Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
Overview
The Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) provides high-level training in psychopathology, assessment, and therapeutic interventions for adults and children with clinical disorders. Our training has a specific focus assessing conditions such as; anxiety disorder, clinical depression, schizophrenia, eating, and personality disorders, trauma, alcohol dependence, childhood disorders and psychogeriatric conditions.
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Upgrade your skills
- Collect diverse data methodically
- Logical and critical thinking
- Professional and ethical dedication
- Adaptable, flexible, open to new ideas
- Understand the impact of culture on therapy
- Respect multiple points of view
Stretch your career further
- Psychologist
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Forensic psychologist
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional accreditations
Why Swinburne?
Ranked top 250 in the world for the subject of psychology
Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 202383.5% of students found employment within 4 months of graduating
Ranked top 20% in Australia for 5-star PG Overall experience
Qualifications
Applicants for the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) program should have:
- a Bachelor degree from an Australian university, and have completed a four-year sequence of studies in psychology at second class level or above in a course, or courses, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, Or
- overseas qualifications recognised as equivalent for the purpose of Associate Membership by the Australian Psychological Society and have relevant human services work experience, and
- experience in face-to-face counselling or have completed significant training in counselling skills, e.g., Lifeline, counselling skills in tertiary programs or other appropriate work experience.
Other requirements
Selection Process
Short-listed applicants will be required to participate in a competitive selection interview, which will determine whether an offer will be made for enrolment into the program. An order-of-merit for entry will be assessed by a panel of assessors, considering academic record, previous work experience and training, interview performance and academic and professional referees' reports.
It is important to note that there are limited places available, selection is highly competitive and applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements are not guaranteed an interview or place.
Applicants need to have completed their undergraduate and Honours training within 10 years or be a registered psychologist with relevant professional development. Applicants can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPLs) if they have already completed equivalent Units from an APAC accredited Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) or equivalent degree, completed within the past 10 years.
The University stipulates the maximum number of Units that can be granted as RPLs. Applicants who have obtained qualifications from overseas should ensure that their qualifications have been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
N95 Respirator Mask Fit Testing
Students enrolled in this course may be required to complete an annual N95 Mask Fit Test prior to commencing placement. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Students enrolled in this course may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to commencing placement with an NDIS provider. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Demonstrate English proficiency with one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 7.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 7.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 75%, all skills 75% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Graduate Certificate of Forensic Psychiatric Practice
-
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing
-
Master of Counselling
How credit points work
The masters program consists of 200 credit points. Students undertake a total of 16 units of study consisting of eight coursework units of study (100 credit points), four placement units of study (50 credit points) and four research units of study (50 credit points). All units of study are core units and are valued at 12.5 credit points each. Students are required to complete 1000 hours in placements.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Counselling Theory and Skills
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY60007 |
|
Advanced Psychological Assessment
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY60002 |
|
Adult Psychopathology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY60001 |
|
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80007 |
|
Systemic Family Counselling
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80062 |
|
Psychology Practice with Children and Adolescents
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY60003 |
|
Professional Ethics and Psychopharmacology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80014 |
|
Foundations of Health Psychology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY60006 |
|
Research Project (Clinical) A1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY70008 |
|
Research Project (Clinical) A2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY70009 |
|
Research Project (Clinical) B1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80089 |
|
Research Project (Clinical) B2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY80090 |
|
Clinical Placement A1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY70001 |
|
Clinical Placement A2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY70002 |
|
Clinical Placement B1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY70003 |
|
Clinical Placement B2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY70004 |
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$37,360
Total fee* ($AUD)
$74,720
Commonwealth Supported Yearly Fee* ($AUD)
$4,627
Commonwealth Supported Total Fee* ($AUD)
$9,254
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for FEE-HELP
You’re eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or UniLink or OUA course at Swinburne, and you:
- are an Australian citizen doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens
- are undertaking bridging study for overseas trained professionals and will be living in Australia for the duration of this study
- have not exceeded the new combined Help Loan limit.
The HELP limit is the maximum amount you can borrow from the government in your lifetime towards your education costs. It is fixed and cannot be topped up.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
Accreditation placement fees
Placement opportunities at Swinburne are designed to provide valuable experience, promote career readiness, and recognise the importance of practical skills in achieving your goals. Students attending placements will be required to cover fees with costs ranging from approximately $350 to $600, depending on the specific course.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online!
Last date to apply
- Semester 1, 2025 – 5pm, Friday 18 October 2024
Résumé and Statement of Purpose
Please download and complete the résumé and Statement of Purpose template. This is a requirement for applications to the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology).