Adelaide University
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Be a steady well of compassion in tough moments while forging trusted bonds and pushing hard for better mental-health care.
Course overview
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is for those who wish to make a meaningful impact as a registered psychologist.
Developed with insights from practitioners, academics and students, this degree is current and highly relevant. You’ll gain a deep understanding of both established best practices and the latest advancements in the field. You’ll also engage with research, exploring how it shapes and enhances clinical practice.
Learn how to conduct comprehensive assessments to develop an understanding of the psychological, environmental, social and cultural factors contributing to how your client presents. Design and implement personalised treatment plans using evidence-based therapies tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Guided by experienced clinical psychologists, you’ll have the chance to apply your skills across clinical placements. Here, you’ll contribute to comprehensive assessment and therapeutic services to adults, children and families across a range of contexts, while gaining the skills and confidence to excel in your future career.
Key features
- Gain a qualification that enables you to be eligible for registration as a psychologist.
- Benefit from strong career opportunities and the opportunity to begin a registrar program and work towards endorsement in clinical psychology after you graduate.
- Study a degree created in collaboration with practitioners, academics and students.
- Learn from top researchers.
- Acquire hands-on experience in Adelaide University's affiliated psychology clinics, providing psychological services to real clients under supervision.
- Develop real-world insights and practical skills through supervised clinical placements.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete 96 units comprising:
- 72 units for all core courses
- 24 units for all work integrated learning
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.
Complete 72 units for all of the following:
- Psychopathology and Clinical Practice
- Psychological Assessment (Clinical and Health)
- Interviewing and Intervention (Clinical)
- Clinical Neuropsychology and Disability
- Advanced Child and Adult Intervention
- Research Project in Clinical Psychology I (12 units)
- Research Project in Clinical Psychology II (18 units)
- Evidence-based Practice (Clinical)
- Health Psychology (Clinical)
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed four-year psychology honours degree with at least an upper second class or equivalent overall mark, or an equivalent degree that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council; AND
- Undertake the Casper Situational Judgement Test (CSJT); AND
- Provide two referee reports via the HODSPA – VTAC reference portal system; AND
- Attend an interview, if invited.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Gain essential clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis and intervention – preparing you to effectively and sensitively address diverse psychological needs.
- Learn from experienced psychologists with clinical expertise and practice skills under their guidance.
- Gain experience in clinical psychology placements, where you’ll provide high-quality psychological services under the supervision of experienced clinical psychologists.
Career outcomes
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) prepares you to become a highly skilled and empathetic psychologist. You might support a client who has experienced trauma to help them process their experiences and rebuild their life. You could provide therapy to a family with a teenager facing mental health challenges, helping create a supportive family environment that encourages healing and resilience. Perhaps you’ll assist clients through major life transitions, providing a safe space for them to explore their emotions and move forward with acceptance and hope. Perhaps you will conduct psychoeducational and social-emotional assessments to support students in their academic development. You could also contribute to the field by researching new therapeutic approaches or the underlying causes of mental health disorders.
With a degree in clinical psychology, you’ll be well prepared for various roles, including:
- Psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Clinical psychology researcher
Fees and CSP
Estimated student contribution amount per 1.0 EFTSL (48 units) in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.
The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:
- Number of courses you are enrolled in.
- Unit value of courses.
- Funding cluster your courses fall under.
A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.
