Program Overview

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Master of Clinical Psychology – MClinPsych

The Master of Clinical Psychology is a competitive-entry professional qualification that will train you to become a registered clinical psychologist.

Type of qualification

• Master's degree
• Level of study: Postgraduate study
• NZQF level: 9
• Time to complete: 2 years full-time (240 credits)
• Where you can study: Auckland campus, Wellington campus, Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)
• International students: Not open to international students

Study a Master of Clinical Psychology – MClinPsych

The Master of Clinical Psychology is a professional qualification that enables you to meet the competency requirements for the clinical scope of practice under the Health Practitioners Competencies Assurance Act (2003). With the Master of Clinical Psychology, you’ll be able to practise independently.

What does the programme cover?

• The programme comprises courses, practica placements, and an internship of supervised full-time practical work for at least 1 academic year.
• You’ll write case studies and keep a log of your work.

Develop practical skills

• There are typically 3 placements in a variety of health service agencies that may include:
  • child and family
  • community mental health
  • drug and alcohol agencies
  • rehabilitation
  • secondary care
  • forensic
  • Massey Student Counselling
  • Psychological Services/Department of Corrections
  • Massey psychology clinics

Get a diverse perspective

• Massey is committed to the principles embodied in the Treaty of Waitangi.
• You’ll be well trained from a variety of perspectives and be sensitive to the needs of people from diverse backgrounds and across the lifespan.

The scientist-practitioner model

• Clinical training at Massey is based on the scientist-practitioner model.
• This emphasises the need for clinical psychologists to have a strong research background as well as clinical skills.
• You’ll formulate an approach to understanding human behaviour.

Internationally recognised and market-leading in New Zealand

• Massey graduates more researchers and clinical psychologists than any other university in New Zealand.
• We’re connected to a wide range of community and statutory organisations, and produce unique and applied psychology research and training that’s recognised nationally and internationally.

A MClinPsych is a good fit if you:

• want to become a registered clinical psychologist
• have a master’s or PhD specialising in psychology and meet minimum grade requirements

Entry requirements

• Admission to Massey: All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
• Specific requirements:
  • have been awarded or qualified for a master’s degree with First Class or Second Class Division I Honours in Psychology with at least 120 credits of research, or the equivalent
  • have been awarded or qualified for a PhD in Psychology
  • have completed the following courses, or their equivalents, obtaining at least a B+ average no longer than 5 years before the start of the internship year:
    • Understanding Mental Distress
    • Clinical Psychology Assessment
    • Clinical Psychology Interventions
  • meet the requirements set down by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 as being a fit and proper person to be registered
  • supply all documentation as listed below
  • be offered a place in the qualification following a selection interview

Limited places

• This qualification has a limited number of places available.
• Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the qualification.

Application closing date and interviews

• Applications close on 1 September for study commencing the following year.
• Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed before a final selection is made.
• No late applications will be accepted.

English language requirements

• Academic IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
• or a minimum TOEFL iBT of 90 overall (minimum of 20 in writing)
• These tests are valid for 2 years

Documents you need to supply

• Verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
• A current curriculum vitae or résumé detailing your relevant training and experience
• A passport-sized photograph
• Brief personal statement (up to 500 words) which includes your reasons for seeking a career in Clinical Psychology
• Supporting statements from whanau/family (optional)
• Name, occupation and email details of 2 referees

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

• For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
  • review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
  • contact us through the Get advice button on this page

English language skills

• If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses

Maximum time limits for completion

• There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications
• If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies

Official regulations

• To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations or this qualification
• You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates

Structure of the Master of Clinical Psychology

• Full-time study is 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester
• The Master of Clinical Psychology is a parts-based qualification
• That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second

Master of Clinical Psychology (MClinPsych) sequence

Year 1 (Part One)

• Professional content courses:
  • Clinical Assessment Skills (30 credits)
  • Skills in Clinical Intervention (30 credits)
  • Clinical Practica (60 credits)

Year 2 (Part Two)

• Clinical Psychology Internship (120 credits)

Courses and specialisations

• Each qualification has its own specific set of courses
• Some universities call these papers
• You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey

Key terms

• Courses: Each qualification has its own specific set of courses
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits
• Specialisations: Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in

Credit summary

• 240 credits
• Part One compulsory courses – 120 credits
• Part Two internship – 120 credits

Course planning key

• Prerequisites: Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level
• Corequisites: Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course
• Restrictions: Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar

Fees and scholarships

• 2026 tuition fees:
  • Domestic students: $11,615
  • International students: Not applicable
• Tuition fees are estimates only
• The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment
• Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Careers and job opportunities

• Our clinical psychology graduates typically work in their community in:
  • health
  • education
  • social services
  • justice
  • private practice

Related study options

• Business Psychology – Bachelor of Arts
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology – DClinPsych
• Indigenous Psychologies – Diploma in Arts
• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice – PGDipPsychPrac
• Psychology – Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Psychology – Bachelor of Health Science
• Psychology – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
• Psychology – Bachelor of Science
• Psychology – Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Psychology – Bachelor of Arts
• Psychology – Diploma in Arts
• Psychology – Master of Health Science
• Psychology – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology
• Psychology – Master of Science
• Psychology – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
• Psychology – Master of Arts
• Psychology – Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
• Psychology - Health Psychology – Master of Science
• Psychology – Graduate Diploma in Arts