Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) provides high-level training in psychopathology, assessment and therapeutic interventions for adults and children suffering from clinical disorders such as anxiety disorder, clinical depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, personality disorders, trauma, alcohol dependence, childhood disorders and psychogeriatric conditions.
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Due to limited capacity, students will be unable to defer their place in this course.
Duration
2 years full-time or 4 years part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
2024 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
26 February 2024
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Clinical psychology is a specialisation focusing on psychopathology and the assessment and treatment of clinical disorders across the life-span. This course provides high-level training in psychopathology, assessment and therapeutic interventions for adults and children suffering from clinical disorders.
Prospective students may also wish to consider the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) program.
Course structure
The masters program consists of 200 credit points. Students undertake a total of 16 units of study consisting of eight coursework units of study (100 credit points), four placement units of study (50 credit points) and four research units of study (50 credit points). All units of study are core units and are valued at 12.5 credit points each. Students are required to complete 1000 hours in placements.
Coursework units of study (100 credit points)
Coursework units of study (100 credit points)
Research units of study (50 credit points)
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that may be granted for the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) is 100 credit points (normally eight units)
Units of study
Part-time Year 1
Semester 1
PSY60007 Counselling Theory and Skills*
PSY60002 Advanced Psychological Assessment*
Semester 2
PSY60001 Adult Psychopathology*
Semester 1
PSY60007 Counselling Theory and Skills*
PSY60002 Advanced Psychological Assessment*
Semester 2
PSY60001 Adult Psychopathology*
PSY70002 Clinical Placement A2
Semester 2
Semester 2
Year 4
Semester 1
Semester 1
PSY80089 Research Project (Clinical) B1
Semester 2
Semester 2
Full-time Year 1
Semester 1
PSY60007 Counselling Theory and Skills*
PSY60002 Advanced Psychological Assessment*
PSY80014 Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology*
Semester 1
PSY60007 Counselling Theory and Skills*
PSY60002 Advanced Psychological Assessment*
PSY80014 Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology*
Semester 2
PSY60001 Adult Psychopathology*
PSY60001 Adult Psychopathology*
Semester 2
* Outcome units -matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Graduates may gain employment in community mental health centres, psychiatric hospital settings, specialist services for particular clinical groups, schools, post-secondary education, clinical rehabilitation services and private practice.
Aims and objectives
The program is designed to meet the emerging demand for professionals with a high level of training and the skills needed to provide therapeutic interventions for people suffering clinical disorders such as anxiety disorder, clinical depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, personality disorders, trauma, alcohol dependence, childhood disorders and psychogeriatric conditions.
Students will learn to assess the current level of psychosocial functioning and to formulate and provide therapeutic interventions to individuals, groups, couples and families experiencing such problems as anxiety, depression, psychosis and disorders of impulse control. Students will learn to understand psychiatric diagnostic systems and to develop diagnoses and individual case formulations for children, adolescents and adults with psychiatric disorders and milder psychological problems.
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- evaluate a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in the discipline and practice of clinical psychology; and knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to clinical psychology
- demonstrate technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories in clinical psychology practice and independent research and project work
- use communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions, and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills, with creativity and initiative to new situations in the practice of clinical psychology
- apply a high level of personal autonomy and accountability in the practice of clinical psychology.
Graduate skills
Graduates are capable in their chosen professional areas:
- able to gather information systematically from a wide range of sources
- a sense of social responsibility for knowledge and its application
- a highly developed ability in both verbal and written communication skills
- logical and critical thinking skills.
Graduates are entrepreneurial:
- able to identify and realise opportunities for responsible innovation
- an aptitude for socially responsible decision making.
Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically:
- communicate effectively with professionals and the community
- adaptable, flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change
- understanding and commitment to professional and ethical principles
- application of the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines
- adaptable, flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change
- recognise the need for life long learning.
Graduates are aware of environments:
- respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds
- understand the impact of culture on therapy
- respect for multiple points of view.
Professional recognition
Graduates of the program will be eligible for:
- membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA)
- Clinical Psychology area of practice endorsement (after an additional 24 months of approved supervised full-time equivalent practice with a PsyBA-approved supervisor)
Pathways and scholarships
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2023 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Entry requirements
Applicants for the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) program should have:
Qualifications
- a Bachelor degree from an Australian university, and have completed a four-year sequence of studies in psychology at second class level or above in a course, or courses, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, Or
- overseas qualifications recognised as equivalent for the purpose of Associate Membership by the Australian Psychological Society and have relevant human services work experience, and
- experience in face-to-face counselling or have completed significant training in counselling skills, e.g., Lifeline, counselling skills in tertiary programs or other appropriate work experience.
Selection Process
Short-listed applicants will be required to participate in a competitive selection interview, which will determine whether an offer will be made for enrolment into the program. An order-of-merit for entry will be assessed by a panel of assessors, considering academic record, previous work experience and training, interview performance and academic and professional referees' reports.
It is important to note that there are limited places available, selection is highly competitive and applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements are not guaranteed an interview or place.
Applicants need to have completed their undergraduate and Honours training within 10 years or be a registered psychologist with relevant professional development. Applicants can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPLs) if they have already completed equivalent Units from an APAC accredited Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) or equivalent degree, completed within the past 10 years.
The University stipulates the maximum number of Units that can be granted as RPLs. Applicants who have obtained qualifications from overseas should ensure that their qualifications have been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
N95 Respirator Mask Fit Testing
Students enrolled in this course may be required to complete an annual N95 Mask Fit Test prior to commencing placement. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Students enrolled in this course may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to commencing placement with an NDIS provider. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.
How to apply
Applicants for the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) program must lodge the following forms and associated documents by the closing date:
- Direct application - Online application only
- Academic Referee Report (your referee should complete the online report via the referencing system by the closing date)
- Professional Referee Report (your referee should complete the online report via the referencing system by the closing date)
- APS assessment of qualifications (for qualifications obtained outside Australia)
- Curriculum Vitae and Statement of Purpose (template provided)
2023 Applications close: Monday, 23 October 2023