CourseMaster's Degree (Coursework)MClinPsych

M6046 Master of Clinical Psychology

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Master of Clinical Psychology (M6046) is a 2 years full-time, 96-credit-point, master's degree (coursework) course from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, taught at Clayton. Map your units semester by semester with the MonMap planner.

Credit points
96
Duration
2 years full time
4 years part time
Campus
Clayton
On campus

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisite map

Overview

This course integrates advanced practitioner training with industry-based research training to prepare you for work as a Clinical Psychologist. Clinical Psychologists use their knowledge of psychology and mental health for the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, treatment and prevention of psychological problems and mental illness across the lifespan.  

The course is founded on a commitment to excellence in clinical training and clinical research that can positively impact the brain and mental health of the community. You will gain generalised and specialised clinical skills to manage complex mental health problems, that is culturally responsive, in order to help people thrive. You will learn from passionate clinical educators through coursework and expert clinical supervisors across three placements. You will also conduct a clinical research project that has scope to positively impact the community under the guidance of experienced academics.     

This course is 2 years of study that represents the fifth and sixth year of study in Psychology.

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

Course structure

The handbook's description of this structure

The course is structured into two parts: Part A. Core studies, and Part B. Clinical placement.

Part A: Core studies

These studies will equip you to competently and ethically apply advanced psychological knowledge and skills to mental health challenges in the community.  The research project will incorporate a critical review of the relevant literature, and may take the form of a service evaluation, experimental study, or systematic review or meta-analysis.

Part B: Clinical placement

These opportunities will enable you to apply theory to practice under the supervision of experienced clinical supervisors. You will complete a minimum of 1000 hours of professional experience, with 400 hours of direct client contact, across three different hospital or community settings.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 96 credit points structured into two parts: Part A. Core studies (78 credit points), and Part B. Clinical placement (18 credit points).

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

You must complete all units to satisfy the requirements of the Master of Clinical Psychology.

Part A: Core studies (78 points)

You must complete the following units:

  • PSY5106   Psychopathology A
  • PSY5104   Cognitive and behaviour therapies: Processes and applications A
  • PSY5102   Psychological assessment

  • PSY5103   Ethical, legal and professional practice

  • PSY5107   Psychopathology B
  • PSY5109   Cognitive and behaviour therapies: Processes and applications B
  • PSY5105   Clinical developmental psychology 

  • PSY5110   Clinical psychology research proposal
  • PSY5207   Health psychology and behavioural medicine

  • PSY5210   Research methods for inquiry and practice in clinical psychology
  • PSY5204  Advanced clinical practice 

  • PSY5211   Clinical psychology research project (12cp)

Part B: Clinical placement (18 points)

You must complete the following units: 

  • PSY5205  Introductory placement and case analysis

  • PSY5206  Intermediate placement and case analysis
  • PSY5301 Advanced placement and case analysis

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

  1. 1

    These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate Attributes.

    The course learning outcomes are aligned with the eight core competence areas of clinical psychology defined by the Psychology Board of Australia (PBoA). 

  2. 2

    Apply advanced knowledge of psychological theories and psychopathology, using both developmental and biopsychosocial frameworks, to guide practice with individuals, groups, and/or systems.

    (PBoA core competence area/s: Knowledge of the discipline, and Practice across the lifespan)

     

  3. 3

    Demonstrate application of legal and ethical standards that govern professional psychology and ability to appropriately manage ethical issues in practice.

    (PBoA core competence area/s: Ethical, legal and professional matters)

  4. 4

    Competently use psychological assessment tools and processes with a wide range of clinical presentations, and from multiple sources, to inform case formulation, diagnosis and intervention, that is sensitive to the socio-cultural context.

    (PBoA core competence area/s: Psychological assessment and measurement)

     

  5. 5

    Demonstrate highly skilled delivery and monitoring of evidence-based interventions to a wide range of clinical presentations that is responsive to the client’s goals, socio-cultural context, and psychotherapy processes.

    (PBoA core competence area/s: Intervention strategies)

  6. 6

    Design, carry out, disseminate, and utilise empirical research relevant to clinical psychology to solve mental health challenges.

    (PBoA core competence area/s: Research and evaluation)

  7. 7

    Effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts about mental health problems and solutions to a variety of audiences.

    (PBoA core competence area/s: Communication and interpersonal relationships)

  8. 8

    Engage in reflective practice through coursework, supervision and clinical work that enables flexible and adaptive clinical practice.

    (PBoA core competence area/s: Communication and interpersonal relationships)

  9. 9

    Works effectively with and is sensitive to, other cultures and contexts with respect and humility, with specific knowledge and skills working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

    (PBoA core competence area/s: Working in a cross-cultural context)

Entry requirements

English language

Monash Level D: IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall (no band lower than 7.0); or Pearson Test of English (Academic):  score of 65 overall with no band lower than 65; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score 98 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 27, Listening: 24, Reading: 24 and Speaking: 23; or Equivalent approved English test

Please note: as students need to be provisionally or generally registered as a psychologist on commencement of the course, you must also be able to meet the mandatory Ahpra English language skills registration standard

More information

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a fifth and sixth year sequence in psychology.

Graduates will be eligible for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).

It will provide a recognised pathway to Area of Practice Endorsement in clinical psychology. To be eligible to apply for endorsement, graduates must have an APAC approved qualification accredited at sixth year or higher in clinical psychology, hold general registration as a psychologist, and must complete a period of Board-approved supervised practice through the registrar program.

https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Endorsement/Pathways-to-endorsement.aspx

Notes for students

Full-time option: Please note that in year 1/semester 2 of the course, you will be required to overload by 6 credit points, however, in year 2/semester 2, you will be required to underload by 6 credit points.

Part-time option: Please note that in year 2/semester 2 of the course, you will be required to overload by 6 credit points, however, in year 3/semester 2, you will be required to underload by 6 credit points.

Other information

This course integrates advanced practitioner training with industry-based research training to prepare you for work as a Clinical Psychologist. Clinical Psychologists use their knowledge of psychology and mental health for the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, treatment and prevention of psychological problems and mental illness across the lifespan.  

The course is founded on a commitment to excellence in clinical training and clinical research that can positively impact the brain and mental health of the community. You will gain generalised and specialised clinical skills to manage complex mental health problems, that is culturally responsive, in order to help people thrive. You will learn from passionate clinical educators through coursework and expert clinical supervisors across three placements. You will also conduct a clinical research project that has scope to positively impact the community under the guidance of experienced academics.     

This course is 2 years of study that represents the fifth and sixth year of study in Psychology.

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

Contacts

Academic Coordinator
Dr Sally Richmond

Common questions

How long is Master of Clinical Psychology?

2 years full time, 96 credit points. At 24 credit points a semester, that is 4 semesters of full-time study.

Where can I study Master of Clinical Psychology?

At Clayton.

How do I plan my Master of Clinical Psychology units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification
Master's Degree (Coursework)
AQF level
Level 9
Credit points
96
Full time
2 Years
Part time
4 Years
Maximum time
6 years
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
CRICOS code
118465J
Abbreviation
MClinPsych
Award title
Master of Clinical Psychology
Handbook years
2024202520262027