96% employed within four months of graduating.
(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-2023, Postgraduate Psychology)
Degree overview
Practice as a Clinical Psychologist
Our program is a professional qualification for those who wish to practice as a Clinical Psychologist. We offer expert supervision in our Psychology clinic and local health care and community settings. Our course will give you the skills to work in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of psychological disorders across the lifespan.
You will enhance your conceptual and interpersonal skills. You will 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. You will be able to conduct, evaluate and present systematic research relevant to Clinical Psychology.
Graduates will be knowledgeable, skilled and ethical practitioners of Clinical Psychology. You will be capable of adhering to the 'scientist-practitioner' model of practice.
Placement
Our Placement Coordinator will assist you with obtaining diverse placement opportunities. You will also be supervised by board-approved Clinical Psychologist supervisors during your placements.
Graduates will be knowledgeable, skilled and ethical practitioners of Clinical Psychology. You will be capable of adhering to the 'scientist-practitioner' model of practice.
World top 200
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for Psychology
Diverse placement opportunities
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APAC
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accredited degree
Career opportunities
Following graduation, you will be able to apply to Ahpra to obtain general registration.
Then you can complete an additional registrar program under the supervision of a registered psychologist with an endorsed area of practice in clinical psychology. Then you may apply to Ahpra to become registered with an area of endorsement in clinical psychology and become a Clinical Psychologist.
Our program will prepare you to professionally practice as a clinical psychologist in clinical and community settings. As well as provide a broad range of psychological services to long-term patients to treat mild to complex mental health conditions.
Career prospects may include:
- Registered Psychologist
- Clinical Psychology Registrar
- Clinical Psychologist
What you will study
Our program 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.
Our academic experts will assist you with obtaining diverse placement opportunities. You will also be supervised by board-approved Clinical Psychologists during your placements. Graduates will be knowledgeable, skilled and ethical practitioners of Clinical Psychology. You will be capable of adhering to the 'scientist-practitioner' model of practice.
We have an excellent collaborative relationship with the Hunter New England Local Health District. They aid in facilitating placements, research projects and future employment prospects for students.
Registration Pathways
Student experience
Student experience
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. Hear from Dr Tanya Hanstock, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology
Where can a Master of Clinical Psychology take you? 2:00
Our program is a professional qualification for those who wish to practice as a Clinical Psychologist.
How to apply
How to apply
Apply as a domestic student
Before you get started
To ensure a smooth application process, please complete the following steps before applying:
- Review the Program Handbook.
- Review the Admission Requirements.
- Review the Program fees and costs.
- Decide on your preferred commencement date.
Note: Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University of Newcastle’s English Language Proficiency requirements.
You are a domestic student if you are:
- An Australian or New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens)
- A permanent resident of Australia
- A holder of a permanent Australian visa.
Application instructions
2026 applications are now open.
If you are an Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, hold an Australian Permanent Humanitarian Visa, or a New Zealand Citizen please follow the steps outlined below.
Please ensure that your application and ALL supporting documentation is provided to The University of Newcastle by 11:59pm AEST 30th September 2025. No late applications will be accepted.
Before following the application instructions, please review our inherent requirements for the Master of Clinical Psychology and the Master of Professional Psychology Programs.
There are eight domains of inherent requirements in the Master of Clinical Psychology and the Master of Professional Psychology:
- Ethical Behaviour
- Behavioural Stability
- Legal
- Communication
- Cognition
- Relational skills
- Reflective skills
- Sustainable Performance
You can find all information on our inherent requirements here.
2025 applications are now open.
All domestic applicants will be required to apply via the University of Newcastle’s Postgraduate Application Portal. You will be required to supply the following documentation:
- 100 points of identification.
- For Australian Permanent Residents, a copy of your passport linked to your visa.
- Evidence of your English Language Proficiency equivalent to an IELTS overall result of 7.0 with no subtest below 7.0. Most applicants who have completed their undergraduate study within Australia will meet this requirement.
- Colour or certified copies of your official academic transcripts, published papers, awards, certificates and/or other documentation evidencing completed education. For applicants who have studied outside of Australia, you will be required to provide evidence that your qualifications have been assessed by the Australian Psychology Society (APS) as equivalent to the Australia Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) 4th Year Psychology Sequence.
Please note that this process can take time, so please ensure that you apply to have this assessed prior to our application closing date, 30th September 2025.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae
- The email address linked to your Psychology Reference Portal.
Additionally, if you are offered admission to the Master of Clinical Psychology or the Master of Professional Psychology you will be required to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) (unless you already are provisionally or fully registered). Please make sure that you are eligible for provisional registration, including satisfying Ahpra’s English Language Proficiency requirements.
All applicants must provide TWO referee reports. This could be either one Academic and one Professional reference, or two Professional References, depending on your circumstances.
Please note: It is your responsibility to ensure that your referees complete the report via the Psychology Reference Portal before the 30th September 11:59pm (AEST) deadline.
References submitted in 2024 are not available for review, and you will need to request new references to be considered for 2026 admission.
Complete the Master of Clinical Psychology and Master of Professional Psychology Admission Portfolio and submit your portfolio and supporting documents within this form.
The University of Newcastle welcomes and encourages Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to consider applying for entry into our postgraduate psychology programs.
Across our Master of Professional Psychology Program (MPP) and Master of Clinical Psychology Program (MCP) there are two CSP places in the MPP and four CSP places in the MCP which are given preferentially to our highest-ranking Indigenous applicants.
All applicants will be evaluated on their academic achievement, personal statement, curriculum vitae, referee reports, and performance on an interview to ensure that they have the preparedness to undertake the program.
To be considered for CSP places, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are required to:
- Go through Establishing Status within the University of Newcastle (UON students, Internal Applicants)
- Or send the filled ESTABLISHING ABORIGINALITY AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER STATUS - APPLICATION FORM to PVCIndigenous@newcastle.edu.au email address (Applicants from other universities).
Please review the UON Establishing Status within the University policy and if you have any questions or would like more information about this pathway, please contact Dr Stacey McMullen (Stacey.McMullen@newcastle.edu.au).
For all other enquiries, please contact:
- Dr Sally Hunt (Sally.Hunt@newcastle.edu.au) about Master of Professional Psychology Program (MPP)
- Dr Tanya Hanstock (Tanya.Hanstock@newcastle.edu.au) about Master of Clinical Psychology Program (MCP).
CSP places are being prioritised for those who identify and are officially recognised as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander as part of an exception of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 [s51], which is being applied to achieve equality.
Other things to consider
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; or have achieved an overall GPA of 6.0 or above (7-point scale) in an APAC accredited Master of Professional Psychology program or equivalent APAC accredited 5th year program of study; 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.
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.
Apply as an international student
Before you get started
To ensure a smooth application process, please complete the following steps before applying:
- Review the Program Handbook.
- Review the Admission Requirements.
- Review the Program fees and costs.
- Decide on your preferred commencement date.
Note: Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University of Newcastle’s English Language Proficiency requirements.
English proficiency requirements
Applicants who do not speak English as a first language 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.
- IELTS overall minimum - 7.0
- IELTS section minimum - 7.0
- About English Language Pathways
Apply to the University via our online application portal.
In the application portal, you can enter the program you wish to study and upload relevant documents needed as part of your application. It is recommended you submit your application a minimum of 12 weeks before your intended semester of trimester start date.
If you are applying through an education agent, they can also apply through the application portal. Ensure your agent is contracted to the University to avoid delays with your application.
Once you have started your application you will be provided with a reference number. You or your education agent will be able to track your application as it progresses.
Application instructions
2026 applications are now open.
The application deadline is 11:59pm AEST 30th September 2025. No late applications will be accepted.
Before following the application instructions, please read through our inherent requirements for Master of Clinical Psychology and Master of Professional Psychology Programs.
There are eight domains of inherent requirements in the Master of Clinical Psychology and the Master of Professional Psychology:
- Ethical Behaviour
- Behavioural Stability
- Legal
- Communication
- Cognition
- Relational skills
- Reflective skills
- Sustainable Performance
You can find all information on our inherent requirements here.
2026 applications are now open.
The international application deadline is 11:59pm AEST 30th September 2025, with an interview period in the end of November.
Please ensure that your application and ALL supporting documentation is provided to The University of Newcastle by the deadline. No late applications will be accepted.
There are two ways to make an application as an international student.
Online
You can apply through our International Admissions System. You can save your online application after you have started, and come back to it later.
Education Agent
You are able to apply through one of the University’s contracted education agents. Our education agents are trained to provide you with support during your university admissions and visa application process. If you have any questions on the application process please, contact ia@newcastle.edu.au.
In addition, if you are offered the opportunity to enrol in the Master of Clinical Psychology or the Master of Professional Psychology you will be required to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) (unless you already are provisionally or fully registered). Please make sure that you are eligible for provisional registration. You are required to meet the Ahpra English Language Skills to meet Ahpra’s requirements to obtain provisional registration.
All applicants must provide TWO referee reports. This could be either one Academic and one Professional reference, or two Professional References, depending on your circumstances.
Please note: It is your responsibility to ensure that your referees complete the report via the Psychology Reference Portal before the 30th September 11:59pm (AEST) deadline.
References submitted in 2024 are not available for review, and you will need to request new references to be considered for 2026 admissions.
Complete the Master of Clinical Psychology and Master of Professional Psychology Admission Portfolio and submit your portfolio and supporting documents within this form.
Other things to consider
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.
- 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.
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; or have achieved an overall GPA of 6.0 or above (7-point scale) in an APAC accredited Master of Professional Psychology program or equivalent APAC accredited 5th year program of study; 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.
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.
Scholarships
Scholarships
If you are a current student, or planning to study with us, we encourage you to apply for all scholarships you meet the criteria for.
Scholarships are available for current, future and international students, Asylum seekers, Graduate research, abroad and exchange study and opportunities with external providers.
Similar degrees
1 Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Learn more.
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This is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). The Psychology Board of Australia also recognises the program for the purposes of registration and endorsement of practice.
Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
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