Masters (Coursework)
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) prepares you for professional practice as a registered psychologist. Make a profound impact on patients' lives by diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, and set yourself up for further training in a specialised area, which can lead to area of practice endorsement.
You have worked hard to get to this point. Ready to gain general registration as a psychologist and reach your full potential?
For those seeking general registration as a psychologist, the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is where you might finish your study journey. Upon graduation, you will have the skills, experience and qualifications needed to apply to the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) for general registration. With this in mind, the course is designed to prepare you for the transition from student to professional psychologist. It's also accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), making it a degree that's sought-after by employers across the industry.
The course also provides a pathway to further training in order to gain area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA. An endorsement demonstrates a registered psychologist's high-level knowledge and qualifications in a specialised area, such as clinical psychology or neuropsychology, and can open the door to more advanced roles.
Our clinical psychology teaching team was awarded a Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Excellence award, and our award-winning teaching strategies and learning resources include simulation and competency-based assessment approaches.
Draw on everything you've learned in your studies, and add layers of new knowledge to become an expert in your field.
Some of the key areas you will study include:
The course exposes you to the many different aspects of clinical psychology, beyond just professional practice. Graduate as a confident, well-rounded psychology professional with training in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy, and mental health promotion. Tying all of these study areas together is a common thread of evidence-based practice. To create a degree that's truly evidence-led, we've designed the course in consultation with industry partners, ensuring the latest theoretical principles, established knowledge and industry research is embedded within the curriculum.
The extensive practical experience you will gain throughout the course will make your transition into life as a professional psychologist even smoother. Practical learning opportunities allow you to apply your knowledge and skills with real patients in real clinics - invaluable preparation for the challenges of your future career. As a student in our clinical training program, you can work alongside established professionals through some of our key partnerships which are in public and primary mental health through our key partnerships (in particular Barwon Health). These experiences help to prepare you for what lies ahead, they help you to build your professional identity and create networks that support your career development.
Entry into the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is competitive. That's because Deakin is ranked in the top 1% worldwide for psychology^, and leads all Victorian universities for education experience~, learning resources and support services#. If you want to join a high-achieving group of students with a shared passion for exploring the human mind and helping others, the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is the course to take your career forward.
Learn more about your career options in psychology.
^QS rankings
~Student Experience Survey 2017, 2018
#Compared university comparison tool compared.edu.au/compare/study-areas
Clinical psychologists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological and mental health conditions that range from mild to severe and complex. They are often involved in designing and implementing a diverse range of prevention and mental health promotion programs, and may work with infants, children, adolescents, adults and older adults.
Most clinical psychologists develop expertise in specific areas, or practice in sub-specialisations of clinical psychology. In addition to professional practice, clinical psychologists may be involved in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy and other activities that promote psychological health in individuals, families and groups.
To complete the Master of Psychology (Clinical) students must attain 16 credit points covering three strands: theory, research and practice. Students will complete a minimum of 4 credit points each trimester over two years. All units are core (these are compulsory).
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0 credit point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Normal University regulation and guidelines pertain to students applying for Recognition of prior learning within this program. In all cases credit will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis with maximum credit granted being consistent with university policy.
Recognition of prior learning is available to applicants already possessing equivalent units from an APAC accredited Master of Psychology (Clinical) or equivalent degree, completed no more than 10 years previously, and up to the maximum permitted under University regulations. Normally such applicants will be required to complete placements and all additional units needed to make the coursework component comparable with that of Deakin Masters students. In line with APAC 2010 regulations (5.1.11), students will not be given any credit for previous research experience including research higher degrees. Applications for Recognition of prior learning can be made in writing addressed to the course chair and including a completed Recognition of prior learning application form following enrolment and preferably prior to commencement of studies.