Master of Applied Psychology in Clinical Psychology

If you’re working towards becoming a registered psychologist or a clinical psychologist and have completed your fourth year, this course provides you with the education required to complete the 2-year higher degree pathway towards an endorsement in clinical psychology. If you are already working as a registered psychologist, you’ll gain expertise in clinical practice through this course.

Clinical psychology focuses on a strict scientist-practitioner model that emphasises a systematic problem-solving approach that will prepare you with the skills you need for working with a diverse range of clients. You will learn how to apply your skills and knowledge in clinical psychology and work with individuals and groups across the lifespan.

You’ll learn through coursework, practicum, and research components, undertaking at least three practical placements to hone your skills in clinical psychology.

3 reasons to study a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical) at Murdoch

1. Learn from leading academics and experienced clinicians who are committed to helping you succeed in your studies.
2. Gain professional experience with clients through at least three practical placements, including our on-campus community-oriented psychology clinic, and with external agencies.
3. Establish a network of valuable industry contacts through your external practical placement that will open up employment opportunities when you graduate. Murdoch has arrangements with a wide variety of service providers including public and private hospitals, education providers, community mental health services, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, disability services and more.

What you'll learn

• Clinical assessment, interviewing, diagnosis, and test administration.
• Psychotherapy and evidence-based practice in clinical psychology.
• A range of approaches for working effectively with children, families, and adults in their social and cultural context.
• Clinical assessment and treatment of mental health problems, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities across the lifespan.
• Working and communicating effectively with other professionals in clinical planning, assessment, and implementing interventions.

Your future career

Psychologists are emerging as highly employable professionals in contemporary health services, given their strong grounding in effective interventions, solid assessment skills and their ability to devise and implement research. Clinical psychology remains the most popular area of practice endorsement within psychology both in Australia and internationally.

You will be highly employable in a wide variety of areas, including private practice as a registered psychologist or clinical psychologist, and working in various public and private sector agencies in areas such as health, community mental health, justice, education, and disabilities.

Pathway information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants
Murdoch University aspires to be the first choice for First Nations peoples. We wholeheartedly welcome and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to consider applying for our psychology programs. Across our psychology courses, places are reserved for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. While these applicants must meet the specified criteria for each course to gain admission, they will not go through the competitive selection process. These places are reserved under an exemption to the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, which is applied to promote equality and aligns with Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP) guidelines for creating equity pathways for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. If you would like more information, please contact Charles Young at charles.young@murdoch.edu.au.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited as a Level 4 course by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Professional recognition

Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and for endorsement of practice in clinical psychology.

IELTS: Score: 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

TOEFL: Score: 79+, with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13.

PEARSON: Score: 64+, with no communicative skill below 60.

CAMBRIDGE: Score: 176+, with no skill less than 169.