Australian National University
Master of Clinical Psychology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Develop a thorough understanding of key clinical psychology areas and acquire practical skills for your career success.
Course overview
Contemporary training is founded on the scientist-practitioner model, in which clinical skills and interventions are considered based on available scientific evidence and knowledge.
Additional information for admissions purposes:
The application closing date is 30 September each year. To be considered, your application must be submitted by the closing date and include all required supporting documentation, including:
- CV
- Supplementary form
- Official Transcripts
- Where applicable, APAC accreditation letter.
- Two referee reports must also be received by 30 September each year. We recommend contacting your referees well in advance to ensure they are aware their report must be submitted by the above deadline. Please see the ANU College of Health and Medicine webpage to access the supplementary form and information regarding how referees can submit their report https://health.anu.edu.au/study/masters/master-clinical-psychology
Additional program information
Clinical Field Placements
- In their first semester, students attend courses preparing them for their first clinical placement which begins in late April of the first year in the ANU Psychology Clinic. Subsequent to this placement they undertake three or more supervised clinical field placements.
Clinical Research
Part of the requirements of the Master of Clinical Psychology degree is the completion of an appropriate empirical research project normally supervised by a member of staff of the School of Medicine and Psychology. Please check the MCP handbook for additional details.
Performance and attendance
- The Master of Clinical Psychology is a professional training program and the School has a responsibility to ensure that graduates complete certain training requirements to a high standard. Both attendance and the satisfactory completion of assessment processes are necessary conditions for the successful completion of any of the degrees offered in the clinical program. High standards of academic and professional performance as well as ethical conduct are expected of all our students. All components of the Master of Clinical Psychology will be assessed. Students must satisfy course requirements in each and every component of the program (coursework, clinical placements and research) in order for the degree to be awarded. Students will not be permitted to proceed with their research if failures are recorded in the coursework or clinical placement components of their study program.
Key facts
What you will study
The Master of Clinical Psychology degree requires the completion of 96 units, which must consist of:
48 units from completion of the following courses:
- Clinical Coursework I (12 units)
- Clinical Coursework II (12 units)
- Clinical Coursework III (12 units)
- Clinical Coursework IV (12 units)
24 units from completion of the following placement courses:
- Clinical Field Placement I
- Clinical Field Placement II
- Clinical Field Placement III
- Clinical Field Placement IV
24 units from the completion of the following research project course:
- Clinical Research (which must be taken four times)
Entry requirements
All applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is competitive, so meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.
In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an admission assessment may include competitively ranking applicants based on specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.
Academic achievement & English language proficiency
Entry to this program is highly competitive. The minimum academic requirement for full entry and enrolment is:
- Completion of an APAC-accredited Bachelor's degree with Honours in Psychology or international equivalent with a GPA of at least 5.5/7.0 or completion of an APAC-accredited AQF Level 8 qualification, which must include a substantial research methodology component in Psychology, with a GPA of at least 5.5/7.0.
- Two referee reports
- Supplementary form and CV
- A successful suitability assessment will be based on the interview, supplementary form, CV and referee reports.
- Eligibility for provisional or complete registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of and the ability to critically evaluate theory in clinical psychology, including a deep understanding of theories underlying assessment, diagnosis, case formulation and treating psychopathology across the lifespan.
- An advanced level of skill in applying psychological knowledge to various psychological problems and disorders across the lifespan.
- An advanced level of skill in diagnostic interviewing and counselling and a high level of competence in the principles and practice of clinical assessment, diagnosis, case formulation and psychological therapy.
- An advanced level of skills in psychological testing, test data interpretation and writing psychological reports.
- Advanced knowledge and skills in interpreting and critically evaluating psychological and other research relevant to the broad field of clinical psychology practice.
- Advanced knowledge and skills in applying appropriate research methodologies to advancing knowledge in both fundamental and applied issues in clinical psychology.
- Understanding the principles and application of the scientist-practitioner model and evidence-based psychological practice to clinical psychology.
- Knowledge and application of the ethical, professional and legal frameworks relevant to clinical psychology.
- Advanced skills in communicating and working with other health professionals and non-professionals, including a high level of ability in written communication (e.g., clinical and research reports) and oral communication (e.g., research, case presentations, seminars).
- Awareness, knowledge and skill in interacting and working with clients from diverse cultural settings, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds
Career outcomes
This degree is the fundamental professional qualification in clinical psychology. It will provide you with postgraduate clinical training to practise in a range of clinical settings, such as hospitals, community health centres and private practice.
This degree can also be the basis for a career in other areas, including corporate consulting, evaluation science, social policy, recruitment, mediation and population health.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative first year fee in 2025: $37,517 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated per units fees are calculated based on the annual average first year fee. It applies to a full time study load of 48 units per year(unless the program duration is less than 48 units).
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
All students are required to pay a services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
