Master of Psychology (Clinical)

at University of New South Wales

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) can be completed in two years of full-time study. Please note that this program of study is very intense. Professional practice activities, in particular, are time consuming and not limited to particular hours. It’s not possible to complete the program part-time while working full-time.

Coursework

This component consists of weekly lectures and seminars with associated assessments including reports, essays, presentations, class tests and final examinations.
 

Stage 1: Core courses
 

• Psychological Assessment 1

• Adult and Child Clinical Psychology 1

• Adult and Child Clinical Psychology 2

• Clinical Neuropsychology

• Experimental and Clinical Psychology

• Professional and Ethical Practice (Clinical) 1

• Professional and Ethical Practice (Clinical) 2

• Professional and Ethical Practice (Clinical) 3
   

Stage 2: Core courses
 

• Psychology of Health and Illness

• Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology

• Research Thesis (Clinical) 1

• Research Thesis (Clinical) 2

• Research Thesis (Clinical) 3

• Professional and Ethical Practice (Clinical) 4

• Professional and Ethical Practice (Clinical) 5

• Professional and Ethical Practice (Clinical) 6
   

Professional practice
 

In this part of the training, you’ll complete a minimum total of 1,000 practicum hours in the UNSW Psychology Clinic and in at least two other field placement settings. A range of external field placement options are available including:
 

Your practicum hours will involve assessing and treating clients under the supervision of clinical staff. This component of the program is designed to develop your technical skills, professionalism and understanding of ethical practices.
 

• adult mental health

• psychiatry

• consult-liaison

• medical psychology

• developmental disability

• neuropsychology

• child and family

• psychogeriatric

• schools

• general community health settings.
   

Research thesis
 

You’re required to complete a clinically relevant research thesis involving the collection of data on a topic of your choice. This component aims to strengthen your research skills in an area that will be relevant to your subsequent clinical work, meaning your thesis will involve an investigation into some aspect of clinical psychology. The research project may be conducted at the university or in a suitable clinical setting (usually in collaboration with a qualified clinical psychologist or other health care workers).

The minimum entrance requirement is completion of a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology, including a major research thesis, completed within the last ten years with Honours Class 1 (85%) or equivalent.
 

Psychology qualifications from overseas must include a major research thesis/project and must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as equivalent to a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology completed in Australia. Please note you must have your qualification assessed before you submit an application. 
 

As the number of places available each year is limited, entry into this program is competitive. Selection is based on academic qualifications, two referee reports and performance at an interview. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview - remote participation may be permitted in limited circumstances. Invitations are usually made on a rolling basis from around mid-November and in some instances may be made with only a few days' notice. Interviews are typically held during the last week of November and/or the first week of December. 
 

Enrolled students must register as provisional psychologists prior to program commencement and registration must be maintained for the duration of your enrolment. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the relevant registration standards for the psychology profession. You must meet these requirements before an application for registration as a provisional psychologist can be approved. 

English language requirements

Applicants must demonstrate their competency in speaking and communicating in English is sufficient to practise the psychology profession. 

2022 Indicative First Year Fee

$46,600*
 

2022 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$94,110*

Clinical psychology is an ideal career path for people who enjoy working with and caring for others. At UNSW Science, our graduates demonstrate skills in assessment, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems at an individual and group level.
 

Clinical psychologists work in a range of settings including: 
 

• counselling centres 

• independent or group practices 

• hospitals

• clinics

• rehabilitation 

• universities and schools.