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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
Our Master of Psychology (Clinical) is designed for those eager to make a meaningful impact on mental health and psychological well-being. It provides advanced knowledge and practical skills essential for a rewarding career as a registered psychologist in Australia, with a clear pathway to the registrar program for Clinical Psychology endorsement.
The program integrates cutting-edge research, contemporary teaching, and hands-on clinical training to produce graduates who are highly skilled, adaptable, and community-focused, with a strong emphasis on the diverse communities of the Northern Territory.
- Fast-Track Pathway: If you have completed a Master of Professional Psychology, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), enabling you to complete the Master of Clinical Psychology in just one additional year.
- Contemporary Clinical Training: Gain expertise in face-to-face therapy, telehealth services, and immersive technologies, including virtual reality interventions.
- Comprehensive Learning Experience: The program combines coursework, research, and practical placements to ensure you graduate with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience for success in clinical practice.
- Real-World Impact: Our graduates actively engage with local communities, applying evidence-based practices to support individuals, families, and society.
- Supportive Learning Environment: The rigorous clinical training is intellectually challenging, but you will be supported by expert academic staff, dedicated supervisors, and a vibrant student community.
We warmly welcome Master of Professional Psychology (MPP) graduates to apply directly into the second year of our Master of Psychology Clinical (MPC) program through recognition of prior learning. The second year is delivered through intensive blocks in Darwin and Sydney, combined with an external placement anywhere in Australia, offering flexibility and diverse learning experiences, alongside a unique regional opportunity in the Northern Territory or New South Wales during the intensives.
MPP graduates applying to the enter into the 2nd year of the MPC course at CDU are encouraged to build relationships with a few potential organisations where they can complete their clinical placements. Students should ensure that their preferred placement organisation has an endorsed clinical psychologist who is Board Approved Supervisor to oversee their placement. This approach ensures swift commencement of placement and supports student preferences and flexibility to conduct their placement anywhere in Australia.
Admission into the second year is based on application, interview, and an assessment of the equivalence of MPP units completed elsewhere compared to the first-year units of our MPC.
In 2026, 1st year student can only enrol at the Casuarina Campus. They can enrol at the Casuarina or Sydney Campus for their 2nd year of study.
In 2026, MPP graduates entering the 2nd year of the MPC can do so at the Casuarina or Sydney Campus.
From 2027, 1st year students and MPP graduates can enrol at either the Casuarina or Sydney Campus.
Career opportunities
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) at Charles Darwin University provides a clear pathway to becoming a registered psychologist, with eligibility for the Clinical Psychology registrar program. Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to work in diverse professional settings, including public and private mental health services, hospitals, community health centres, and specialist clinics. Opportunities also extend to private practice, government and non-government organisations, forensic and correctional services, and schools, where clinical psychologists play a crucial role in supporting individuals, families, and communities.
With a strong emphasis on practical training and real-world application, this program ensures that graduates are prepared to deliver evidence-based psychological interventions across different populations. Those interested in research and academia can also pursue careers in university teaching and clinical psychology research, contributing to the development of innovative mental health solutions.
A key feature of this program is its commitment to culturally responsive practice, particularly within regional, rural, and remote communities. Graduates will be uniquely positioned to address the mental health needs of diverse populations, including Indigenous communities and individuals facing social and environmental challenges. Whether working in clinical settings, policymaking, or research, graduates of this program will have the skills and knowledge to drive positive change in the field of clinical psychology and make a lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Practical experience
To demonstrate the achievement of graduate competencies, at least 1000 hours of placement across of a minimum of three placements is required (APAC Evidence Guide 1.9). In addition, the first placement (at CDU this is Placement 1a + Placement 1b) is to be no less than 180 hours (APAC Evidence Guide 1.8). The 1000 hours of placement time enables the development of graduate competencies in a flexible manner.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and is approved by the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study Psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study Psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
Our Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a two-year full-time course of 160 credit points (CPs) of which 70 CPs are coursework (7 units of 10 points each); 60 CPs are placement units (2 placements of 10 CPs and 2 placements of 20 CPs); and 30 CPs are the research component (3 units of 10 CPs each). The course is designed to be completed full-time As such you are required to be available for classes, research and placement activities five days every week (Monday-Friday).
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (11 units) | 130cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 130 credit points as per list of units detailed below: PSY520 Assessment and Diagnosis: Children and Adolescents |
| Research (3 units) | 30cp | Research Units totalling 30 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: PSY810 Thesis 1 PSY811 Thesis 2 PSY821 Thesis 3 |
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 9-day intensive as a part of this unit.
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PSY520 Assessment and Diagnosis: Child and Adolescent | C | PSY524 Applied Methodology | C |
| PSY521 Professional Practice and Ethics | C | PSY525 Psychological Interventions | C |
| PSY522 Assessment and Diagnosis: Adult | C | PSY526 Clinical Placement 1B ## | C |
| PSY523 Clinical Placement 1A ## | C | PSY810 Thesis 1 | R |
| Year 2 | |||
| PSY527 Advanced Assessment and Therapies A # | C | PSY529 Advanced Assessment and Therapies B # | C |
| PSY528 Clinical Placement 2 (20cp) ## | C | PSY530 Clinical Placement 3 (20cp) ## | C |
| PSY811 Thesis 2 | R | PSY821 Thesis 3 | R |
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 9-day intensive as a part of this unit.
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
Entry requirements
Quota
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a highly competitive course which has a quota of approximately 40 places (~25 in Casuarina and ~15 in Sydney) each year, meaning there are more applicants than places available. Subquotas are in place for First Nations applicants.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of an APAC-accredited four-year sequence in Psychology with either:
- a minimum second-class Honours (2B) or
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology with a minimum GPA of 5.00.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum honours or GPA level, but have completed an APAC-accredited Master of Professional Psychology (MPP) are also eligible to be considered.
All applicants are required to provide the following information in their application:
- 2 referee reports submitted via www.psychologyreference.org and
- Details of all relevant employment experience should be listed in the application.
- A cover letter outlining your interest in the CDU program.
All required documentation must be uploaded at the time of application submission. Applications that do not supply all required documentation will not be considered for shortlisting.
Invitations to attend an interview will be extended to applicants based on a combination of academic performance, employment and references.
Additional admission requirements
Successful applicants with a completed Master of Professional Psychology (MPP) may be eligible to receive credit of up to one-year (80 credit points). Eligible applicants will be able to apply for credit upon receipt of an offer. Credit applications are subject to assessment against program requirements by the Faculty of Health.
Essential requirements
All students enrolled in the program are required to be provisionally registered as a psychologist on commencement of the course.
Prior to commencing clinical practice, all students are required to undergo a 'working with vulnerable people' check, and Australian Federal Police Record Check. Depending on requirement of health departments, some health facilities may request students to present a complete immunisation schedule, and First Aid certificates including CPR. A current Working with Children check may also be required.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
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