Master of Clinical Psychology
This degree is part of the programs offering government subsidised places
Find information about indicative course and program fees.AUD 48,400 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Program handbook
Description
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-practitioner' 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.
Taking into account the broad diversity of clients and development across the lifespan, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to competently and ethically achieve the following Program Learning Outcomes.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- Demonstrated successful achievement of pre-professional competencies.
- Applied evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
- Employed professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
- Performed appropriate standardised psychological testing as part of broader assessment to assess and interpret aspects of functioning.
- Identified psychological disorders using a recognised taxonomy.
- Conducted professional interviews and assessments and synthesised information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions, including management of risk.
- Monitored outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation, including health and health concerns, family and support networks, and organisational, cultural or community contexts, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client within their wider context.
- Interpreted and communicated findings in oral and written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
- Implemented appropriate, empirically supported interventions, and monitor clients' progress and intervention outcomes.
- Demonstrated respect for the skills and contribution of other professionals.
- Worked effectively with a range of professional support staff in the workplace and communicated and collaborated effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
- Operated within the boundaries of their professional competence, consulted with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate and referred on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate.
- Rigorously applied professional practice policies and procedures, including as they relate to referral management and record keeping, across a range of workplace settings and with recognition of different organisational cultures and practices.
- Engaged in self-reflective professional practice, taking into account the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
- Critically evaluated contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Investigated a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
Details
Information correct as at | Apr 25, 2024 6:59 am |
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Program code | 40187 |
AQF level | Level 9 Masters Degree (Extended) |
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Duration |
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Term type | Semesters |
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Relevant University rules and policies |
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CRICOS Code | 098562M |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
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; 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 Psychological Sciences 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.
English Language Requirements
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.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7
Additional selection criteria
- 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.
- Registration - All students are required to hold registration as a provisional psychologist for the duration of their studies. You need to apply for provisional registration after you have enrolled in your postgraduate degree (i.e. enrolled in subjects), and before you start your degree (i.e. attending classes and undertaking placements). It may take some time for AHPRA to process your application, so you can commence coursework while you are waiting for your provisional registration application to be processed, but you must not start any supervised practice placement or have any client contact until your application for provisional registration has been approved. Please refer to the AHPRA Registration FAQs (https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/standards-and-guidelines/faq/higher-degree-faq.aspx)
Credit transfer
If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Applicant seeking credit towards PSCY6511 Research Project 1 and PSYC6530 Clinical Research Project (Masters Final) must submit Research Course Credit Application Form as part of their online application.
Compulsory program requirements
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.
The Master of Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and, together with a subsequent year of supervised practice, is a pathway to becoming a registered, practicing Psychologist in Australia
It is possible you could be placed outside of the Hunter region for one of your placements. At times rural practice placements are also available during semester breaks. You will need to discuss this with the Placement Coordinator. Please be aware travel and accommodation costs are self-funded by you. However, student rates for accommodation may be available in some areas. Please follow this link for further information.
Post-admission requirements
NSW Health Verification Requirements
Mandatory NSW Health Verification Requirements must be met. More information is available here.
Compulsory program requirements - Review of progress
In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.
PSYC6508 - Psychology Placement 2
PSYC6504 - Psychology Clinic Placement
PSYC6512 - Psychology Placement 3
PSYC6516 - Psychology Placement 4
Professional recognition
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
The Master of Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
160 units
Program duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 6 years maximum.
International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au
Program requirements
Students are required to complete a total of, but no more than, 160 units of core courses, comprised of the following:
- Four clinical placements (40 units)
- Three research and research-related courses (30 units)
- Nine compulsory taught courses (90 units)
Please note: Students must only complete courses that form part of the program.
The 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.
One of the research courses is a taught course on research methods while the other two comprise an individual research project undertaken under supervision.
The remaining taught courses include professional and ethical practice; counselling and clinical interventions; clinical neuropsychology; health psychology; and the clinical psychology of adults, children, older adults, and people with intellectual disabilities.
During placement, students will be subject to the policies and procedures of the placement facility. Students must meet all of the M Clinical Psychology Requirements including NSW Health Verification Requirements.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
Additional documents
- 2021 Transition Arrangements 152.1 KB
Transition arrangements
2021 Revision
From 2021 there are changes to the program. For students who commenced the program prior to 2021, please refer to the 2021 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more information.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
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Core
Complete the following core courses. | |||
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Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
PSYC6501 | Professional and Ethical Practice |
| 10 units |
PSYC6502 | Counselling and Psychological Intervention |
| 10 units |
PSYC6503 | Psychological Practice: Adult Psychopathology |
| 10 units |
PSYC6504 | Psychology Clinic Placement |
| 10 units |
PSYC6505 | Research Development |
| 10 units |
PSYC6506 | Psychological Practice: Children and Families |
| 10 units |
PSYC6507 | Assessment in Psychological Practice |
| 10 units |
PSYC6508 | Psychology Placement 2 |
| 10 units |
PSYC6509 | Advanced Clinical Psychology with Adults |
| 10 units |
PSYC6510 | Advanced Clinical Psychology with Children and Adolescents |
| 10 units |
PSYC6511 | Clinical Research Project 1 |
| 10 units |
PSYC6512 | Psychology Placement 3 |
| 10 units |
PSYC6514 | Advanced Clinical Psychology in Specialised Areas of Practice |
| 10 units |
PSYC6516 | Psychology Placement 4 |
| 10 units |
PSYC6530 | Clinical Research Project 2 |
| 10 units |
PSYC6531 | Advanced Clinical Interventions |
| 10 units |
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
International students
All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens 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. More information is available online.
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