The Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) at the University of Melbourne enjoys an excellent reputation as one of the premier clinical neuropsychology programs in the country and produces graduates with a detailed understanding of the affective, behavioural and cognitive manifestations of diseases of the central nervous system, particularly those affecting the brain, in adults and children.

The Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as providing the required sequence of subjects for graduates wishing to attain generalist registration as a psychologist in Australia, as well as competency in knowledge and skills relevant to the clinical neuropsychology specialisation.

Graduates acquire competence in various approaches to the study of brain disease, including basic and applied clinical sciences, and are expected to acquire an understanding of culturally responsive, objective assessment of the many behavioural features of brain diseases that can present across the lifespan.

Course description

The course is comprised of coursework subjects, practical experience through clinical placements and a major research thesis in an area relevant to clinical psychology.  All subjects are compulsory.  The academic members of the teaching staff are actively involved in the practice of clinical neuropsychology (including supervision of clinical trainees) in a teaching hospital and are therefore well positioned to bring to the teaching situation a high level of clinical and research expertise.

Students undertake clinical placements in a wide variety of services that cover acute care neurology and neurosurgery, psychiatry, geriatrics, rehabilitation, and paediatrics. The placement experience enjoyed by our students is one of the most extensive in the world.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• Within the last 10 years, a Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited four-year undergraduate sequence in psychology (namely a three-year major in psychology as part of an undergraduate degree plus a fourth year Honours specialisation in psychology or equivalent) with a weighted average mark of at least H2A (75%) or equivalent; and
• A personal statement of no more than 500 words which outlines why you wish to be considered for the course and your relevant skills. While relevant work/volunteer experience is not a course entry requirement, applicants who have undertaken relevant work/volunteer experience may wish to include this as part of their personal statement.
• Two referee reports to be submitted online; and
• Attend a selection interview (short-listed applicants only).

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance; and
• Suitability for clinical training as determined by the interview, personal statement and referee reports.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.