If you’re working towards becoming a registered psychologist and have completed your fourth year, this course provides you with the education required to complete the 2-year higher degree pathway towards an endorsement in clinical psychology. If you are already working as a registered psychologist, you’ll gain specialist skills in clinical practice through this course.

Clinical psychology focuses on a strict scientist-practitioner model that emphasises a systematic problem-solving approach that will prepare you with the skills you need for working with a diverse range of clients. You’ll learn how to apply your skills and knowledge in clinical psychology and work with individuals and groups across the lifespan.  

You’ll learn through coursework, practicum, and research components, undertaking at least three practical placements to hone your skills in clinical psychology.

5 reasons to study a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical) at Murdoch

• You’ll study in a highly engaged professional psychology environment that is flexible and supportive.
• Learn from leading academics and experienced clinicians who are committed to helping you succeed in your studies.
• Gain professional experience with clients through at least three practical placements, including our on-campus community-oriented psychology clinic, and with external agencies.
• Establish a network of valuable industry contacts through your external practical placement that will open up employment opportunities when you graduate. Murdoch has arrangements with a wide variety of service providers including public and private hospitals, education providers, community mental health services, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, disability services and more.
• Have the opportunity to undertake placements at adult and child clinical facilities, gaining experience with individuals from a diversity of backgrounds with a range of psychological and mental health conditions.

Develop your skills

Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:

• clinical assessment, interviewing, diagnosis, and test administration
• psychotherapy and evidence-based practice in clinical psychology
• a range of approaches for working effectively with children, families, and adults in their social and cultural context
• clinical assessment and treatment of health problems, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities across the lifespan
• working and communicating effectively with other professionals in clinical planning, assessment, and implementing interventions.

Psychologists are emerging as highly employable professionals in contemporary health services, given their strong grounding in effective interventions, solid assessment skills and their ability to devise and implement research. Clinical psychology remains the most popular specialisation within psychology both in Australia and internationally.

Employment growth for Clinical Psychologists is expected to be strong given the continued need for mental health services in the community.

You will be highly employable in a wide variety of areas, including private practice as a registered psychologist, and working in various public and private sector agencies in areas such as health, community mental health, justice, education, and disabilities.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and is recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia and the College of Clinical Psychologists at the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Once the course is completed graduates can apply to the Psychology Board of Australia for registration as a psychologist and for membership of the APS.

To obtain full endorsement in Clinical Psychology by the Psychology Board of Australia, graduates are required to complete additional practice under supervision as part of a registered program for endorsement.