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Psychology
Postgraduate Coursework

Master of Psychology (Clinical)

Not available to international students.

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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

2 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus
Not available to international students.

Credit points required

160

Course code

SPSYC2
SATAC codes

Overview

Make a difference in your community.

Our Master of Psychology (Clinical) prepares you for a career as a psychologist in Australia and for entry into the registrar program to become endorsed to practice in the area of Clinical Psychology.

Our vision is to educate, innovate and inspire the science and practice of clinical psychology in the Northern Territory.

We integrate our teaching, research, and clinical practice with the needs of our region, producing graduates who are engaged with their local communities.

Our Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree supports the science and practice of what helps individuals, families, communities and society to thrive. You will be exposed to contemporary modes of practice, including face-to-face interventions, telehealth, and the use of immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality.

You will embrace a busy mix of coursework, research and practical placements. Your clinical training will be demanding and challenging. However, you will find a friendly and enthusiastic group of academic staff and fellow students to support you on your journey.

Our location in the Northern Territory is also ideal to ensure that you take time out to relax and enjoy yourself.



Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

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.

Menzies Public Health Julie

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
Social Work CDU Event

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)
Menzies Public Health Julie

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
Social Work CDU Event

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 as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific 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 
PSY521 Professional Practice and Ethics 
PSY522 Assessment and Diagnosis: Adults 
PSY523 Clinical Placement 1A 
PSY524 Applied Methodologies 
PSY525 Psychological Interventions 
PSY526 Clinical Placement 1B 
PSY527 Advanced Assessment and Therapies A 
PSY528 Clinical Placement 2 (20cp) 
PSY529 Advanced Assessment and Therapies B 
PSY530 Clinical Placement 3 (20cp)

Research 
(3 units)
30cpResearch Units totalling 30 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: 

PSY810 Thesis 1 
PSY811 Thesis 2 
PSY821 Thesis 3 
 
 160Total Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)

Study plan


Students commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load.

Legend:CO = Core UnitP = PlacementR = Research Core
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
PSY520 Assessment and Diagnosis: Child and AdolescentCPSY524 Applied MethodologyC
PSY521 Professional Practice and EthicsCPSY525 Psychological InterventionsC
PSY522 Assessment and Diagnosis: AdultCPSY526 Clinical Placement 1BC
PSY523 Clinical Placement 1ACPSY810 Thesis 1R
Year 2
PSY527 Advanced Assessment and Therapies ACPSY529 Advanced Assessment and Therapies BC
PSY528 Clinical Placement 2 (20cp)CPSY530 Clinical Placement 3 (20cp)C
PSY811 Thesis 2RPSY821 Thesis 3R

Entry requirements

Quota

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a highly competitive course which has a quota of approximately 15 places each year meaning there are more applicants than places available.

Admission criteria

Successful completion of an APAC accredited four-year sequence in Psychology with either

  • a minimum upper second class Honours (2A) or
  • Graduate Diploma in Psychology with a minimum GPA of 6.00.

All applicants are required to provide:

  • 2 referee reports submitted via www.psychologyreference.org and
  • a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter addressing why you are interested in the CDU Course; to be uploaded to your application at the time of submission.

Invitations to attend an interview will be extended to applicants based on a combination of academic performance, CV and references.

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

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40)Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4
IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
 

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

Nikki Govan

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

hema giri

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

Nikki Govan

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

hema giri

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
No
Award
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Psychology, Health

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

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.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
1CM133
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

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