Gain the qualification you need to become a psychologist.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) trains psychology graduates in clinical psychology to meet the requirements for registration to practise as psychologists.
This program is offered at USC Thompson Institute
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) trains psychology graduates in clinical psychology to meet the requirements for registration to practise as psychologists.
The program has three major components—coursework in professional and clinical psychology, supervised practicum placements, and a research project and thesis. Coursework delivery is via a combination of lectures, seminars, practical exercises, written assignments, and skills demonstration and practice.
Practicum placements involve you working as a provisional psychologist, under appropriate supervision, in a range of settings beginning in the University’s Psychology Clinic. Your work is assessed through written reports, case presentations, professional portfolios and observation by supervisors and the course coordinator.
The research project involves a review of relevant literature leading to a research question, design and conduct of an appropriate study, data collection and analysis, and preparation of a thesis consisting of the literature review and a report of the research study. The thesis is assessed by independent examination. Visit Study Psychology for more information.
USC’s postgraduate psychology programs are taught at the Thompson Institute. A hub for mental health research, teaching and clinical services, this world-class facility is located at Birtinya, minutes from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The Institute’s focus is to address mental health issues in the community, particularly those affecting our youth, adolescents and older community members.
Accreditation
Accredited by The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Graduates of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are eligible to apply to the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) for general registration via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the Australian Psychological Society’s College of Clinical Psychologists.
Admission requirements
The entry requirements for admission to the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are:
- Successful completion of an APAC accredited four-year degree or fourth year in Psychology in the last 10 years.
- An upper second class Honours (2A) OR psychologists with demonstrated equivalent experience and compliance with PsyBA CPD requirements.
- Applicants must have provisional or general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Master of Psychology (Clinical) offers a limited number of places.
How to apply
To apply for the Master of Psychology (Clinical), submit the completed application form and personal statement form to USC. You must also request two referees (one academic and one professional) provide USC with reports using the online Psychology Reference system. For more information visit Application forms.
International students please refer to the International students - how to apply .
Applications for Semester 1, 2021 close on 2 October 2020.
Program structure
Required courses (16) 192 units
PSY700 The Text Files: An Introduction to Literary Studies
PSY701 Reality Bites: An Exploration of Non-Fiction
PSY702 Wonderworlds: An Exploration of English Literature
PSY703 The Writer and the Law
PSY704 Advanced and Transcultural Counselling
PSY705 Advanced Psychological Assessment and Reporting
PSY706 Clinical Psychological Practice 1
PSY707 Practicum Placement 1
PSY750 Advanced Research Design and Methods
PSY751 Clinical Psychological Practice 2
PSY752 Practicum Placement 2
PSY753 Research Project 1
PSY754 Ethical Professional Practice of Psychology
PSY755 Clinical Psychological Practice 3
PSY756 Practicum Placement 3
PSY757 Research Project 2
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 192
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 192 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
- For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- This program consists of the three major required components, as follows:
- 50 percent coursework (8 courses)
- 25 percent research project and thesis (4 courses), and
- 25 percent Practicum placements (4 courses)
- Students will undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum placement in total across the 4 practicum placement courses
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.