Master of Psychology (Clinical)

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:

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 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, 2022 close on 24 September 2021.

(a) a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher on a seven point scale from a recognised higher education institution; or

(b) a Bachelor Honours degree (AQF Level 8) Class IIB from a recognised higher education institution; or

(c) a record of qualifications and/or professional research experience deemed to be equivalent to the standard of (a) or (b) as may be approved by the Research Degrees Committee, or the Chairperson acting on behalf of the Committee.

If English is not your first language, you also need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may like to enrol in one of our English Language Programs.