Master of Clinical Psychology

The Master of Clinical Psychology is a professional qualification for those who wish to work as clinical psychologists. Graduates will be knowledgeable, skilled and ethical practitioners of Clinical Psychology, capable of adhering to the 'scientist-practicioner' model of practice.

The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and approved by the College of Clinical Psychologists for the purposes of determining College membership, and accepted by the Psychology Board of Australia as an approved fifth and sixth year of study.

We believe your life should be enhanced by your learning, not hampered by it. That's why we've produced a program that's flexible, allowing you to balance work and family commitments. With classes being offered one day per week, with two days a week dedicated to clinical placements, it may be possible to both study and earn a part-time living. In fact, many of our students are employed as part-time psychologists. If you're looking for rapid completion, then the full-time on campus nature of the program is the perfect option. Alternatively our part-time on campus option caters for those with heavier commitments.

There are many career opportunities for Clinical Psychologists in Area Health Services, both mental health and general health. There are also opportunities in the Department of Community Services, the Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care and in both non-government organisations and the private sectors.

Admission to the degree would be available to graduates who meet the following requirements:

Hold a four-year degree (or an equivalent three year/one year postgraduate combination) in Psychology that has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council; and

2. Eligibility for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia; and

3. Satisfy 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 APAC)

Applications close: Friday, 5 October 2012.

Guidelines for Portfolio Submission: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/school/psychology/areas-of-study/psychology/postgrad-cw.html

• All applicants are required to submit a professional portfolio directly to the University in addition to the application lodged through UAC.

  The professional portfolio must include an application cover letter, a resume, and appropriate attachments. The attachments will include reports from referees and certified copies of university transcripts.

The Pro Vice Chancellor, on the recommendation of the Faculty Board, may grant credit for coursework units if; (a) they can be demonstrated to be directly equivalent in terms of content and depth of study to the corresponding components of the Masters program, and (b) they were completed within the previous five years in a program accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

The approval guidelines of the College of Clinical Psychologists (of the Australian Psychological Society) stipulate that students must spend at least 1000 hours in clinical placements. This requirement will be met with four of the courses within the program being devoted to clinical placements.

This degree program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and approved by the College of Clinical Psychologists for the purpose of determining eligibility for membership of the College.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements.

It is also a requirement of the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) that all non-Australian qualifications, including qualifications from New Zealand, are assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the national assessing authority in Australia for assessment of overseas academic qualifications in psychology. For a fee of $AUD 600, the APS determines the level at which an applicant's qualifications are equivalent to an Australian program of study that has been accredited by the Society.

A telephone interview may be offered, but international students are asked to arrange access to a computer with a webcam and SKYPE. International students are asked to include on their letter of application a SKYPE address and the landline telephone number that they will be contactable on during the interview period.

Students with a disability who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonable adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au//service/disability/index.html for more information.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/centre-for-teaching-and-learning/about-the-centre/learning-development/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Support and Development Service through the Wollotuka Institute.