Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/Doctor of Philosophy

Minimum eligibility

You’re considered an international student based on your citizenship – even if you're studying in Australia.

To be eligible to apply for graduate research courses, you're normally required to have completed at least a four year Australian Bachelor course or overseas equivalent and achieved an overall average of greater than 75% in the final year of the course.

You're also normally required to have completed a research project/component that accounts for at least 25% of your year's work at 4th year undergraduate or masters level.

Some courses may have higher or additional entry requirements and a pre-application process. Check the course you're interested in to learn what these are.

Course-specific requirements

Requirements vary by course. Usually, to apply for a graduate research course, you first need to determine your research topic and find a supervisor. Some graduate schools advertise available projects. Visit Find a Course for the requirements of the course that interests you. You will need to be able to commit to the workload required by the course.

Finding a supervisor

Check with the course you're applying for to see if you need to find a supervisor for your course before applying.

If so, you want to make sure the supervisors you choose are right for your needs and can support you in your research. Support from supervisors does not guarantee admission, nor does it guarantee a scholarship or financial assistance.

For help finding a supervisor, visit Find an expert

Writing a research proposal

Some graduate schools also require a research proposal as part of your application.

To develop a successful proposal, you need to be familiar with current research in the area. Your proposal also needs to state your research question, your area of interest, and how you'll undertake your research.

Many graduate schools offering research courses will have their own pre-application process, entry requirements and application due dates. Check the entry requirements for the course you're applying for.

The Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/Doctor of Philosophy prepares graduates who are distinguished by their breadth and depth of psychological knowledge, research and inquiry skills, and their ability to apply these to identify and provide treatment for psychological disorders that can occur across the lifespan. Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/Doctor of Philosophy graduates demonstrate:

Academic distinction

• Advanced psychological knowledge related to practice in clinical psychology, including identification and treatment of a range of mental health conditions that present across the lifespan.
• Critical, creative thinking with strong reasoning skills. They can apply psychological knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems relating to mental health and illness, human behaviour, and behavioural change.
• Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
• They are adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.

Active citizenship

• A high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment.
• An awareness of the social and cultural diversity in communities and can work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• In particular, they have an understanding of and deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values.
• They are equipped to be active, well-informed citizens who make substantial contributions to society and have the potential to become leaders in their professions and communities.

Integrity and self-awareness

• Self-direction, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and in groups.
• Skills in self-assessment, reflective thinking and self-awareness; placing great importance on their personal and professional integrity, and on the willingness to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes.

Empathy and concern for the welfare of others and have developed skills in managing their own well-being.