Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a professionally-accredited degree that prepares you for a career as a specialist in the health services. It is approved by the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists.
Your studies are a combination of coursework, placements, and a thesis to develop and strengthen your skills and knowledge so you are a confident and experienced practitioner ready to make a positive change in your community. Key areas of focus include interviewing and intervention strategies, biological and neuropsychological perspectives on disorders, psychological assessment and therapies, ethics and issues in professional practice, as well as advanced research methods.
After you accept your offer into this course, you must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a provisional psychologist before the study semester starts.
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
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2022: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
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 uni for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2022)
- #3 in Australia for psychology starting salaries (GUG 2022)
- Study on campus or online, full-time or part-time as it suits you
What will I study?
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a two-year full time course of 160 credit points comprising 30cp thesis, 60cp clinical placements and 70cp of coursework. It is not currently offered as a part-time course.
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 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: |
|
160 |
Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Masters Degree by Coursework AQF Level 9 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
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 Unit | P = Placement | R = Research Core |
| 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 |
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 in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A 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 Proficiency | A 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 module | A 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
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.
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.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Share this course