Master of Psychology (Clinical) & Combined Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Doctor of Philosophy

Graduate Attributes

University Postgraduate Calendar

Information Brochure

The School of Psychology Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree program consists of three major components: coursework, research thesis and field placements. The program involves two years full-time or four years part-time study.

Aim

The aim of this program is to provide graduates with the tertiary-level education required to be eligible for registration as a Psychologist and eligibility for membership of the Australian Psychological Society’s (APS) College of Clinical Psychologists.

The APS College of Clinical Psychologists defines clinical psychology as “a specialist branch of psychology which is concerned with the development, prevention and treatment of emotional problems in children, adolescents and adults. A distinguishing feature of clinical psychology is its focus on scientific training, clinical practice and research with persons disabled by psychological problems including those with the most severe mental disorders.” The approved model for training is the “scientist-practitioner” model, which means maintaining a scholarly and critical approach to the scientific evidence-base of the profession, and to the evaluation of one’s own practice, as well as contributing to the further development of scientific clinical psychology and staying up to date with the contributions of others.

Objectives

The program has two key objectives. The first is to provide thorough theoretical and clinical skills preparation in core areas to meet formal requirements for entry to the profession (as determined by its accrediting bodies). The second is to prepare graduates to accept responsibility for continual self-monitoring and development after graduation, skills that are essential to ongoing professional practice.

Prerequisites

The program is available to graduates with an Honours degree in Psychology. Selection procedures depend on academic results, referee reports and a structured interview.

The South Australian Psychological Board recognises the program as equivalent to the two year supervision requirement for registration purposes under the proclaimed Psychological Practices Act, 1973.

International Students need to apply via the International Office

The Program

The program is available to graduates with an Honours degree in Psychology. Selection procedures depend on academic results, referee reports and a structured interview. It is important that Honours students who wish to be considered for Masters enrolment should make an application, using the relevant form via SATAC by 2 November 2009

Currently the program has accreditation for entry to the APS and approval from the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, and the South Australian Psychological Board recognises the program as equivalent to the two year supervision requirement for registration purposes under the proclaimed Psychological Practices Act, 1973. The School undergoes regular accreditation by APAC, the national psychology accreditation body, which specifies the curriculum and training methods for programs such as this throughout Australia. The APAC Accreditation Standards and CCP Guidelines are available at APAC.

To assist the program to maintain credibility and relevance by reflecting theoretical and practical developments in psychology and serving students responsibly, a Masters External Advisory Committee (MAC) advises the School on relevant issues. Membership includes practising psychologists on the Register of the South Australian Psychological Board, one or more currently enrolled students, and a graduate, as well as School representation and a member of the tenured academic staff from a cognate School. There is also an internal Master’s Committee consisting of the School members with major teaching roles in this degree program.

Degree Structure

The program commences in late January of the first year of study. It is very demanding, and some coursework, practical placement and research requirements are undertaken outside the Semesters, during periods regarded as vacations for undergraduate students.

Full-time students must be available from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (and part-time students for the half-time equivalent) and they must arrange any other commitments to fit in with scheduled courses, research and placements. It is not feasible to undertake much employment during your candidature, or to take more than 4 weeks’ leave per year. It is very important that you note this because the program must be completed within four years from commencement.

In the normal pattern of study, students enrolled on a full-time basis will complete seven courses of study and one placement, during first year. They should also do preliminary work on their research project although they will not enrol formally for this until second year. During second year they will complete two further placements, and the research project. Students may wish to consider linking the research project to one of the placements.

Combined Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Doctor of Philosophy

This program will not be offered in 2010