Master of Psychology (Clinical)

What you will study

To complete the Master of Psychology (Clinical), you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:

• DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points compulsory unit) in your first study period
• 16 credit points of core units

Core units

Level 1 - Trimester 1

• Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
• Studies in Psychopathology
• Issues in Professional Psychology
• Psychological Intervention 1
• Psychological Assessment 1

Level 1 - Trimester 2

• Clinical Placement and Case Analysis 1
• Advanced Clinical Research Methods
• Psychological Intervention 2
• Research Thesis A

Trimester 1

• Clinical Placement and Case Analysis 2
• Psychological Intervention 3
• Research Thesis B
• Psychological Assessment 2

Level 2 - Trimester 2

• Clinical Placement and Case Analysis 3
• Psychological Interventions for Clinical Health and Trauma
• Research Thesis C

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements and individual circumstances. You must meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

This course has limited places and entry is competitive. As you know, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply soon.

Academic requirements.

To be considered for admission to this degree, you will need to meet all the following criteria:

• Completion of a four-year tertiary program* with a psychology major from an APAC accredited program with a minimum of an Honours 2A average or equivalent. Applicants who completed a four-year psychology program more than 10 years ago must articulate how they have maintained recency of Level 2 Pre-Professional Competencies.
• Eligibility for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

International applicants will need to have their qualifications assessed by APS to determine if the applicant's qualifications are comparable to an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) sequence of study in psychology. Further information regarding international qualification assessment can be found at the Australian Psychological Society.

Either an honours program or the combination of a three-year undergraduate degree, including a psychology major and an approved postgraduate program. The Australian Psychological Society must assess it as equivalent if you are applying with an international qualification.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
• IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent.
• Other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements).

Non-academic requirements

You'll need to provide two referee reports with your application if you don't mind. Two academic referees are preferred, but where an applicant cannot seek a second academic referee, a professional referee may be suitable if they are in a position to respond to the criteria assessed in the referee reports. Information on obtaining and sharing references can be found at the Psychology Reference Portal.

Preferred referees include 4th-year supervisors and course directors from your university. However, we will also consider other academic referees who have working relationships within psychology. You don't need to include referee information through the Deakin University direct application portal.

Just so you know, the Psychology Reference Portal will be temporarily closed from 28 June, 5:00 PM, until 1 August, 9:00 AM AEST. Please ensure you have nominated Deakin as a Higher Education Provider (HEP) for any existing references before 28.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning that exceeds the course's standard entrance requirements and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students must complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University or four credit points, whichever is greater. For certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system, which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Standard University regulations and guidelines pertain to students applying for Recognition of prior learning within this program. Credit will always need to be determined on a case-by-case basis, with the maximum credit granted being consistent with university policy.

Recognition of prior learning is available to applicants already possessing equivalent units from an APAC-accredited Master of Psychology (Clinical) or equivalent degree, completed no more than 10 years previously and up to the maximum permitted under University regulations. Usually, such applicants will be required to complete placements and all additional units needed to make the coursework component comparable to Deakin Master's students. In line with APAC 2010 regulations (5.1.11), students will not be credited for previous research experience, including research for higher degrees. I'd like you to please be aware that applications for Recognition of prior learning can be made in writing and addressed to the course chair, including a completed Recognition of prior learning application form, following enrolment and preferably before the commencement of studies.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Clinical psychologists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological and mental health conditions that range from mild to severe and complex. They are often involved in designing and implementing various prevention and mental health promotion programs and may work with infants, children, adolescents, adults and older adults.

Most clinical psychologists develop expertise in specific areas or practice in sub-specialisations of clinical psychology. In addition to professional practice, clinical psychologists may be involved in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy and other activities that promote psychological health in individuals, families and groups.

Learning outcomes

• Apply advanced psychological knowledge of aetiology, progression and recovery from psychopathology and relevant taxonomies to culturally safe assessment and identification of psychological disorders, current functioning and risk to self and others.
• Display advanced knowledge of psychological theories and scientific methods, including through appropriate application of culturally responsive and evidence-based clinical psychology assessment and treatment across the lifespan.
• Communicate safely and effectively with clients, carers, and colleagues, discussing the risks and benefits of assessment and intervention in various settings, including health and medical settings where clinical psychologists work.
• Ethically use various digital technologies, including research databases, eHealth and artificial intelligence applications, to support evidence-based clinical psychology practice, research, innovation and evaluation.
• Critically evaluate, interpret and synthesise research findings with assessment data to inform formulation, diagnoses and treatment approaches for clients and apply these appropriately to the context.
• Demonstrate and apply an understanding of outcome-based and evidence-based treatment and assessment approaches relevant to clinical psychology, including through collaborative goal setting and client feedback and ongoing evaluation of symptom change and other therapeutic outcomes.
• Proactively engage in reflection and supervision to identify strengths and areas for development and the impact of culture, values, beliefs, biases and self-care practices on one’s practice; develop and implement related goals to practise competently in line with clinical psychology practice standards, codes of ethical practice and relevant legal frameworks.
• Operate effectively within intra- and inter-disciplinary teams, respecting diverse cultural perspectives, skills, contributions and practice within professional and cultural competence boundaries across various settings where clinical psychologists operate.
• Practise clinical psychology ethically and legally in culturally informed, trauma-aware and neuro-affirming ways. Apply knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples’ psychology frameworks and demonstrate a commitment to decolonising clinical psychology practice.

Fees and CSP

Indicative first-year fee in 2025: $33,000 (Domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative first-year fee in 2025: $6,228 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Student fees 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.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
• Depending on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.