Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended), Research
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8256
- CRICOS code 001934A
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2024 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $12,500*
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2024 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $23,500*
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $52,500*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $109,500*
Fees
Fees
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Clinical experience
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Leading educators
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Cutting-edge labs
International application pause for 2025 intakes
Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Gain the knowledge, skills and accreditation required to work as a clinical psychologist in hospitals, community health and other clinical settings.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) program began in 1971. It focuses on adult, adolescent and child clinical psychology as well as neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. In addition to coursework, you’ll complete a research thesis, in the form of a scholarly journal article, on a topic relevant to clinical or abnormal psychology.
You’ll develop a broad range of psychological expertise based on academic knowledge, research abilities and clinical skills. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be equipped to diagnose, assess and treat people with psychological issues and disorders.
Key features
- Professional accreditation
This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as the fifth and sixth years of study, leading to registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). When you graduate, you’ll be eligible for Associate Membership with the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. After completing a further two years of supervised practice (the Clinical Psychology Registrar Program), you can apply to the PsyBA for full membership and endorsement as a clinical psychologist.
- Clinical experience
This master’s degree involves supervised clinical practice within the UNSW Psychology Clinic as well as clinic and field placements. You’ll gain experience working with children, adolescents and adults with acute and chronic difficulties. Placement options include adult mental health, psychiatry, medical psychology, child and family and general community health.
- Study approach
The program’s theoretical orientation has primarily been one of experimental empiricism. The clinical component adheres to the scientist-practitioner model for clinical training. The program uses cognitive-behavioural approaches as the foundation for understanding and managing clinical problems.
- Combined degree option
We also offer a combined PhD/Master of Psychology (Clinical). This four-year, full-time degree includes a research component as well as coursework and professional placements.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Study with the best
The UNSW School of Psychology is one of the best in Australia. We’re ranked 30th in the world and 2nd in Australia for psychology*, attracting award-winning staff and offering excellence and innovation in our teaching. The School of Psychology has strong links with professional practitioners in the areas of clinical, neuropsychological and forensic psychology.
Prepare for professional practice
You’ll begin seeing clients in your first year of study. This program includes a professional practice component, where you’ll complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum hours within the UNSW Psychology Clinic and in at least two other field placement settings. Clinic work involves seeing both adult and child clients for therapy and psychometric assessments. This practical experience will build your confidence as a healthcare professional and expose you to a wide range of client groups and clinical settings.
Learn from industry-leading educators
You come to university to learn from the experts – researchers who are leaders in their fields, striving to create new knowledge. The School of Psychology is well known for its research tradition. Many of our staff have international reputations in their respective fields and a number are Fellows of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. Our staff attract several million dollars in external research funds per year. Our staff publications receive more citations than any other psychology department in Australia and we have one of the highest rates of PhD graduations in psychology of any Australian university. We earn more competitive research funding and publish more Tier 1 journal articles per academic than any other psychology school in Australia.
Access cutting-edge facilities
Our teaching facilities include world-leading behavioural neuroscience laboratories and cognitive testing laboratories running specialist software that will allow you to design/implement your own psychological research and analyse/interpret the data you collect. You’ll also gain access to laboratories for the analysis of cognition and brain function, including electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and eye-tracking.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
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The minimum academic eligibility requirement is completion of a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology, including a major research thesis/project, with Honours Class 1 (85%), or international equivalent. Qualifications must have been completed within the last 10 years (exceptions may be possible in limited circumstances).
Psychology qualifications from overseas must include a major research thesis/project and must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as equivalent to a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology completed in Australia. Please note you must have your qualification assessed before you apply.
As the number of places available each year is limited, entry into this program is competitive. Selection is based on academic qualifications, two referee reports and performance at an interview. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview - remote participation may be permitted in limited circumstances.
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Applicants must:
- demonstrate their competency in speaking and communicating in English is sufficient to practise the psychology profession
- satisfy both UNSW's English language requirements and those required by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
All applicants, domestic and international, are encouraged to use AHPRA’s Pathways diagram for all professions (under ‘Additional resources’) to guide their understanding of AHPRA’s requirements.
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- Term 1 is the only available intake for this program.
- International psychology qualifications must include a major research thesis/project and must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) before an application is submitted. Note that the APS will only assess complete qualifications.
- Enrolled students must register as provisional psychologists prior to program commencement and registration must be maintained for the duration of enrolment.
- Applicants should familiarise themselves with the relevant registration standards for the psychology profession. You must meet these requirements before an application for registration as a provisional psychologist can be approved.
- Applicants should review the inherent requirements of the program before applying.
- Applicants interested only in coursework should submit just one coursework application. An additional coursework preference can be nominated within the same application (i.e., apply for Clinical and nominate Forensic as a second preference).
- Applicants interested in BOTH a Combined program AND a stand-alone Master program must submit ONE research (Combined) application and ONE coursework (Master) application.
- The School of Psychology requires applicants' fourth year sequence in psychology results to be graded out of 100 for assessment purposes. For transcripts not graded out of 100, applicants will need to request a letter from their respective Faculty or School that states the individual or overall grades out of 100.
For more information, please refer to our FAQs.
-
The minimum academic eligibility requirement is completion of a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology, including a major research thesis/project, with Honours Class 1 (85%), or international equivalent. Qualifications must have been completed within the last 10 years (exceptions may be possible in limited circumstances).
Psychology qualifications from overseas must include a major research thesis/project and must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as equivalent to a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology completed in Australia. Please note you must have your qualification assessed before you apply.
As the number of places available each year is limited, entry into this program is competitive. Selection is based on academic qualifications, two referee reports and performance at an interview. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview - remote participation may be permitted in limited circumstances.
-
Applicants must:
- demonstrate their competency in speaking and communicating in English is sufficient to practise the psychology profession
- satisfy both UNSW's English language requirements and those required by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
All applicants, domestic and international, are encouraged to use AHPRA’s Pathways diagram for all professions (under ‘Additional resources’) to guide their understanding of AHPRA’s requirements.
-
- Term 1 is the only available intake for this program.
- International psychology qualifications must include a major research thesis/project and must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) before an application is submitted. Note that the APS will only assess complete qualifications.
- Enrolled students must register as provisional psychologists prior to program commencement and registration must be maintained for the duration of enrolment.
- Applicants should familiarise themselves with the relevant registration standards for the psychology profession. You must meet these requirements before an application for registration as a provisional psychologist can be approved.
- Applicants interested only in coursework should submit just one coursework application. An additional coursework preference can be nominated within the same application (i.e., apply for Clinical and nominate Forensic as a second preference).
- Applicants interested in BOTH a Combined program AND a stand-alone Master program must submit ONE research (Combined) application and ONE coursework (Master) application.
For more information, please refer to our FAQs.
Program structure
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) focuses on adult, adolescent and child clinical psychology, neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. It’s made up of three key components: coursework, professional practice and a research thesis.
Full program structure
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) can be completed in two years of full-time study. Please note that this program of study is very intense. Professional practice activities, in particular, are time consuming and not limited to particular hours. It’s not possible to complete the program part-time while working full-time.
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This component consists of weekly lectures and seminars with associated assessments including reports, essays, presentations, class tests and final examinations.
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- Psychological Assessment 1
- Adult and Child Clinical Psychology 1
- Adult and Child Clinical Psychology 2
- Clinical Neuropsychology
- Experimental and Clinical Psychology
- Professional and Ethical Practice (Clinical) 1
- Professional and Ethical Practice (Clinical) 2
- Professional and Ethical Practice (Clinical) 3
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In this part of the training, you’ll complete a minimum total of 1,000 practicum hours in the UNSW Psychology Clinic and in at least two other field placement settings. A range of external field placement options are available including:
- adult mental health
- psychiatry
- consult-liaison
- medical psychology
- developmental disability
- neuropsychology
- child and family
- psychogeriatric
- schools
- general community health settings.
Your practicum hours will involve assessing and treating clients under the supervision of clinical staff. This component of the program is designed to develop your technical skills, professionalism and understanding of ethical practices.
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You’re required to complete a clinically relevant research thesis involving the collection of data on a topic of your choice. This component aims to strengthen your research skills in an area that will be relevant to your subsequent clinical work, meaning your thesis will involve an investigation into some aspect of clinical psychology. The research project may be conducted at the university or in a suitable clinical setting (usually in collaboration with a qualified clinical psychologist or other health care workers).
Future careers
Clinical psychology is an ideal career path for people who enjoy working with and caring for others. At UNSW Science, our graduates demonstrate skills in assessment, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems at an individual and group level.
Clinical psychologists work in a range of settings including:
- counselling centres
- independent or group practices
- hospitals
- clinics
- rehabilitation
- universities and schools.
The number of available jobs is increasing - within the next five years, job openings are expected to increase by 30%, which means that each year, 7,600 new jobs will be generated.*
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a fifth and sixth year of study. Graduates are eligible to apply for full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).
Graduates are also eligible for Associate Membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. After completing a Psychology Board of Australia approved Clinical Psychology registrar program, graduates will be eligible to apply for APS College of Clinical Psychology Fellowship and endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.
Our alumni
"I am extremely grateful to have studied the Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree at UNSW. The staff involved in the degree are some of the top academics and clinicians in the field. Learning from people of such high calibre meant that I felt well positioned to begin my journey as a practicing Psychologist once I had graduated. I also really enjoyed the small student to teacher ratio. Throughout the degree this meant that I was able to receive consistent individualised feedback on my work that allowed me to develop my professional identity as a clinician."
Luke Brock
Clinical Psychology Registrar
"Completing the Masters of Clinical Psychology at UNSW allowed me to gain the clinical training, experience and confidence to go out and practice as a psychologist in a wide range of clinical roles. I went on to work in public hospitals, private hospitals and private practice settings. I saw a range of different clients and worked with various health professionals which has shaped me to be the clinician I am today. I now also supervise early career psychologists and have opened up my own private practice. The Masters program was such a strong foundation for me to build everything else on, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to have had that training."
Natasha Herbert
Clinical Psychologist
How to apply
Applications open on 1 August and close on 31 October. The application process is the same for domestic and international applicants.
Before you apply, please:
- Review the program entry in the University Handbook
- Review the "important information" under the "entry requirements tab" on this page
- Review the program’s Inherent Requirements, available on the School’s website
- Review the postgraduate coursework FAQs
- Read the step-by-step guide to applying
Ready to start your application?
Applications open on 1 August and close on 31 October. The application process is the same for domestic and international applicants.
Before you apply, please:
- Review the program entry in the University Handbook
- Review the "important information" under the "entry requirements tab" on this page
- Review the program’s Inherent Requirements, available on the School’s website
- Review the postgraduate coursework FAQs
- Read the step-by-step guide to applying
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
$12,500*
$23,500*
All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.
*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Ausstudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some Masters degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
I chose psychology as I was interested in understanding the ‘whys’ that underlie human behaviour.
