Master of Clinical Psychology (Post registration)

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

1. Describe a broad and coherent body of advanced psychological knowledge and understanding of theories of psychological disorders, developmental systems and biopsychosocial models of health, psychopathology and psychopharmacology;​
2. Explain the significance of evidence-based practice, the scientific approach and ethical and professional issues relevant to the safe and competent practice of psychology with individuals and community groups with unique attributes, including gender and cultural diversity, and the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples;​
3. Apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment and intervention in the area of clinical psychology including the synthesis of clinical psychological assessment data and the selection, tailoring, implementation and monitoring of appropriate evidence-based interventions.​

The Master of Clinical Psychology (Post registration) is a one-year program that provide Australia Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) approved sixth-year training in psychology. This program focuses on the development of APAC Level 4 professional competencies for specialization in Clinical Psychology. It is designed for individuals who have (i) completed an APAC Accredited Masters coursework degree in Psychology, (ii) general registrations as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, and (iii) a minimum of 12 months of professional applied experience post-graduation. Graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for the Clinical Psychology registrar program to obtain an area of practice endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. This program is comprised of 8 coursework units (10 credit points each) which is predominantly taught online. Delivery of these units will involve a single 4-day residential (on campus teaching block) and 500 hours of supervised clinical placement that students can choose to complete in one location.

Recommended study pattern

To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 80 credit points (cp) from the Schedule of Unit Offerings consisting of:

a. 50 cp from Specified Units (Part A)

b. 30 cp from Clinical Placement Units (Part B)

Part A : Specified Units

Complete exactly 50 credit points from the following:

• PSYC660 Adult Clinical Psychology (10 CP)
• PSYC661 Child Clinical Psychology (10 CP)
• PSYC662 Clinical Health Psychology and Psychopharmacology (10 CP)
• PSYC663 Advanced Psychotherapeutic Interventions (10 CP)
• PSYC666 Clinical Research Skills: Refresher (10 CP)

Part B : Clinical Placement Units

• PSYC667 Practicum Placement A (10 CP)
• PSYC668 Practicum Placement B (10 CP)
• PSYC669 Practicum Placement C (10 CP)

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

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Students must have (i) completed an APAC accredited Masters coursework degree, (ii) general psychology registration with no conditions, and (ii) a minimum of 12 months professional practice experience post graduation. Students must demonstrate suitability to undertake the course as evidenced by:

1. Satisfactory academic referee report, and

2. Satisfactory professional referee report, and

3. Satisfactory interview with the selection committee (for short-listed candidates).

Students whose first language is other than English need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International Students must also comply with English Language Proficiency requirements as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

• Academic IELTS with an overall score of 7.0: with minimum scores of 7.0 in all tests.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) - 65: with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills
• Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic TOEFL Internet based total of 94: with a minimum 27 in writing, 23 in speaking, 24 in reading and 24 in listening
• ACU English Language Test - A(75-100%)
• Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) - Overall CAE of 185: with a minimum individual score of 185 in all tests.

If you have already studied at university level or have significant relevant work experience, you can apply for credit towards your ACU course. Credited units replace units you would otherwise study, so you can finish your course earlier.

ACU will consider requests for advanced standing based on prior studies to a maximum equivalence of 50cp.

In some situations, it may be possible to receive Recognition of Prior Learning for all or part of the first placement unit.

Delivery of these units will involve a single 4-day residential (on campus teaching block) and 500 hours of supervised clinical placement that students can choose to complete in one location.