Master of Psychology (Clinical)

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 2 locations

Duration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
084338A
IELTS
7.0 overall score (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands)
Fees (first year)*
$29912
Start dates
February 2025, February 2026

Overview

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree at ACU is a two year postgraduate course consisting of academic coursework, practical training in assessment, diagnosis and intervention, and completion of a research project.

Successful completion of the course allows registration as a general psychologist and upon completion of an additional period of supervised practice, for area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology with The Psychology Board of Australia.

Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the Courses costs section below, under Fees.

Professional experience

Students must complete 1000 hours of practicum placement in clinical settings with at least 400 hours of face-to-face client contact.


Work placement

During the course, students complete three practicum placements. The first practicum usually occurs in the on-campus training clinic. During this placement students gain experience in assessment, diagnosis and therapy under close individual and group supervision conducted by experienced psychologists. Students must be supervised by a psychologist who is an approved supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia. During the second year of the course, most students complete two six-month external placements, again under supervision by a fully endorsed Clinical psychologist. Practicum options include placements in health care, community mental health teams, non-governmental and private practice settings.

Professional recognition

This course is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.

Careers

Graduates will be well-prepared for work as practitioner psychologists and skilled researchers who work with individuals, families, groups and organisations in a range of institutions and agencies providing psychological and mental health services.

Clinical psychologists often work in:

  • hospitals
  • health care centres
  • community mental health teams
  • private practice
  • academic settings

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time

  • Specified UnitsPSYC621Professional Practice in Psychology10 cp
  • Specified UnitsPSYC638Therapeutic Skills10 cp
  • Specified UnitsPSYC630Psychological Assessment10 cp
  • Specified UnitsPSYC622Practicum Skills10 cp
  • Specialisation Units Clinical StreamPSYC660Adult Clinical Psychology

    (Pre: PSYC621 & PSYC630)

    10 cp
  • Specialisation Units Clinical StreamPSYC661Child Clinical Psychology

    (Pre: PSYC621 & PSYC630)

    10 cp
  • Practicum UnitsPSYC613Practicum A

    (Pre: PSYC621 & PSYC622 & PSYC630 & PSYC638)

    10 cp
  • Specified UnitsPSYC624Evidence-Based Practice for Psychologists10 cp

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit.

Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time (3 years)

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit.

Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time (4 years)

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Masters (Coursework) - AQF Level 9

Additional course information

Applications to study individual units within this degree must be approved by the Course Coordinator.

This course is available as a combined degree with the Doctor of Philosophy, subject to the student meeting PhD admission criteria.

Entry requirements

International applicants

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

1.i. a Bachelor degree with honours in accredited psychology course with minimum of IIA honours completed in the last 10 years; OR

ii. a Bachelor degree with accredited four year major study in psychology completed in the last 10 years;


OR

2.i. a Bachelor degree with accredited three year major study in psychology and satisfactory completion of an additional year of accredited study in psychology, or equivalent, with an overall mark equivalent to IIA Honours; OR

ii. qualifications and experience assessed as equivalent by the selection committee;


AND

3.demonstrated suitability to undertake the course as evidenced by satisfactory:

i. academic referee report;

ii. professional referee report; AND

for short-listed candidates, interview with the selection committee;


AND

4.be eligible for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as a conditional/provisional psychologist.


If the Bachelor degree was completed outside of Australia, applicants must seek an ‘Assessment of Overseas Qualifications’ from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to confirm that it is equivalent to an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited three-year sequence in psychology. Evidence of this must be submitted with the application.

Applicants must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).

Entry is on a competitive basis. All applicants are ranked in October the year prior to admission before being considered for an offer in early December.

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit. Learn more about inherent requirements and how they affect you, and explore the requirements for your course.

Pathways

Further study

Graduates may be eligible to progress to higher degree research programs.

ACU also offers the Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy which combines professional training within clinical psychology with a research Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Students interested in this combined degree must first apply for and complete one year of the Master of Psychology (Clinical).

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3739
  • Average first year fee: $29912
  • Estimate total cost: $59824

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships  

How to apply

International applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

No deferment available.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

Staff Profile

Dr Madeleine Fraser

Senior Lecturer, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences

Dr Madeleine Fraser started at the ACU Strathfield campus in 2015. She is the co-ordinator of the Master of Clinical Psychology program on Strathfield campus and supervises Honours and Masters research projects. Dr Fraser was the recipient of the 2017 APS Sydney Branch Outstanding Lecturer in Psychology award and was awarded the 2019 APS Early Career Teaching Award. She also runs the Clinical Psychology Research Lab (CPR lab) with Associate Professor Keong Yap.

A registered psychologist with clinical endorsement, Dr Fraser is a PsyBA accredited supervisor and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Her qualifications include a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Masters of Philosophy at Macquarie University in 2015, and a PhD focused on the clinical application of self-compassion at the University of Sydney in 2021.

Dr Fraser’s research focuses on self-compassion and cultivating a healthy and supportive way of relating to oneself, as opposed to harsh self-criticism. Her research goal is to promote psychological wellbeing through the scientific study and clinical application of self-compassion and healthy ways of self-relating. 

Testimonial

Morgan Nicholson

I chose ACU for the smaller cohorts and the amazing academic staff with extensive practical experience across psychology fields. As a result, I have built strong, lasting relationships with both peers and staff that continue to enhance my university experience. I have completed my entire tertiary education here, from undergraduate to masters, and I could not have chosen a better place to study.

Morgan Nicholson
Master of Psychology (Clinical) student
 

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