Master of Clinical Psychology

Summary

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-professional' model of practice.

The program is accredited by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and approved by the College of Clinical Psychologists for the purposes of determining College membership, and accepted by the NSW Psychologists Registration Board as an approved fifth and sixth year of study.

This is a fee paying program. Australian students may be able to participate in the Higher Education Loans Program (FEE-HELP).

Program duration

Two years full-time or four years part-time study. Students commence studies in February. Please refer to the Term dates on the University website at: www.newcastle.edu.au/dates/

Admission criteria

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

1. Hold a four-year degree (or an equivalent three year/1 year postgraduate combination) in Psychology that has been accredited by the Australian Psychological Society; and
2. Eligibility for provisional registration with NSW Psychologists Registration Board; 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 APS)

How to apply

Applications for the Master of Clinical Psychology program are via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and can be made online or by using a hard-copy UAC application form available in the Postgraduate UAC guide. Applicants must also provide a professional portfolio directly to the University for assessment (see below)www.uac.edu.au/postgraduate.html

International Students must apply directly through the University of Newcastle International Admissions office.http://www.international.newcastle.edu.au

International applicants must also provide a professional portfolio with their application to the International Admissions office. Applicants with overseas qualifications must provide evidence from the APS that their studies have been assessed and are equivalent to a 4 year APS accredited program of study. For further details please refer to the APS website: www.psychology.org.au

Applicants should refer to the Postgraduate UAC guide or the UAC website for closing dates. Applications usually close in early October each year for admission in Semester 1 the following year. Professional portfolios must be submitted to the University before the closing date.

The fees and charges vary depending on the type of place you are applying for. For more information visit the Fees and Charges section on our website:http://www.newcastle.edu.au/study/fees/

Please note the selection process involves attendance at a personal interview.

Additional Documentation Required

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 résumé, and appropriate attachments. The attachments will include reports from referees and certified copies of university transcripts

Applicants must provide the following in their professional portfolio:

• Cover letter addressing how you fulfil the selection criteria. The purpose of the letter is to communicate a specific, personalised message to the selection panel and should answer the question “Why should you be selected for the program?”
• Resume including details of any relevant additional training, research experience additional to Honours, and details of any involvement with professional organisations.
• Certified copies of Academic transcripts- please note that certified copies may also need to be provided to UAC.
• Two written professional references (please note there is no specified template/format). At least one of your referees should be a registered Psychologist who can comment on your experience and/or potential to practice Clinical Psychology.

It is important that the evidence you choose is verified, authentic, relevant and current and provides sufficient evidence to meet the specified criteria. Professional portfolios should either be delivered or forwarded to the following address:

Shortland Student HUB
Level 4, Shortland Union Building
University of Newcastle
University Drive
Callaghan, NSW
2308

Program Structure

To qualify for admission to the Master of Clinical Psychology, a candidate shall satisfactorily complete a program of study totalling not less than 160 units, comprising:

Four Clinical Placements (40 units). These placements are available in a wide range of settings and the placement supervisors are all qualified Clinical Psychologists who are eligible for membership of the College of Clinical Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society. One of the four placements will be in the Psychology Clinic of the University of Newcastle; and

Three Research and Research-related courses (30 units). One of these is a taught course on research methods while the other two comprise an individual research project undertaken under supervision. The project must make an original contribution to scientific knowledge and must address a topic relevant to Clinical Psychology; and

Nine Compulsory courses (90 units). These courses include professional issues, counselling and clinical interventions, the clinical psychology of adults, children and older adults, people with intellectual disabilities, clinical neuropsychology, and clinical health psychology.

Students who have successfully completed 80 units of courses (excluding placement courses) as approved by the Academic Senate, will be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Science. This is not an APS accredited program of study.

Further Information

For further information on this program, please contact the Program Officers for the Faculty of Science and Information Technology at:

Shortland HUB
Telephone: + 61 2 4921 5000
Fax: + 61 2 4921 6914
Email: EnquiryCentre@newcastle.edu.au
Website: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/hubs/

Approved Courses

For information on course descriptions and/or assumed knowledge requirements click on the appropriate course code. Please note that not all courses will be available each semester. To determine availability of courses, click on the appropriate course code and follow the links to timetabling information.

Schedule

The relevant program schedule is available in the Policy Library.