Master of Clinical Psychology
Course code T64
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About this Course
There is a strong demand for clinical psychology graduates in government and the not-for-profit and private sectors.
This Masters course will prepare you for professional practice in clinical psychology, especially for the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders.
You’ll learn skills for working with clients across the lifespan, including infants and families, children, adolescents and adults, groups and couples and people from different cultural and diversity groups.
We’ll also help you find your own professional identity as a psychologist by providing teaching across a broad range of therapeutic approaches.
As a student, you’ll begin with your first placement at the ECU Psychological Services Centre in Wanneroo. We’re one of the few Australian universities that boasts a training clinic located in the community, rather than on a university campus. We also have industry connections with clinical psychologists across Perth in a variety of government organisations, including hospitals, community mental health services, private practices and other organisations that help us provide valuable and enriching placement opportunities for our students.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.
Course code T64
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
Domestic fee paying - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $39,800
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT PT | |
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | ||
| Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
About this Course
There is a strong demand for clinical psychology graduates in government and the not-for-profit and private sectors.
This Masters course will prepare you for professional practice in clinical psychology, especially for the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders.
You’ll learn skills for working with clients across the lifespan, including infants and families, children, adolescents and adults, groups and couples and people from different cultural and diversity groups.
We’ll also help you find your own professional identity as a psychologist by providing teaching across a broad range of therapeutic approaches.
As a student, you’ll begin with your first placement at the ECU Psychological Services Centre in Wanneroo. We’re one of the few Australian universities that boasts a training clinic located in the community, rather than on a university campus. We also have industry connections with clinical psychologists across Perth in a variety of government organisations, including hospitals, community mental health services, private practices and other organisations that help us provide valuable and enriching placement opportunities for our students.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.
Course code T64
CRICOS code 108006H
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $42,650
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT | |
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | ||
| Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to have a 4th year qualification in an accredited course in psychology, with equivalents considered, to submit a CV, a covering letter and two references (submitted independently of the students application) to meet the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation requirements. Applicants with qualifications obtained overseas must provide evidence that their psychology qualification has been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as equivalent to an APAC-accredited Level 2 qualification in psychology.
Short-listed candidates will participate in a selection interview, either face-to-face or via teleconference.
Academic admission requirements (Band 7) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor Honours degree in a cognate discipline; or
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 6.5). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.
Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:
- Bachelor degree from an approved country;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to have a 4th year qualification in an accredited course in psychology, with equivalents considered, to submit a CV, a covering letter and two references (submitted independently of the students application) to meet the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation requirements. Applicants with qualifications obtained overseas must provide evidence that their psychology qualification has been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as equivalent to an APAC-accredited Level 2 qualification in psychology.
Short-listed candidates will participate in a selection interview, either face-to-face or via teleconference.
Academic admission requirements (Band 7) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor Honours degree in a cognate discipline; or
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 6.5). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.
Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:
- Bachelor degree from an approved country;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY6150 | Professional Practice 1 | 15 |
| PSY6190 | Psychological Assessment | 15 |
| PSY6260 | Foundational Therapy Skills | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY6215 | Adult Psychopathology | 15 |
| PSY6440 | Developmental Psychopathology & Family Systems 1 | 15 |
| PSY6425 | Clinical Psychology Research | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY6330 | Clinical Psychology Practicum 1 | 20 |
Note: PSY6330 runs from June until November and is timetabled as a full-year unit.
T64|3
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
Students may be required to undertake coursework and placements outside of the normal semester timetable.
-
Students are required to complete professional placements in clinical psychology.
Attendance requirements
Placements typically occur over two days per week and may go beyond the designated semester period. This may impact on the students capacity to gain additional employment.
Placement attendance is mandatory and students may not have leave during a placement without established reasons.
a. Students are required to complete three professional placements in clinical psychology. The professional requirement is for 1,000 hours of direct client contact in the practicum and this is divided across the three units. Each practicum lasts for approximately 23 weeks. Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 days for each practicum, preferably at a rate of at least two days per week.
b. Clinical Psychology Practicum 1 (PSY6330) is an internal practicum at the University Psychology Clinic and is for a duration of 345 hours with students attending the Clinic two days per week in first year for full time students.
c. Clinical Psychology Practicum 2 (PSY6340) is an external practicum out in the community and completed in second year for full time students. It is of 345 hours duration with students attending two days per week.
d. Clinical Psychology Practicum 3 (PSY6350) is an external practicum out in the community and completed in second year for full time students. It is of 345 hours duration with students attending two days per week.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Students are required to have a Police Clearance check, a Working with Children check, as well as any appropriate immunisations.
Additionally, OSH agreements, insurance policies, and risk assessments are required for all placements.
Professional practice rules
Students are required to meet both the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority ( APHRA) psychology guidelines on Areas of Practice Endorsement and the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation requirements.
-
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with Psychology Board of Australia.
-
Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Psychology Board of Australia. Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.
Course learning outcomes
- Critically examine and apply a complex body of psychological knowledge and evidence-based psychological interventions to clinical psychological practice.
- Apply technical proficiency in the assessment of and interventions for disorder and functioning that operate within the professional boundaries set by ethical and legal requirements for Clinical Psychology.
- Apply communication, collaboration and culturally responsive skills to all aspects of working as a Clinical Psychologist.
- Apply self-management, creative and reflective skills with independence to critique and advance clinical psychology practice by conducting a substantial clinical psychology research project and engaging in self-reflective practice.
Professional Recognition
CourseAccredited by: Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY6150 | Professional Practice 1 | 15 |
| PSY6190 | Psychological Assessment | 15 |
| PSY6260 | Foundational Therapy Skills | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY6215 | Adult Psychopathology | 15 |
| PSY6440 | Developmental Psychopathology & Family Systems 1 | 15 |
| PSY6425 | Clinical Psychology Research | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PSY6330 | Clinical Psychology Practicum 1 | 20 |
Note: PSY6330 runs from June until November and is timetabled as a full-year unit.
T64|3
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
Students may be required to undertake coursework and placements outside of the normal semester timetable.
-
Students are required to complete professional placements in clinical psychology.
Attendance requirements
Placements typically occur over two days per week and may go beyond the designated semester period. This may impact on the students capacity to gain additional employment.
Placement attendance is mandatory and students may not have leave during a placement without established reasons.
a. Students are required to complete three professional placements in clinical psychology. The professional requirement is for 1,000 hours of direct client contact in the practicum and this is divided across the three units. Each practicum lasts for approximately 23 weeks. Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 days for each practicum, preferably at a rate of at least two days per week.
b. Clinical Psychology Practicum 1 (PSY6330) is an internal practicum at the University Psychology Clinic and is for a duration of 345 hours with students attending the Clinic two days per week in first year for full time students.
c. Clinical Psychology Practicum 2 (PSY6340) is an external practicum out in the community and completed in second year for full time students. It is of 345 hours duration with students attending two days per week.
d. Clinical Psychology Practicum 3 (PSY6350) is an external practicum out in the community and completed in second year for full time students. It is of 345 hours duration with students attending two days per week.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Students are required to have a Police Clearance check, a Working with Children check, as well as any appropriate immunisations.
Additionally, OSH agreements, insurance policies, and risk assessments are required for all placements.
Professional practice rules
Students are required to meet both the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority ( APHRA) psychology guidelines on Areas of Practice Endorsement and the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation requirements.
-
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with Psychology Board of Australia.
-
Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Psychology Board of Australia. Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.
Course learning outcomes
- Critically examine and apply a complex body of psychological knowledge and evidence-based psychological interventions to clinical psychological practice.
- Apply technical proficiency in the assessment of and interventions for disorder and functioning that operate within the professional boundaries set by ethical and legal requirements for Clinical Psychology.
- Apply communication, collaboration and culturally responsive skills to all aspects of working as a Clinical Psychologist.
- Apply self-management, creative and reflective skills with independence to critique and advance clinical psychology practice by conducting a substantial clinical psychology research project and engaging in self-reflective practice.
Professional Recognition
CourseAccredited by: Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $39,800 - Domestic fee paying estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Graduates are eligible to work as clinical psychologists in government agencies (including the Health Department of Western Australia, Department for Child Protection, Department for Corrective Services, and Disability Services Commission) and in the non-government sector.
Possible future job titles
Clinical Psychologist
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $42,650 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Graduates are eligible to work as clinical psychologists in government agencies (including the Health Department of Western Australia, Department for Child Protection, Department for Corrective Services, and Disability Services Commission) and in the non-government sector.
Possible future job titles
Clinical Psychologist
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
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Creative thinkers start here
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Master of Clinical Psychology?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.