Program summary

Program title: Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Award abbreviation: MPsych(Clin)
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Commence: Semester 1
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, postgraduate coursework places
Total courses: 16
Program code: AR703
CRICOS code: 070701B

Highlights

• Gain Associate Membership of the Australian Psychological Society’s College of Clinical Psychologists
• Undertake supervised practicum placements in a range of settings
• Extend your knowledge and research a topic of interest

Gain registration to practice as a clinical psychologist.

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) trains psychology graduates in clinical psychology to meet the requirements for registration to practise as clinical 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 clinical 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.

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 Psychologists Board of Australia (PBA) for full 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:

1. Successful completion of an APAC accredited four-year degree or fourth year in Psychology.
2. Normally a minimum GPA of 6.0 in fourth year Psychology units or demonstrated equivalent experience in the successful practice of the profession.
3. Applicants must be registered or be eligible for registration as a psychologist with probationary conditions in Queensland.
4. Offer of a quota place.

The selection process involves an interview with clinical members of the discipline of Psychology. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.

Program structure

The degree 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).

These components are programmed into 4 courses per semester over 2 years full-time study, or equivalent part-time study. Coursework takes up the major part of the early semesters, to equip students for practicum placements and research. The research project and thesis take up the major part of later semesters. It is essential that the skills and knowledge learned during the coursework courses can be applied around the same time in practicum placements, so these components run in parallel and are integrated. Students will undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum placement in total across the 4 practicum placement courses.

16 required courses:

PSY700 Advanced and Transcultural Counselling
PSY701 Advanced Psychology Assessment and Reporting
PSY702 Clinical Psychological Practice 1
PSY703 Practicum Placement 1
PSY704 Advanced Research Design and Methods
PSY705 Clinical Psychological Practice 2
PSY706 Practicum Placement 2
PSY707 Research Project 1
PSY750 Ethical Professional Practice of Psychology
PSY751 Clinical Psychological Practice 3
PSY752 Practicum Placement 3
PSY753 Research Project 2
PSY754 Clinical Health Psychology and Psychopharmacology
PSY755 Research Project 3
PSY756 Research Project 4
PSY757 Practicum Placement 4

Program requirements and notes 

1. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
2. Refer to explanation of terms.
3. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns.
4. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
5. Only a full-time study option is available to International students on a Student Visa.

Enquiries 

How to apply

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Professor Mary Katsikitis
Tel: +61 7 5456 5034
Email: mkatsiki@usc.edu.au

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