Master of Psychology (Clinical)

ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accredited four year sequence of study in Psychology (such as Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science) or equivalent within the last 10 years and have achieved a minimum upper second class honours (H2A) or equivalent. Applicants must also be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist. IELTS score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0. Applicants are assessed on academic performance, referee reports and personal suitability via interview.

Those who have obtained their qualifications outside Australia must have their qualifications assessed prior to applying for this program and prior to applying for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. The Australian Psychological Society provides this assessment service for the Board and the assessment assists the Board in determining if your qualifications are equivalent to an ‘approved qualification’. However, it is important to note the final decision on equivalence rests with the Board. For more information on equivalency assessments please visit psychology.org.au.

If you obtained your qualifications outside Australia please submit evidence of your Australian Psychology Society equivalency with your application. You must obtain provisional registration from the Psychology Board of Australia before commencing the program.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program is designed for individuals seeking registration as a clinical psychologist or for registered psychologists seeking to upgrade their existing qualifications. The program provides in-depth training in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of psychological disorders across a wide range of client populations. There is an emphasis on the scientist-practitioner approach.

This program is also designed to provide education, knowledge, training and clinical skills in professional psychology to meet the requirements for registration as a psychologist.

Placements are an integral part of this program. You will undertake practical placements as part of their clinical training.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Foundation Subjects (7)

• Advanced Psychological Assessment
• Counselling Psychotherapies and Clinical Skills
• Health Psychology
• Psychopathology and Therapy: Adults 1
• Psychopathology and Therapy: Adults 2
• Psychopathology and Therapy: Families, Children and Adolescents
• Research Methods, Professional Practice and Ethics

Elective Subjects (1)
One of the following electives:

• Forensic Psychopathology
• Psychopharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
• Special Category Offenders

Dissertation Subjects (4)
You must undertake a research project that allows you to investigate and report on a specialised topic in the area of clinical psychology. This component is equivalent to four subjects.

Practical Placements (4)

• Internship: Part A (PSYC71-731)
• Internship: Part B (PSYC71-732)
• Externship I* (PSYC71-733)
• Externship II* (PSYC71-734)

You must complete the first two-semester internship at the Psychology Clinic on campus under staff supervision and two externships* in a clinical community setting under external supervision.

PROFESSIONAL OUTCOMES

This program meets the requirements set out by the Psychology Board of Australia. Graduates will be eligible to apply for full registration after two years of probationary registration. You will be eligible to apply for membership to the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and associate membership to the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and has full approval of the APS, for the purpose of associate membership to the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.

*Students may be required to travel outside the Gold Coast region to undertake their external placement. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from externship locations. If external placements are not completed on time students may need to extend beyond the six semesters in order to complete all the necessary components of the program. This may have an impact on Australian students in receipt of Centrelink benefits, and students are responsible for informing themselves on this matter.