Master of Psychology (Clinical)

With Deakin’s course, you’ll be a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological and mental health conditions. Based on an integrative approach to clinical psychology that emphasises evidence-based practice, this course has been designed in consultation with industry partners. Interrelated steams of theory, research and practice provide the skills you’ll need for professional practice as a registered psychologist.

Award winning clinical psychology learning and training experienceOur course is based on the scientist/practitioner model and 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. Our award-winning teaching strategies and learning resources include simulation and competency-based assessment approaches.

Draw on everything you’ve learned in your previous studies and add layers of new knowledge to become an expert in your field. Some of the key areas you’ll study include:

• advanced clinical assessment• psychological intervention• the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions• advanced clinical research methods• biological and neuropsychological perspectives on disorder• issues in professional psychology.The extensive practical experience you’ll 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 will work alongside established professionals in psychology clinics within our mental health partner organisations, Eastern Health and Barwon Health. These experiences better prepare you for what lies ahead, they help you to build a professional identity through early adoption of supervision and professional learning plans, and create networks that support your career development.

Course overviewLocation: Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)Duration: 2 years full-time study (not offered part-time)Intake: Trimester 1

Becoming a registered psychologist The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and its College of Clinical Psychologists. Graduates of the course will be eligible to apply to the PsyBA for general registration as a psychologist and to the APS for full membership.

If you’re seeking membership of the Clinical College of the APS and endorsement by the PsyBA as a clinical psychologist, a further two years of approved supervised practice is required. Visit psychology.org.au for more details*.

A career in psychology Upon successfully completing the course, you’ll become eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist. Once you’re registered, you’ll have the qualifications and experience needed to practise as a psychologist.

The course also provides a pathway to further training in order to gain area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA (Clinical Psychology). 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.

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.

Our clinical psychology teaching team was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence award.

*This course is currently accredited at the date of publishing. The eligibility of students for registration by the PsyBA, and for membership of the APS and its clinical college is subject to meeting the requirements of the regulatory body and the professional association. Deakin University makes no representation that students will meet those requirements.

‘As a clinical teaching program, we have strong links with industry partners. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 200 days clinical placement as part of their postgraduate training, which is arranged through our placement team.’

Associate Professor Jade SheenSchool of Psychology

Entry requirementsThe prerequisite for entry to the course is the completion of a four year sequence of study in an accredited psychology program that meets national registration requirements and eligibility for Associate Membership of the APS, or equivalent.

The four-year sequence may be either a four year combined undergraduate and honours program e.g. Deakin’s Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), or the combination of a three-year undergraduate degree including a psychology major, and an approved postgraduate honours program e.g. Deakin’s Bachelor of Psychological Science, followed by the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced).

Entry will be competitive, based on your academic results, referees’ reports, relevant work experience, personal statement and interview before a panel of School of Psychology selection staff. It would normally be expected that applicants will have achieved a minimum honours grade of H2A or equivalent. Relevant professional experience will be a factor in selection. Equal opportunity guidelines will be observed in all selection procedures.

Applicants should provide certified copies of academic transcripts from all previous tertiary studies undertaken, resume and personal statement.

Applicants must ask two referees to provide us with reports using psychologyreference.org.

How to applyApply direct to DeakinApplications must be made directly to the University through the Applicant Portal: deakin.edu.au/apply.

For information on the application process and closing dates, visit deakin.edu.au/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-by-coursework.

Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.

Course structureTo 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).

Year 1Trimester 1 Studies in Psychopathology Issues in Professional

Psychology Psychological Intervention 1 Psychological Assessment

Trimester 2 Clinical Placement and Case Analysis 1 Psychological Intervention 2 Research Thesis A Advanced Clinical

Research Methods

Year 2Trimester 1

Biological and Neuropsychological

Perspectives on Disorder

Advanced Clinical Assessment

Clinical Placement and Case Analysis 2 Research Thesis B

Trimester 2 Psychological Intervention 3 Clinical Placement and Case Analysis 3 Research Thesis C

This course structure is correct as at July 2020 and should be used as a guide only. There may be additional 0-credit-point units required. Check the relevant course page on Deakin’s website for unit details, including trimester and campus availability. Course advice should always be sought from the relevant enrolment officer.

1800 MYFUTURE (1800 693 888)myfuture@deakin.edu.au

deakin.edu.au/course/H750While the information provided here was correct at the time of publication, Deakin University reserves the right to alter, amend or delete details of the course and unit offerings. Published July 2020. Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B

Postgraduate bursaryDeakin alumni, their spouses and immediate family may be eligible to receive a 15% reduction per unit on their enrolment fees for any postgraduate award course (excluding students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)) at Deakin University.

deakin.edu.au/alumni/alumni-benefits/postgraduate-bursary