Key facts

Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive for limited places. Final offers are based on interview performance, academic record and referee reports. Entry is based on completed fourth year Psychology qualifications which include an APAC accredited sequence of units or other criteria and eligibility for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. You must be eligible for registration as a provisional psychologist or be registered, unless you have a UNE Master of Professional Psychology.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 16 units (96 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • Full Fee
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusOfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student meets with client

Future fit your career in the rapidly changing world of clinical psychology by adding advanced clinical skills and the practical training necessary to pursue an Area of Practice Endorsement in Clinical Psychology. UNE's accredited Master of Psychology (Clinical) prepares you for clinical practice in this diverse field. You will complete an internal placement in our state-of-the-art UNE Psychology Clinic guided by a dedicated, experienced clinical team, and graduate empowered to provide specialist evidence-based psychological services for a wide range of clients across the lifespan.

If you are a registered psychologist seeking to upskill, take advantage of flexible online study options and enhance your credentials with us.

For Rule A admission, applications close AEDT 11.59pm on 31 October.

For Rule B admission, applications close EST 11:59pm on 21 August.

For Rule C admission, applications close AEDT 11.59pm on 31 October.

2024 Health scholarships

Starting a UNE Health course in 2024? Get up to $12,000 towards your studies. For more information about the range of health scholarships and subsidies available, register your interest now.

Why study the Master of Psychology (Clinical) with UNE?

Whether you are a new graduate, or already hold General Registration as a psychologist, UNE’s innovative Master of Psychology (Clinical) is grounded in the scientist-practitioner framework and equips you with advanced knowledge in the professional specialisation of clinical psychology. Practical and hands on, it provides extensive training in evidence-based approaches to psychological assessment and intervention, as well as a capstone research experience.

UNE is an industry leader in the provision of lifelong learning for aspiring and qualified psychologists, and our graduates are in demand in this diverse and dynamic field. Our experienced staff are determined to help you succeed in developing the skills necessary to thrive professionally as a registered clinical psychologist.

What makes our course different?

With UNE, you are equipped to practice not only in urban and metropolitan areas, but also in the rural communities that we serve. In fact, more than 50% of our psychology graduates are employed in rural and regional communities. These areas have traditionally suffered from workforce shortages in health and psychosocial care. As a graduate, your training in meeting the needs of regional populations through the delivery of culturally responsive, evidence-based psychological interventions will be in high demand in these areas. Our course provides you with a range of opportunities:

  • Complete stimulating, practically-oriented training in evidence-based assessment and treatment. Over the course of your degree, you will complete 1000 hours of training with an internal placement at our state-of-the-art Psychology Clinic (minimum 300 hours), embedded in the Tablelands Clinical School, and two external placements. Every stage of our program is set up to ensure that with the support of our helpful, experienced academic staff, you are building on your experience in providing high-quality clinical services.
  • Hone your advanced practice skills and competencies, with your supervised clinical placement at the UNE Psychology Clinic. The Clinic utilises contemporary technology to support clinical practice. With support from a dedicated, experienced clinical team, you will have the opportunity to provide assessment and intervention to real clients with a range of presenting psychological issues.
  • Receive detailed and formative feedback on your practice throughout your placement, supporting your development of the competencies required to practice as a psychologist.
  • Access cutting-edge technology including audio-visual capture of treatment sessions, iPad-based administration of psychological assessments and telehealth service delivery to clients in remote locations.
  • Our highly qualified research and teaching staff are committed to providing you with the support you need to succeed in an inclusive and collaborative learning environment — in fact, our postgraduate psychology students consistently award UNE 5-star ratings for Learning Resources, Student Support, Teaching Quality, Graduate Salary and Overall Experience.

This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.

Entry pathways

We offer three entry pathways for our Master of Psychology (Clinical): you may apply for admission to UNE’s Master of Psychology (Clinical) if you hold an accredited fourth-year (Level 2) qualification (admission Rule A). If you have completed UNE’s Master of Professional Psychology (Level 3), or you have completed all units except for the placement unit, you can apply for entry into year two of our Master of Psychology (Clinical) (Rule B). Or, you can apply to study online if you already hold General Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and have practiced for 12 months as a registered psychologist (Rule C).

If your application to the course is short-listed, you will be required to take part in an interview with the selection committee. We also take into account relevant vocational and/or service experience and referee reports. If you are applying for admission under Rule (c), you will need to demonstrate your suitability for this course by responding to selection criteria designed to ensure that you can demonstrate competencies in the preceding level of training (Levels 1 and 2 under the 2019 APAC Accreditation Standards). The admission process for this pathway includes an application, referee reports and interview.

If you are admitted to the course under Rule A or Rule C you may be able to apply for advanced standing for a maximum of 48 credit points of coursework units. Advanced standing requirements are determined by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and as such, you can only be given credit for coursework that is strictly equivalent to coursework in the current course and has been completed within the previous 10 years as part of an APAC accredited course.

If you are admitted under Rule B you may be able to apply for advanced standing for a maximum of 36 credit points of coursework units. Please refer to the Course Rules for more information.

Study mode

If you are admitted under Rule A, year one of your Master of Psychology (Clinical) is completed full time on campus and year two may be completed either full-time or part-time online. If you are admitted under Rule C (i.e. you already hold General Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and have been practising as a registered psychologist for a minimum of 12 months) you can study online, on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Please note:

You must meet the Mandatory Requirements and Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Places in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are limited, because of this, applications are ranked: first for an offer of interview, then again for a place in the program. Final offers are based on interview performance, academic record and referee reports. Failure to receive an invitation to interview or offer of candidature in the program does not indicate a determination of lack of suitability for postgraduate professional psychology training but, instead, reflects the high standard of applications UNE receives each year.

Due to the high number of applications to our professional psychology programs, the University of New England is not able to provide individual feedback on applications or interview performance.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

This course is offered under three admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule A: You have completed ONE of the following qualification pathways:

 

  • OR you have completed a three-year AQF Level 7 qualification (or equivalent, such as a Graduate Diploma in Psychology) which includes a full sequence of units in Psychology accredited by APAC.
  • AND within the past ten years* you have completed an APAC-accredited fourth year in Psychology (AQF Level 8 Honours or Graduate Diploma) with a minimum of second-class division one honours or equivalent.
  • AND you are eligible for registration as a provisional psychologist with AHPRA.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule A students must study on campus during their first year, and may transition to online study during their second year.

Rule B: You have completed the UNE Master of Professional Psychology (AQF Level 9) in addition to meeting the entry requirements of Rule A.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule B students must study the unit PSYC513 on campus.

Rule C: You meet ALL of the following entry requirements:

  • You have held general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) without conditions for a minimum of twelve months.
  • You have completed a minimum of twelve months of practice in the role of psychologist with general registration.
  • You can provide documentary evidence of the above in the form of a letter from your employer/s.
  • You meet the entry requirements of Rule A (with the exception of the eligibility for provisional registration with AHPRA requirement).

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule C students must study online.

Master of Psychology (Clinical) Quotas
Please note that meeting the minimum selection criteria does not guarantee a place in this course. A quota applies to Master of Psychology (Clinical) admissions and therefore, applications are ranked: first for an offer of interview, then again for a place in the program. Final selection is based on your written application, interview performance, academic record and referee reports.

If you do not receive an invitation to interview or offer to study this course with us, this does not indicate that you are unsuitable for postgraduate professional psychology training. Instead, this reflects the high standard of applications UNE receives each year. Due to the high number of applications received, UNE is unable to provide individual feedback on applications or interview performance.

Selection Procedure
The selection procedure for this course includes consideration of the following:

  • Your academic record
  • Referee reports from two referees
  • Written application
  • Interviews for shortlisted candidates (face-to-face or teleconferencing) by a panel comprising at least two staff members of the School of Psychology, one of whom has qualifications equivalent to those required for Area of Practice Endorsement in Clinical Psychology.

* Ten-Year Rule Waivers
You can apply for a waiver of the ten-year rule at application if you are a currently registered and practicing psychologist who can demonstrate compliance with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) continuing professional development requirements.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory online intensive schools are a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • A certified academic transcript/s of your completed qualification/s.
  • A current CV.
  • A completed Master of Psychology (Clinical) Additional Information form. This must be included in your online application.
  • Two referee reports supplied via Heads of Departments and Schools of Psychology Australia (HODSPA). One referee must be an academic (preferably your Honours supervisor) and the second referee must be a professional. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that referee reports have been submitted by the closing date for applications, and that you have released your referee reports to UNE in HODSPA.
  • If you are applying for admission under Rule C you must also provide documentation of general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a letter from your employer/s documenting you completion of a minimum of twelve months of practice in the role of psychologist with general registration.

If you are admitted to this course you must supply the following documents before commencement of trimester:

  • A Working with Children Check (WCC), carried out in accordance with the procedures of the state or territory in which you are planning to conduct your clinical placements.
  • An Australian Federal Police Criminal Check.
  • Documentation of provisional registration with AHPRA (Rules A and B only).
  • Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination or exemption, and other relevant vaccinations as informed by the current NSW Health for Category A risk personnel and UNE requirements.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.

  • If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 42 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing, including 12 credit points of Advanced Standing for the unit PSYC534 Clinical Psychology Placement II (External) on the basis of having completed PSYC533 Psychology Practice Placement. A further 6 credit points of Advanced Standing may be granted for PSYC516 for candidates who completed PSYC512 in 2021 or 2022 only. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
  • If you are admitted under Rule C, you will be granted 12 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing for the unit PSYC534 Clinical Psychology Placement II (External) on the basis of holding general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing. In this course, Advanced Standing can only be granted when there is strict equivalence and your previous studies were completed in an APAC-accredited 5th year Psychology course within the past ten years.

  • If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 48 credit points of Advanced Standing for coursework units.
  • If you are admitted under Rule C, you can apply for up to a further 36 credit points of Advanced Standing for coursework units.

Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for research experience or work experience completed prior to entry into this course. Individual Unit Advanced Standing is not applicable for the four clinical psychology placement units (PSYC513, PSYC514, PSYC534 (except when granted via admission under Rules B or C), PSYC535).

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

1. To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 96 credit points as prescribed in the course accreditation standards and approved by the course coordinator. These units shall cover coursework, research and practicum requirements.

2. Candidates admitted under Rule (a) must undertake the first year of the course by internal, on-campus study only.

3. Candidates admitted under Rule (b) must undertake PSYC513 by internal, on-campus study only.

4. Candidates admitted under Rule (c) must undertake the course by online study only.

96 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (a)

96 credit points

Complete the following units:

96 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (b)

42 credit points

42 credit points specified advanced standing granted for students who have completed the UNE Master of Professional Psychology:

54 credit points

Complete the following units:

96 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (c)

12 credit points

12 credit points specified advanced standing granted for candidates on the basis of holding General Registration:

84 credit points

Complete the following units:

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Full Fee
$33,800*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$4,416*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs.

What are the course fee payment options?

Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Your career

Career outcomes

As a graduate of UNE’s Master of Psychology (Clinical), your high-level knowledge and abilities, extensive clinical practice experience and adaptability open up a wide range of opportunities across the private, public and non-government sectors.   

With a career as a registered psychologist, you could consider roles in a range of settings, including:   

  • hospitals and community health services 
  • academic and applied research 
  • law courts and prisons 
  • private practice 
  • market research 
  • schools and other education providers. 
Professional recognition

UNE’s Master of Psychology (Clinical) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council as a higher degree pathway towards General Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.   

On completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for General Registration as a psychologist (if you do not already hold General Registration). Subsequent supervised practice will lead to endorsement as a clinical psychologist.  

As a graduate of the course, you will be eligible for Area of Practice Endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist after completing a further two years of supervised full-time equivalent practice. 

Course outcomes

The aim of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and competencies required for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. The course constitutes a 5th and 6th year sequence of professional training in clinical psychology, which focuses on psychopathology and the assessment and treatment of mental disorders across the lifespan. The course is grounded in the scientist-practitioner framework and includes coursework units focused on evidence-based assessment and treatment of psychological disorders and a capstone research experience which facilitates the translation of research into practice. The course also includes practical placements, wherein students apply and develop their competencies through engaging in supervised clinical practice. Graduates of this course will be eligible for endorsement as a clinical psychologist after completing a further two years of supervised full-time equivalent practice.
  1. effect an advanced body of knowledge of the theories, principles and practice of applied clinical psychology and an understanding of the management of psychological disorders;
  2. apply diagnostic interviewing, counselling skills and assessment and management of risk;
  3. apply the principles and practice of clinical assessment, diagnosis and case formulation, taking account of wider contextual and cultural factors;
  4. execute psychological testing and test data interpretation using a culturally responsive approach;
  5. execute high level skills in individual and group clinical interventions across the lifespan, using an evidence-based and culturally responsive approach;
  6. monitor treatment progress, modify approach based on evolving formulation and evaluate treatment outcomes;
  7. apply advanced skills in research and evaluation within a scientist-practitioner framework;
  8. consult and collaborate appropriately and ethically with other professionals in the management of complex case presentations, including in rural settings;
  9. effect knowledge of the legal and professional frameworks for practice and engage in supervision, self-reflection and self-care;
  10. apply cultural responsiveness when working with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including ATSI peoples; and
  11. apply knowledge and skills with proficiency in the workplace.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates have an extensive knowledge of clinical psychology practice, including an understanding of assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology across the lifespan. Graduates site their clinical practice within international perspectives on theory, diagnostic systems and evidence-based treatments. Graduates respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and understand the impact of culture on therapy.

Communication Skills

Graduates have high level verbal and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills for psychology practice. Graduates communicate with professionals and the general and scientific community via case reports, research reports and oral presentations.

Problem Solving

Graduates are logical and critical thinkers, able to select and use evidence-based procedures and techniques and critically evaluate their practice as well as research evidence.

Information Literacy

Graduates have advanced information literacy skills gained through literature searching, objective scientific writing, and exposure to resources for professional practice.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates practice within the legal and ethical frameworks of the profession. Graduates also have a sense of social responsibility for knowledge and decision-making and its application in professional practice. Through the application of the scientist-practitioner model, graduates contribute to the development of the profession.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates engage in continuing professional development accessing research and skills training to inform clinical practice. Graduates are also adaptable and flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates practice across a variety of settings, working independently or collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Graduates respect multiple points of view and interact in accordance with professional ethics.

A five-star experience

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Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
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No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
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Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

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Why study with us?

UNE medical student Valerie Bockos stands and smiles in the entrance of a study lab

Getting to personally know the clinicians in town who are eager to be involved in your learning make the experience here very enriching.

Valerie Bockos

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Please note that this course has different closing dates based on admission rule:

Rule A admission closing date – 31 October
Rule B admission closing date – 21 August
Rule C admission closing date – 31 October

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.