Program Overview

Master of Clinical Psychology

The Master of Clinical Psychology is a postgraduate program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in clinical psychology. The program consists of 16 units, comprising 10 units of coursework and 6 units of practicum.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Select and critically apply an appropriate evidence-based approach to Clinical Psychology practice that is informed by the scientist practitioner framework.
2. Critically evaluate the scope of Clinical psychology practice, including how Clinical Psychology integrates within an interprofessional context.
3. Integrate and apply advanced ethical, legal, and professional frameworks in relation to the practice of Clinical Psychology.
4. Critically apply a range of advanced skills and theoretical knowledge to conduct comprehensive psychological assessments using a variety of different techniques and instruments.
5. Evaluate psychological disorders utilising international taxonomies of classification.
6. Strategically utilise advanced knowledge and skills in individual and group Clinical Psychology interventions.
7. Apply high-level research knowledge and skills to psychological practice.
8. Employ a range of high-level technical and communication skills to evaluate and interpret information in oral, written and digital formats.
9. Integrate and apply advanced knowledge and skills regarding the provision of Clinical Psychology services across the lifespan, in a culturally responsive manner.
10. Apply advanced theoretical knowledge and technical skills in the workplace within the scope of Clinical Psychology practice.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting all advertised eligibility requirements, or satisfying the requirements of an approved non-standard admission pathway. The University of Southern Queensland accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission, including Australian senior secondary qualifications, overseas senior secondary qualifications, prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, work experience, and completed enabling programs.

English Language Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University's English Language requirement.

Recognition of Prior Learning for Credit

If you have prior work or other life experience or have studied previously, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) for credit. Credit can help reduce your tuition fees, study load, and the time it takes to complete your degree.

Program Rules

The Master of Clinical Psychology consists of 16 units, comprising 10 units of coursework and 6 units of practicum. The program is designed for full-time or part-time attendance in the on-campus mode. All coursework courses are offered as mandatory mid-week workshops on-campus for the Ipswich offering, and a combination of online workshops and mandatory mid-week residential schools held at the Toowoomba campus for the External offering.

Program Requirements

• Mandatory attendance: Coursework content is delivered in mandatory day-long workshops/residential schools per course delivered in blocks over the semester, and attendance at all workshops/residential schools is required for eligibility to graduate.
• Other: Students must also provide evidence of Queensland Health Student Orientation Checklist, Queensland Health Student Deed Poll, and Queensland Health iLearn Modules prior to commencing clinical placements.
• Practical Placement: Practicum experience is an integral component of the program, and each student is required to accrue a minimum of 1000 hours of practicum experience, plus at least 81 hours of supervision from a registered psychologist who is an accredited supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia.
• Vaccinations: Students must provide immunisation evidence for Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis Risk Assessment prior to commencing clinical placements.
• Working with Children Check (Blue Card): Students must obtain a Blue Card or Working with Children Check.

Program Structure

Coursework

The program includes 10 units of coursework:

• PSY5110 - Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues
• PSY5140 - Comprehensive Psychological Assessment
• PSY5145 - Psychological Treatment and Intervention
• PSY5050 - Evidence-based Practice for Psychologists
• PSY5070 - Adult Psychopathology
• PSY5060 - Child and Adolescent Psychology
• PSY8050 - Advanced Clinical Intervention
• PSY8260 - Advanced Child and Adolescent Psychology
• PSY8210 - Advanced Clinical Intervention II
• PSY8270 - Advanced Psychopathology

Practicum

The program includes 6 units of practicum:

• PSY5130 - Psychology Practicum 1
• PSY5230 - Psychology Practicum 2
• PSY8340 - Psychology Practicum 3
• PSY8350 - Psychology Practicum 4 Students are required to accrue a minimum of 1000 hours of practicum experience, with at least 81 hours of supervision from a registered psychologist.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

The Master of Clinical Psychology has received accreditation from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a fifth and sixth year program in psychology. Graduates will be eligible to apply for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and Clinical Endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia after a period of supervised practice.

Fees

Fees are generally charged at course level and are dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors, such as a student's residency status.

Program Details

• Program Level: Postgraduate
• Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level: Level 9 - Master's Degree (Coursework)
• Duration - Full-Time (Years): 2
• Max Time to Complete (Years): 4
• Location(s) of Offer: Toowoomba, Ipswich
• Study Period: Block
• Start: Block 1
• Program Deferment: This program is not able to be deferred
• Quota: Places in this program are limited by quota
• Fees: Domestic fee paying, Commonwealth supported places, International fee paying