Master of Psychology (Clinical) (MPsych(Clin))

Program Code
MPSYC

Program Faculty
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Academic Year
2024

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).

Overview

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree is the standard preparation program providing professional training and practice in clinical psychology. It consists of three major components: specialised coursework in a series of topics relevant to clinical practice, a research thesis and three long field placements aimed at developing professional competence under the guidance of highly experienced supervisors. The program has two key objectives. The first is to provide thorough theoretical and clinical skills preparation in core areas to meet formal requirements for entry to the profession (as determined by its accrediting bodies). The second is to prepare graduates to assume responsibility for continuing self-monitoring and development, skills that are essential to ongoing employment in the profession.

Successful completion of the program will provide graduates with an advanced level of training in clinical psychology, and enable them to apply for full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA); to apply for membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS); and with additional supervised work experience as prescribed by the PsyBA, graduates can become an endorsed Clinical Psychologist and apply to become a fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.


The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is an AQF Level 9 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 2 years.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Display advanced knowledge of the discipline of psychology (theories, evidence, methods, interventions).
  2. Demonstrate ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice.
  3. Conduct psychological assessment and measurement.
  4. Display knowledge of intervention strategies and skills with competence in at least one intervention.
  5. Apply research -knowledge and skills to psychology practice.
  6. Demonstrate oral and written communication skills and effective interpersonal relationships.
  7. Demonstrate self-reflection and evaluation of own professional practice.
  8. Apply advanced psychological skills to clinical practice including assessment, case formulation, intervention and treatment evaluation.

Conditions

Condition of Enrolment

Immunisation: Prior to any clinical placement, students will need to provide evidence of immunisation status. Students are required to have the appropriate level of immunisation required by the Immunisation for Health Care Workers in South Australia Policy Directive for tuberculosis (TB) screening and criminal history clearances (CHC), Prescribed Communicable Infections (PCI) screening, including recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.

Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Program Director or Delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.

Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program. 
 

Academic Program Rules for Master of Psychology (Clinical)

There shall be a Master of Psychology (Clinical).

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the degree of Master of Psychology (Clinical), the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 48 units, comprising:

  1. Core courses to the value of 21 units
  2. Research equivalent courses to the value of 15 units in the form of a research project
  3. Work based learning / extra mural studies to the value of 12 units

Core Courses