Master of Clinical Psychology

CQUniversity’s Master of Clinical Psychology will provide you with strong practical and research training, and equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills required for clinical psychology.

What am I studying?

Psychologists study human behaviour, conduct research and provide treatment and counselling in order to reduce distress and behavioural and psychological problems, and to promote mental health in individuals and groups. Typically, psychologists conduct academic and applied research, are involved in counselling or interviewing clients, design and implement programs to modify and improve behaviour, evaluate the efficacy of psychological treatments or programs, assess and treat psychological problems and design and administer a wide range of tests to assess and predict how people think, feel and behave. Clinical psychologists are specifically concerned with preventing, assessing, diagnosing and treating people who have psychological problems or mental illness.

To become a registered psychologist you must complete a relevant undergraduate degree and then undertake the required industry supervision (approximately two years) or relevant postgraduate study. Students who complete an undergraduate psychology degree and do not go on to become registered psychologists are able to use their skills to go on to work in areas such as research and statistics, human resources, policy and planning, welfare, counselling, employment services, training and education and marketing. If you have an inquisitive mind, enjoy working with people and want diversity in your job then a career in psychology could be for you.

Please note, this program is available to domestic students only on-campus at CQUniversity Rockhampton.

Why Study at CQUniversity

CQUniversity offers programs in humanities, psychology and social sciences in the areas of arts, professional communication, social work, psychology and human services.

These programs are dynamic and diverse, providing a solid basis for a range of career options. Our programs assist in developing your critical-thinking skills, oral and written communication techniques, research ability and capacity for further independent study.

Work experience and practical projects have also been integrated into many of our programs to ensure that your learning is relevant to your chosen career and provides you with the skills you will need in the workforce.

Our lecturers and academics are leaders in their respective fields and bring a wealth of practical knowledge and real-life experience from which you can learn. Our programs have been designed as a way to launch your career or to allow you to pursue specialist postgraduate studies and higher research degrees, which are also offered at CQUniversity.

Entry Requirements

The Master of Clinical Psychology program is designed for graduates of a four year Psychology program who wish to complete further study at the year 5 – 6 level.

Completion of an honours program and your grade point averages will be taken into consideration when applying. A minimum of a level two division one honours (GPA of five and a half or better on a seven point scale) is required by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Applicants must have:

• - Completed an accredited fourth year in psychology and supply a certified copy of academic transcript 
• - A cover letter outlining applicants expectations of the program, reasons for entry and including qualities that make you a suitable candidate for clinical psychology training 
• - Two references, one preferable but not mandatory from an academic 
• - A CV that includes:
  •  Employment and other relevant experience (including voluntary), particularly those pertinent to training in clinical psychology
  • Research experience and accomplishments 
  Short listed applicants will be required to attend an interview, with an interview panel comprised of at least two academic staff of the masters program along with other stakeholder participants. Accepted applicants will be required to provide original degree certificates and certified transcripts as per the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council guidelines.

Career Opportunities

Clinical psychologists can choose from a vast number of career paths in both the private and public sectors, including private practice and practice and consulting within corporations, positions in fields of education and government departments, health and welfare services, and a variety of community agencies.

Work Intergrated Learning

You must complete one on-site placement (CQUniversity Psychology Wellness Centre) and two off-site placements (outside agencies).

Program Structure

Within this program you are required to complete 14 compulsory courses. Students must also undertake work placements as a component of their degree; one on-site placement in the CQUniversity Psychology Wellness Centre and two off-site placements in outside agencies.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Master of Clinical Psychology program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.

Professional Recognition

This program has successfully gained both conditional accreditation by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and conditional approval by the College of Clinical Psychologists.