Gain registration to practise as a psychologist.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) trains psychology graduates in clinical psychology to meet the requirements for registration to practise as psychologists.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) trains psychology graduates in clinical psychology to meet the requirements for registration to practise as psychologists.
The program has three major components—coursework in professional and clinical psychology, supervised practicum placements, and a research project and thesis. Coursework delivery is via a combination of lectures, seminars, practical exercises, written assignments, and skills demonstration and practice.
Practicum placements involve you working as a provisional psychologist, under appropriate supervision, in a range of settings beginning in the University’s Psychology Clinic. Your work is assessed through written reports, case presentations, professional portfolios and observation by supervisors and the course coordinator.
The research project involves a review of relevant literature leading to a research question, design and conduct of an appropriate study, data collection and analysis, and preparation of a thesis consisting of the literature review and a report of the research study. The thesis is assessed by independent examination.
Visit Study Psychology for more information.
Accreditation
Accredited by The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and approved by The Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Clinical Psychologists as a fifth and sixth year program in Psychology, graduates of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are eligible to apply to the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) for general registration.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the Australian Psychological Society’s College of Clinical Psychologists.
Admission requirements
The entry requirements for admission to the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are:
- Successful completion of an APAC accredited four-year degree or fourth year in Psychology.
- Normally a minimum GPA of 6.0 in fourth year Psychology units or demonstrated equivalent experience in the successful practice of the profession.
- Applicants must have general registration or be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
- Offer of a quota place.
The selection process involves an interview with clinical members of the discipline of Psychology.
Refer also to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
Program structure
Required courses (16)
PSY700 Research Foundations for Health Practice
PSY701 Contexts of practice: child, youth and family
PSY702 Introductory Bioscience
PSY703 Practice Foundations
PSY704 Health, Culture and Society
PSY705 Anatomy and Physiology
PSY706 Contexts of Practice: The Older Person and Family
PSY707 Preparation for Practice 1
PSY750 Nursing Practice 1
PSY751 Contexts of Practice: Mental Health Care
PSY752 Drug Therapy
PSY753 Contexts of Practice: Health Alteration
PSY754 Preparation for Practice 2
PSY755 Nursing Practice 2
PSY756 Health, Law and Ethics
PSY757 Contexts of Practice: Complex Care
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements and notes
- Students are required to successfully complete the 16 required courses as listed below.
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- This program consists of the three major required components, as follows:
- 50 percent coursework (8 courses)
- 25 percent research project and thesis (4 courses), and
- 25 percent Practicum placements (4 courses).
- Students will undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum placement in total across the 4 practicum placement courses.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student visa.