Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Newcastle
Duration2 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 6 years maximum.2 years full-time.
Mode of deliveryFace to Face
Start datesSemester 1 (21 Feb 2022),
Semester 1 (21 Feb 2022),
FeesLimited Commonwealth supported places are available.
Find information about indicative course and program fees.AUD 45,625 (indicative annual fee, 2022)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Find information about indicative course and program fees.AUD 45,625 (indicative annual fee, 2022)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
English proficiencyIELTS overall minimum - 7.0, IELTS section minimum - 7.0 Find out more about IELTS.
Program Code40187
Study Clinical Psychology
The Master of Clinical Psychology is a professional qualification for those who wish to practice as a Clinical Psychologist. With expert supervision in our Psychology clinic and local health care and community settings, the course will give you the skills to work in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of psychological disorders.
You will enhance your conceptual and interpersonal skills and apply advanced knowledge, principles and methods to relevant procedures, technologies and techniques in the professional practice of Clinical Psychology. You will work collaboratively and effectively with a diverse range of clients and other health professionals, and be able to conduct, evaluate and present systematic research relevant to Clinical Psychology.
Graduates will be knowledgeable, skilled and ethical practitioners of Clinical Psychology and capable of adhering to the 'scientist-practitioner' model of practice.
Why study with us?
- Learn from renowned researchers such as Professor Scott Brown who was recently named Australia’s leading researcher in cognitive science (The Australian’s 2019 Research magazine)
- Become a fully accredited Clinical Psychologist - the program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). The Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), through APAC, also recognises the program for the purposes of registration and endorsement of practice in clinical psychology.
- Diverse practical placement opportunities - our academic experts will assist you with obtaining placement opportunities that will allow you to demonstrate your broad skill set and gain practical experience in a clinical setting.
- Be mentored by some of the best in the field - during your placement, you will be supervised by board-approved Clinical Psychologists.
- Ranked 3 in Australia - by our postgraduate psychology students for skills development. *
- $90,000 median salary - for our postgraduate students. This is above the national average. **
* Course Experience Questionnaire 2020-2021
** Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-2021
World top 200
?
for psychology
What you will study
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
Study Pathways
Program plans
Download a program plan for further details on your degree's structure and what courses you will study.
These program plans are applicable to new students. Current students should refer to the program handbook to access the plan relevant to the year they commenced.
- Program Plan 2019-2022 171.9 KB
Career
Career opportunities
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
Professional recognition
The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
The Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), through APAC, also recognises the program for the purposes of registration and endorsement of practice in clinical psychology.
Practical experience
Our academic experts will assist you with obtaining diverse placement opportunities that will allow you to demonstrate your broad skill set and gain practical experience in a clinical setting. You will also be supervised by board-approved Clinical Psychologists during your placements. Graduates will be knowledgeable, skilled and ethical practitioners of Clinical Psychology and capable of adhering to the 'scientist-practitioner' model of practice.
The University of Newcastle has an excellent collaborative relationship with the Hunter New England Local Health District which aids in facilitating placements, research projects and future employment prospects for students.
Study with us
Hear from our students
Listen to our students talk about their degree and life at the University of Newcastle.
How to apply
Applying for Master of Clinical Psychology
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Newcastle
Before you get started
To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:
- Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
- Review the program fees and costs.
- Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
- If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.
You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.
Other things to consider
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
Admission to this program is available through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC code 927806).
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.
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
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.
- Portfolio - All applicants are required to submit a professional portfolio with their admission application. Applications and portfolios are lodged through UAC (domestic students) or directly to International Admissions (international students). 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. Additional detail can be seen in the How to Apply section of this page.
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) standards stipulate that students must spend at least 1000 hours in clinical placements to meet competencies required for general registration as a psychologist through the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) supported by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). This requirement will be met with four of the courses within the program being devoted to clinical placements.
In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.
PSYC6504 - Psychology Clinic Placement
PSYC6516 - Psychology Placement 4
PSYC6508 - Psychology Placement 2
PSYC6512 - Psychology Placement 3
You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
Ok, great, let's go!
Applications for 2022 will open on September 1 and close on October 4.
Please review the application instructions below. A completed copy of this application portfolio must be included with your application. No late applications can be accepted.
Apply to study in Australia
Both students and education agents can submit applications online using our Online Direct Admissions tool. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.
Applicants must submit a formal application for admission, and also provide a completed Application Portfolio (PDF, 300KB) directly to the University.
Alternatively you may complete a paper-based application.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.