 PSY70003 Clinical Placement B1 PSY70004 Clinical Placement B2 PSY70008 Research Project (Clinical) A1 PSY70009 Research Project (Clinical) A2 PSY80089 Research Project (Clinical) B1 PSY80090 Research Project (Clinical) B2

Units of study

PSY60007 Counselling Theory and Skills PSY60002 Advanced Psychological Assessment PSY60001 Adult Psychopathology PSY70001 Clinical Placement A1 PSY80007 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research PSY70002 Clinical Placement A2 PSY80062 Systemic Family Counselling PSY70003 Clinical Placement B1 PSY60003 Child Psychopathology and Assessment PSY70008 Research Project (Clinical) A1 PSY70004 Clinical Placement B2 PSY70009 Research Project (Clinical) A2 PSY80014 Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology PSY80089 Research Project (Clinical) B1 PSY60006 Foundations of Health Psychology PSY80090 Research Project (Clinical) B2 PSY60007 Counselling Theory and Skills PSY60002 Advanced Psychological Assessment PSY80014 Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology PSY70008 Research Project (Clinical) A1 PSY60001 Adult Psychopathology PSY70001 Clinical Placement A1 PSY70002 Clinical Placement A2 PSY70009 Research Project (Clinical) A2 PSY80007 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research PSY80089 Research Project (Clinical) B1 PSY60003 Child Psychopathology and Assessment PSY70003 Clinical Placement B1 PSY80062 Systemic Family Counselling PSY70004 Clinical Placement B2 PSY60006 Foundations of Health Psychology PSY80090 Research Project (Clinical) B2

* Outcome units -matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.

Applicants for the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) program should have:

• completed a degree at an Australian university, and have completed a four-year sequence of studies in psychology at an upper second class level or above in a course or courses accredited by APAC, or have equivalent overseas qualifications recognised by the APS
• experience in face-to-face counselling or have completed significant training in counselling skills, e.g., Lifeline, Care Ring, counselling skills in tertiary programs or other appropriate work experience*.

Short-listed applicants will be required to participate in a selection interview which will determine whether an offer will be made for enrolment in the program.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place.

ocuments substantiating work experience need to be provided on company letterhead and clearly detail roles as well as duties and duration of posts held.

the skills needed

Students will learn to assess the current level of psychosocial functioning and to formulate and provide therapeutic interventions to individuals, groups, couples and families experiencing such problems as anxiety, depression, psychosis and disorders of impulse control. Students will learn to understand psychiatric diagnostic systems and to develop diagnoses and individual case formulations for children, adolescents and adults with psychiatric disorders and milder psychological problems.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• evaluate a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in the discipline and practice of clinical psychology; and knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to clinical psychology
• demonstrate technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories in clinical psychology practice and independent research and project work
• use communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions, and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills, with creativity and initiative to new situations in the practice of clinical psychology
• apply a high level of personal autonomy and accountability in the practice of clinical psychology.

Graduates are capable in their chosen professional areas:

• able to gather information systematically from a wide range of sources
• a sense of social responsibility for knowledge and its application
• a highly developed ability in both verbal and written communication skills
• logical and critical thinking skills.

Graduates are entrepreneurial:

• able to identify and realise opportunities for responsible innovation
• an aptitude for socially responsible decision making.

Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically:

• communicate effectively with professionals and the community
• adaptable, flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change
• understanding and commitment to professional and ethical principles
• application of the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines
• adaptable, flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change
• recognise the need for life long learning.

Graduates are aware of environments:

• respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds
• understand the impact of culture on therapy
• respect for multiple points of view.