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.

View the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) course handbook
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?

Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.

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 2023

83.5% 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:

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.

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.  

8
Core units
+
4
Research units
+
4
Placement units
=
Masters Degree

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

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$35,900

Total fee* ($AUD)

$71,800

Commonwealth Supported Yearly Fee* ($AUD)

$4,445

Commonwealth Supported Total Fee* ($AUD)

$8,890

2024 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 2024 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 2024.

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 in the capped amount for 2024.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$351.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$351.00

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 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.

Representatives and agents
MA-PSYCLP
Search for agents

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! 

Intake closing dates

  • 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).

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
26-February-2025
Start dates
03-March-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-March-2025
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