Master of Clinical Psychology

at University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle's Master of Clinical Psychology offers courses that will enable you to gain comprehensive knowledge in professional and ethical practice, counselling and clinical interventions, clinical neuropsychology, clinical psychology of adults, children, and people with complex presentations.

Key areas of study include:
 

• advanced methodology
• critical issues and controversies in psychology
• counselling and clinical intervention
• professional and ethical practice

Core Courses
 

• Professional and Ethical Practice
• Counselling and Psychological Intervention
• Psychological Practice: Adult Psychopathology
• Psychology Clinic Placement
• Research Development
• Psychological Practice: Children and Families
• Assessment in Psychological Practice
• Psychology Placement 2
• Advanced Clinical Psychology with Adults
• Advanced Clinical Psychology with Children and Adolescents
• Clinical Research Project 1
• Psychology Placement 3
• Advanced Clinical Psychology in Specialised Areas of Practice
• Psychology Placement 4
• Clinical Research Project 2
• Advanced Clinical Interventions

Admission to the degree is competitive. Applicants require all of the following in order to be considered for a place in the program:
 

• Hold a four year, or three year plus a fourth year, Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited sequence in psychology, which has been completed with an upper second class Honours (2A) or above, or an overall GPA above 6.0 in the 4th year component of a non Honours program; or be a currently registered psychologist with the PsyBA who can demonstrate current compliance with Registration Board Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements; and
• Eligibility for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia; and
• Satisfying the School of Psychology of their suitability for the professional practice of clinical psychology. When evaluating suitability, the School will take into account previous relevant experience, reports of referees, units of study previously completed, and the outcome of a selection interview. Selection criteria will also be based on applicants demonstrating a clear understanding of Clinical Psychology and the areas in which a clinical psychologist might work. Desirable criteria include research experience additional to Honours and involvement with professional organisations (e.g Australian Psychological Society).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to the above selection criteria - applicants with a minimum of one year full-time (or equivalent) work experience as a fully registered psychologist (with no conditions on their registration) may apply for RPL for up to 80 units. Applicants will need to provide evidence of achievement of Level 3 Professional Competencies in the course of an assessment of personal and professional suitability and evaluation of prior learning. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to: registration details, work history, log books and evidence of professional development in order to verify their work experience. All RPL applications will be individually assessed, by an assessment team that includes at least one clinical psychologist, in order to ensure that professional competencies have been met.

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement.

Internationally qualified applicants who did not complete their secondary education in English must demonstrate that they have the necessary English language skills for registration purposes.  This requires:
 

• a minimum score of 7 in each component of the IELTS academic module, OET or specified alternatives; and

• test results to be obtained within two years prior to registration application.

Fees

AUD 45,625 (indicative annual fee)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units).

The Master of Clinical Psychology will prepare graduates to professionally practice as clinical psychologists in clinical and community settings and provide a broad range of psychological services to long-term patients to treat mild to complex mental health conditions.

Other career prospects may include:
 

• promoting psychological health through public policy
• allied health professions management
• teaching and supervision
• research
• program development and evaluation