The clinical psychology program at the University of Melbourne began in the early 1970s.

The Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) program enjoys an excellent reputation as one of the premier clinical psychology programs in the country.

The program aims to produce graduates with a strong knowledge base in psychopathology, combined with a high level of skill and acumen in culturally responsive assessment and treatment of psychological conditions that can present across the lifespan.

Therapeutic skills are taught primarily within a broad cognitive-behavioural framework within didactic, individual and group-based clinical contexts.

The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), 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 psychology specialisation.

Course description

The course is comprised of coursework subjects, practical experience through clinical placements and a research thesis in an area relevant to clinical psychology. All subjects are compulsory. The academic members of the clinical teaching staff are active in both clinical work and research in a wide variety of clinical domains. Hence, the Program provides the opportunity to access a wide range of clinical placement settings and research programs.

In their first year, all students assess and provide treatment for adult clients referred to the University of Melbourne Psychology Clinic. In addition, all students undertake two second year field placements- one where the focus is on assessment and treatment of children and/or adolescents and the other focussing on clinical work with adults.

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

• within the last 10 years, an 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.