Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

As a Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) student, you will be driven by a passion to help improve the quality of life of people experiencing mental health challenges.

Your pathway as a graduate will be paved with a wealth of practical and academic experience, resulting in an in-depth understanding of and experience in clinical psychology.

As one of the world’s leading clinical psychology programs – one that’s supported by excellent research hubs – the University of Melbourne attracts high achieving students and academics alike.

The day-to-day experience

The two-year Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) offers an intensive program of course work designed to provide the academic and practical foundations required for working as a psychologist. This is backed by extensive supervised clinical opportunities, starting with gaining experience in the University psychology clinic in your first year.

Clinical experience is key to not only gaining Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration, but it ensures you put your learned knowledge into practice. Being immersed in a real-world setting within the University of Melbourne’s internal clinic maximises your learning, and challenges you to help clients deal with mental health challenges. In your second year you will extend this by undertaking external placements, with opportunities available in a wide range of settings.

Commencing in your first semester, you will also undertake a research thesis, with the aid of a supervisor. This experience can be a robust stepping stone towards a PhD, and it allows you to draw upon the University of Melbourne’s extensive links to eminent Melbourne institutions, such as the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Austin Health, the Royal Children’s Hospital, the Royal Women’s Hospital, and Orygen.

Opportunities

The University of Melbourne’s Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and has an exceptional reputation. According to QS World University Rankings, this course is the best of its kind in Australia, and within the top 20 globally. It’s your ticket to a tremendously rewarding career at the forefront of the mental health field. By applying your practical knowledge and experience, you’ll be well positioned to make a genuine impact on the lives of others.

The degree is structured to allow you to develop your practical skills, with the goal of becoming a practicing mental health professional. However, it also provides students with the opportunity to pursue a research topic with the support of a committed supervisor. Many students have used this research experience as a stepping stone towards PhD study.