Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

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 focusing on clinical work with adults.

Read our answers to your submitted questions from the 'Postgraduate Psychology Information Session: 2025 Intake' (27 August 2024)