Gain the qualification you need to become a psychologist.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) trains psychology graduates in clinical psychology to meet the requirements for registration to practise as psychologists.
This program is offered at USC Thompson Institute
- 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.
- Applications close 5th October 2018
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.
USC’s postgraduate psychology programs are taught at the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute. A hub for mental health research, teaching and clinical services, this world-class facility is located at Birtinya, minutes from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The Institute’s focus is to address mental health issues in the community, particularly those affecting our youth, adolescents and older community members.
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 (PsyBA) 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 in the last 10 years.
- An upper second class Honours (2A) OR psychologists with demonstrated equivalent experience and compliance with PsyBA CPD requirements.
- 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) 192 units
PSY700 Physics
PSY701 Science Research Methods
PSY702 Engineering Statics
PSY703 Biodiversity and Ecology
PSY704 Chemistry
PSY705 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
PSY706 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
PSY707 Mechanics of Materials
PSY750 Earth's Surface Processes
PSY751 Plant Diversity and Ecology
PSY752 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
PSY753 Structural Engineering
PSY754 Soil Mechanics
PSY755 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
PSY756 Soil Properties, Processes and Rehabilitation
PSY757 Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 192
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 192 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
- For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- 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
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.