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Master of Clinical Psychology

Course code/s: SMCP - Melbourne

The coursework degrees provide the specialist training for registration as a professional psychologist, for membership of the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC), and eligibility for specialist supervision leading to full membership of the relevant college. In keeping with the scientist–professional model of professional training, emphasis is placed on the application of research, which is based on developments in psychological knowledge. The Doctor of Psychology (Research) is a research degree with professional training in clinical psychology or clinical neuropsychology.

Admission requirements

Master of Psychology applicants must normally have completed:

• a three year program in psychology accredited by the APAC attaining a B average or equivalent at least across all years and
• an APAC-accredited fourth year program in psychology at an Honours grade of at least an upper H2A or equivalent.

Applicants for a Master of Psychology degree are ranked based on their academic and professional suitability for selecting candidates for interview. The interview is used as the final means of selecting candidates for entry into the programs. A quota may be imposed on enrolments, based on available supervision and facilities. Applications usually close at the end of October.

Course structure

 The Master of Clinical Psychology degree comprises 240 credit points, completed over 2 years of full-time study.

In the first year of study the total credit points are divided over two semesters of study. In semester 1, the enrolment totals 40 credit points; in semester 2, the enrolment totals 80 credit points, equalling 120 for the year. This is because the degree is structured to have a greater (80cp) load in second semester when the three practicum units are commenced. In the second year of study, divided over two semesters, the enrolment totals 30 credit points in semester 1; in semester 2, the enrolment totals 90 credit points, equalling 120 for the year. The degree is structured in second year to have a greater (90cp) load in second semester when the major external practicum unit is undertaken as well as the final thesis unit requirement.

 

Components of course	Credit points (% in brackets)
Coursework	100 (40)
Practical placements	70 (30)
Research	70 (30)

 

First year core subjects (120 credit points)

Teaching period	Subject name	Subject code	Credit points
TE-SEM-1	Behavioural and Cognitive–Behavioural Theory, Assessment and Practice	PSY5CBT	10
TE-SEM-1	Counselling Skills and Professional Issues	PSY5CPI	10
TE-SEM-1	Psychological Assessment	PSY5PAS	10
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Clinical Psychology Master’s Research A	PSY5CRA	10
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Clinical Psychology Master’s Research B	PSY5CRB	10
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Clinical Psychology Practicum A	PSY5CPA	10
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Clinical Psychology Practicum B	PSY5CPB	15
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Clinical Psychology Practicum C	PSY5CPC	5
TE-SEM-2	Context and Co-Morbidity in Clinical Practice	PSY5CCP	10
TE-SEM-2	Child and Adolescent Disorders & Learning Disabilities: Assessment & Treatment	PSY5CAD	10
TE-SEM-2	Methods for the Scientist Practitioner	PSY5MSP	10
TE-SEM-2	Psychopathology (Adult and Elderly)	PSY5PAD	10

Second year core subjects (120 credit points)

Teaching period	Subject name	Subject code	Credit points
TE-SEM-1	Clinical Psychology Case Analysis A	PSY5CAA	10
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Clinical Psychology Master’s Research C	PSY5CRC	20
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Clinical Psychology Master’s Research D	PSY5CRD	20
TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2	Clinical Psychology Practicum E	PSY5CPE	40
TE-SEM-2	Clinical Psychology Case Analysis B	PSY5CAB	10
TE-SEM-2	Clinical Assessment and Treatment of Major Disorders	PSY5CAT	10
TE-SEM-2	Clinical Assessment and Treatment Literature	PSY5CTL	10