Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

What you will study

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.  

Core units

• Counselling Theory and Skills
• Advanced Psychological Assessment
• Adult Psychopathology
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research
• Systemic Family Counselling
• Psychology Practice with Children and Adolescents
• Clinical and Forensic Placement B1
• Foundations of Health Psychology
• Research Project (Clinical) A1
• Research Project (Clinical) A2
• Research Project (Clinical) B1
• Research Project (Clinical) B2
• Clinical Placement A1
• Clinical Placement A2
• Clinical Placement B1
• Clinical Placement B2

Entry requirements

Applicants for the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) program should have:

• A bachelor's 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.

English language requirements

All Swinburne students must be able to meet the English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skills if you have one of the following:

• Completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or another type of secondary qualification taught in English.
• Completed some types of university or vocational education studies (tertiary studies).
• Completed English language tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson or C1.
• Completed an English language (ELICOS) course.
• Lived and worked in an English-speaking country for at least four years (domestic applicants only).

These requirements vary for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, depending on your chosen course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

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, as well as 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.

Career outcomes

Potential opportunities include:

• Psychologist
• Rehabilitation counselor
• Forensic psychologist

Fees and CSP

Estimated yearly fees in 2026:

• $4,738 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
• $38,860 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Estimated total fees in 2026:

• $9,476 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
• $77,720 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. These fees apply to units studied in 2026 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.

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.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

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 the unit you're enrolled in.
• Dependent 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.