Master of Psychology (Clinical)

Program summary

Program title: Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Award abbreviation: MPsych(Clin)
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus
Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Applications close: Friday 30 September 2011, for study commencing in 2012
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 16
Program code: AR703
CRICOS code: 070701B

Gain registration to practice as a clinical psychologist.

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) trains psychology graduates in clinical psychology to meet the requirements for registration to practise as clinical psychologists.

The program has three major components—coursework in professional and clinical psychology, supervised practicum placements, and a research project and thesis. Coursework delivery is via a combination of lectures, seminars, practical exercises, written assignments, and skills demonstration and practice.

Practicum placements involve you working as a provisional clinical psychologist, under appropriate supervision, in a range of settings beginning in the University’s Psychology Clinic. Your work is assessed through written reports, case presentations, professional portfolios and observation by supervisors and the course coordinator.

The research project involves a review of relevant literature leading to a research question, design and conduct of an appropriate study, data collection and analysis, and preparation of a thesis consisting of the literature review and a report of the research study. The thesis is assessed by independent examination.

Accreditation

Accredited by The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and approved by The Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Clinical Psychologists as a fifth and sixth year program in Psychology, graduates of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are eligible to apply to the Psychologists Board of Australia (PBA) for full registration.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the Australian Psychological Society’s College of Clinical Psychologists.

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Business
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Professor Mary Katsikitis
Tel: +61 7 5456 5034
Email: mkatsiki@usc.edu.au

Admission requirements

The entry requirements for admission to the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are:

1. Successful completion of an APAC accredited four-year degree or fourth year in Psychology.
2. Normally a minimum GPA of 6.0 in fourth year Psychology units or demonstrated equivalent experience in the successful practice of the profession.
3. Applicants must have general registration or be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
4. Offer of a quota place.

The selection process involves an interview with clinical members of the discipline of Psychology. 

Refer also to the University's English language proficiency requirements.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Scroll down to your relevant Program Structure.

Program requirements and notes

• Students are required to successfully complete the 16 required courses as listed below.
• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• This program consists of the three major required components, as follows:
  • 50 percent coursework (8 courses)
  • 25 percent research project and thesis (4 courses), and
  • 25 percent Practicum placements (4 courses).
• Students will undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum placement in total across the 4 practicum placement courses.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Year 1

Required courses: (8)

Year 2

Required courses: (8)

TOTAL UNITS 192

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business