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 Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – 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) and approved by The Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Clinical Psychologists as a fifth and sixth year program in Psychology, graduates of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are eligible to apply to the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) for general registration.

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:

1. Successful completion of an APAC accredited four-year degree or fourth year in Psychology in the last 10 years.
2. An upper second class Honours (2A) OR psychologists with demonstrated equivalent experience and compliance with PsyBA CPD requirements.
3. Applicants must have general registration or be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
4. Offer of a quota place.

The selection process involves an interview with clinical members of the discipline of Psychology.

Refer also to the University's English language proficiency requirements.