Master of Psychology (Clinical)

This course will train Psychology graduates and registered, experienced Psychologists in the professional specialisation of clinical psychology.

The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and involves 1000 hours of clinical placements.

The first year of the course is undertaken full-time on-campus, with the exception of those students admitted under Rule (c)*, who can only study this course online, in full-time or part-time mode.

Course Aims

The aim of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. The course constitutes a 5th and 6th year sequence of professional training in clinical psychology which focuses on psychopathology and the assessment and treatment of mental disorders across the lifespan. The course includes coursework, independent research leading to the submission of a disseration and practical placements. Graduates of this course will be eligible for endorsement as a clinical psychologist after completing a further two years of supervised full-time equivalent practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: effect an advanced body of knowledge of the principles and practice of applied clinical psychology; apply diagnostic interviewing and counselling skills; apply the principles and practice of clinical assessment, diagnosis and case formulation; execute psychological testing and test data interpretation; apply the principles and practice of health and rehabilitation interventions; execute high level skills in individual and group clinical interventions; apply advanced skills in research and evaluation; interact responsibly and ethically with clients and other professionals, including in rural settings; effect knowledge of the legal and professional frameworks for practice; apply cultural competence when working with ATSI peoples; and apply knowledge and skills with proficiency in the workplace.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates have an extensive knowledge of clinical psychology practice, including an understanding of assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology across the lifespan. Graduates site their clinical practice within international perspectives on theory, diagnostic systems and evidence-based treatments. Graduates respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and understand the impact of culture on therapy. Communication Skills Graduates have high level verbal and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills for psychology practice. Graduates communicate with professionals and the general and scientific community via case reports, research reports and oral presentations. Problem Solving Graduates are logical and critical thinkers, able to select and use evidence-based procedures and techniques and critically evaluate their practice as well as research evidence. Information Literacy Graduates have advanced information literacy skills gained through literature searching, objective scientific writing, and exposure to resources for professional practice. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates practice within the legal and ethical frameworks of the profession. Graduates also have a sense of social responsibility for knowledge and decision-making and its application in professional practice. Through the application of the scientist-practitioner model, graduates contribute to the development of the profession. Lifelong Learning Graduates engage in continuing professional development accessing research and skills training to inform clinical practice. Graduates are also adaptable and flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change. Independence and Collaboration Graduates practice across a variety of settings, working independently or collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Graduates respect multiple points of view and interact in accordance with professional ethics.