Master of Psychology (Clinical) (M7L)

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 2 Years, up to a maximum of 5 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1
Launceston
Semester 1

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 2 Years, up to a maximum of 5 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1
Launceston
Semester 1
Embark on a transformative journey of advanced learning and professional growth with our Clinical Psychology degree.

Our approach is fully built around a community-focussed, scientist-practitioner model, with an ungraded-pass methodology that focusses on collegiality, competency development, and a genuine depth and breadth of learning that builds confidence and competence to prepare you for an exceptional career helping people and communities as a registered Clinical Psychologist.

When you study with us, you receive regular mentorship, collaborative learning, and a dynamic support network not as a student, but as an early career colleague, as we are dedicated to your success. This starts with workplace readiness as the foundation of your learning and practical experiences. As the national leader in program-wide Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), you will have opportunities throughout your learning to practice your skills in the moment, building your ability to recognise and support complex psychological conditions.

Commonwealth Supported Places are available for all successful domestic applications who meet the eligibility requirements.

Studying with us

You will build skills in risk assessments, cognitive assessment, a range of intervention approaches including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), Schema therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), as well as client communication, as you learn how to undertake psychological assessments, develop case conceptualisations, implement and evaluate interventions, apply research methodologies, and engage in ethical professional practice. All your assessments are grounded in real-world activities or requirements, such as writing a letter to a GP, writing a report of assessment, and demonstrating a skill/therapeutic treatment approach. They culminate with an independent research project, which is your opportunity to collaborate with community stakeholders, influence policy, and delve deeper into the populations we serve.

This is all supported by significant practical experiences, both simulated, and with our University Psychology Clinics, located in both Hobart and Launceston, and community partners. During these experiences, you'll develop your skills in the art of conducting competent psychological assessments, constructing case conceptualisations, and devising, implementing, and evaluating interventions. From honing your research methodologies to embracing ethical practices, you'll emerge as a versatile practitioner.

Our Island is your campus

As you immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Tasmania, and take advantage of our symbiotic relationships with the Tasmanian healthcare and community support sector, you will build a consideration of the intersectionality of factors influencing mental health outcomes in our community so you can facilitate safe and inclusive clinical psychology practice. Your projects and placement options can be tailored to your area of interest, ranging from community clinics to indigenous centres, prisons, clinics, and hospitals, allowing you to align your learning experience with your passions and aspirations.

The skills, knowledge, and confidence you build during this course will help you to provide vital support to local communities when you graduate, as well as transferrable foundation you can take anywhere.

Please note: The closing time and date for the receipt of applications for admission to the Master of Psychology (Clinical) in 2024 is 11.59pm on 30 September 2023 (AEDT). Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree course prepares students for professional work as psychologists through the development of advanced professional skills, in tandem with theoretical and empirical knowledge, in line with the scientist-practitioner model.

  • 1 Apply the methods, principles and ethics of clinical psychology to enhance professional practice at an individual, discipline and interdisciplinary level.
  • 2 Formulate culturally sensitive psychological assessment, diagnoses and evidence-based treatment for common and complex psychological presentations across the life span.
  • 3 Appraise the scientific foundations of psychology through evaluating the research and clinical practice of oneself and others and use this to inform practice and policy.
  • Become career ready with a minimum of 1000 placement hours

    Starting with simulated placements, you will put your knowledge in practice in safe and supported environments, learn to make decisions in the moment, and build the confidence and competence you need for client-facing assessments.

    Our blend of simulated and real-world placements helps overcome bottlenecks that exist due to limited clinical psychology supervisors, which combined with being a one-University state gives you unparalleled opportunities to put your learning into practice in a way that works for your passions and aspirations.

    Simulated placements in first semester, first year prepare you for direct client facing placements at our University Psychology Clinics. Located in both Hobart and Launceston, they are practicing community clinics with real clients, and Hobart is one of the largest in the country.

    This is followed by placements with our external partners, and this is where you can tailor your learning experience even further. From community clinics to indigenous centres, prisons, and hospitals, whatever your passion for clinical psychology, we can help facilitate experiences that set you on that path as a graduate.

    Our University Psychology Clinic serves the community, and is your learning environment

    As the only University in Tasmania, we are uniquely connected to the Tasmanian healthcare and community support sector. This is emphasised in our two University Psychology Clinics, located in both Hobart and Launceston. Servicing a wide range of clients, they offer both vital services to the community, and provide you with first-hand consideration of the intersectionality of factors influencing mental health outcomes in our community, so you can facilitate safe and inclusive clinical psychology practice under the supervision of highly experienced and Psychology Board of Australia approved psychology supervisors.

    Become a Student Ambassador

    If you’re inspired to take your community connection even further, you can improve your communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.

    Though the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

    Professional experience placements

    Practice your newly acquired skills, behaviours and knowledge in both simulated and real-client facing situations, fully supported by our expert teaching staff. Professional Experience Placements immerse you in a professional healthcare setting, to gain a better understanding of the roles of professionals within the health care system.

    Preliminary preparation with simulated placements in your first semester will give you the confidence and competence ready for your direct client facing placements, which continue throughout the remainder of your degree. Your first client-facing activities are conducted in our University Psychology Clinics. These are followed by placements with our community partners, ranging from community clinics to indigenous centres, prisons, and hospitals, allowing you to shape you learning experience towards your passions and aspirations.

    In addition to preparing you for your future career, these placements provide valuable networking opportunities and often lead to employment after graduation due to the high unmet demand for registered clinical psychologists.

    Career outcomes

    As society places an increasing emphasis on mental health awareness, your career as a Clinical Psychologist has never been more crucial. From nationally recognised events like R U OK Day to the general destigmatising of mental health conversations between friends, family, and colleagues, the spotlight on mental well-being has never been brighter. Demand for psychologists has risen 70% in recent years (ABC), indicating a deep need for your expertise and compassionate guidance.

    Graduating marks the start of your journey as a Clinical Psychologist, where your impact is not just profound but also in high demand in a growing sector. Labour market insights forecast sector growth of 13.3% by 2026, and the recent Graduate Outcomes Surveys (GOS) reinforce how our graduates are meeting this demand, with 100% employed upon graduation.

    For our graduates, diverse pathways await. Many find rewarding positions within Tasmania, leveraging connections established during their placements. Due to our community-first approach, many mainland organisations also actively seek out our graduates due to their highly transferrable training and confidence upon graduation.

    The versatility of a clinical psychology career also means that as a registered psychologist you may also branch into leadership roles, policy development, academia, and beyond. To help identify where opportunities await, the Tasmanian University Psych Society (TUPS) hosts exclusive career nights during your studies, creating a platform for you to network, gain exposure, and build meaningful contacts.

    This degree is your passport to becoming a confident, capable, and impactful Clinical Psychologist, equipped to make a real difference in the realm of mental health. Embrace a future where you're not just a part of a community, but a driving force behind its wellbeing. Your journey towards transforming lives starts here.

    The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a professionally accredited degree. This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). 

    Graduates may meet the requirements for general registration with Ahpra as a Psychologist. There may be additional requirements for registration beyond the completion of the course. For further registration requirements, please visit the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website. 

    If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information. 
     

    Course structure

    Students complete 200cp (16 units)

    This unit introduces students to the key diagnostic frameworks and assessment methods for common mental health presentations. Students are also introduced to cognitive assessment and oriented to risk assessment and safety planning. Consideration is also given to cultural and developmental…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit considers common professional and ethical issues in psychological practice. Students are introduced to key ethical codes, guidelines, standards and legislation relevant to psychology practice. Ethical decision-making models will be applied to real-world case examples to assist students in…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will introduce students to cognitive behavioural therapy and the basic therapeutic techniques necessary to undertake their first placement. The therapeutic techniques will include cognitive interventions, behavioural interventions, emotional and physical focused techniques. Where appropriate, sessions will be supplemented…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will introduce students the foundational psychological assessment, case formulation, intervention skills, and professional practice requirements of psychologists with general registration, via simulated work environments. The unit will incorporate a range of learning experiences including role plays, individual and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is designed to provide students with a grounding in research within a clinical context. Specifically, the aim of this unit is to provide students with the skills to read, and interpret clinically relevant literature, and then be able…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit expands on student’s prior learning of assessment and differential diagnosis with a key focus on the principles of selecting of evidence-based assessment tools. This unit will support students to provide client centred assessment feedback with regard to relevant…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This placement unit is the first of three placement units which begin to orient students to the complexities of integrating and applying theoretical and content knowledge to practice as a clinical psychologist. Through use of the CYPRS (Clinical Psychology Placement…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit introduces students to the practice of self-reflection. This will involve application of psychological intervention skills to the self and others. Content will address key theoretical models and evidence-based treatments for specific adult psychological presentations/disorders, and classroom discussion and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will apply skills to develop and justify a clinically relevant research project by reviewing relevant literature and writing a draft methods section.  You will also conduct data collection and complete a draft results section.…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This placement will involve engaging in clinical psychological practice with clients presenting with a range of psychological and neuro-developmental concerns. Students will work at their designated placement to provide clinical psychological assessment, diagnosis and intervention to clients presenting with a…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit aims to provide students with a critical overview of ethical and professional issues relevant to clinical psychology practice. Ethical decision-making models will be applied to real-world case examples to assist students in identifying issues pertaining to complex and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will take a disorder specific approach and teach students evidence-based treatment for a variety of clinical psychological disorders. Consideration will be given to the diagnostic features of specific disorders, prevalence, course, aetiological knowledge and theories, familial, social and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This placement will involve engaging in clinical psychological practice with clients presenting with a range of psychological and neuro-developmental concerns. Students will work at their designated placement to provide clinical psychological assessment, diagnosis and intervention to clients presenting with a…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will extend students’ understanding of, and skill in navigating complex ethical and professional practice issues in clinical psychology. This will involve facilitating student engagement in professional development and supervision processes. The unit will incorporate a range of formats…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will introduce provisional psychologists to advanced clinical psychological interventions utilising a disorder-specific framework. Focus will be on the advanced understanding of the diagnostic features of clinical disorders and presentations and their development across the lifespan and diverse presentations.…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, students will synthesise skills pertaining to the development, implementation and evaluation of clinical research, culminating in the submission of an empirical research thesis suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Entry requirements

    Please note: The closing time and date for the receipt of applications for admission to the Master of Psychology (Clinical) in 2024 is 11.59pm on 30 September 2023 (AEDT). Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

    Further information regarding applying for the Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree can be found in the 2024 Postgraduate Psychology FAQs.

    Applications for the Master of Psychology (Clinical) program are only accepted from those applicants:

    • who have completed, or will complete, a four year Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited sequence in psychology within the last 10 years, and
    • who have attained a minimum entrance requirement of an Upper Second Class Honours (2A) psychology degree or equivalent, and
    • who are eligible for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as a provisional psychologist

    Please note the following:

    Those applicants who have not completed a four year APAC- accredited sequence in psychology, must have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and provide the resulting assessment report from the APS with their application. For information on how to do this and the fees associated with this service refer to the APS.  The assessment report must state that the applicant's qualifications are comparable to a four year APAC- accredited sequence in psychology. Applicants must also provide a letter from their University indicating that their fourth year qualification is equivalent to an upper second class Honours degree.

    Students who have completed a three year plus a fourth year APAC-accredited sequence without Honours grading need to provide a letter from their University indicating that their fourth year qualification is equivalent to an upper second class Honours degree.

    Applicants should note that meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee entry to the program. Each year the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of available places.  A competitive entry process is followed.  Applications need to be submitted on-line through the University of Tasmania Admissions website by the end of September.  All applicants must satisfy the School of Psychological Sciences that they are suitable candidates for professional training in psychology. Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview in November.

    If you are accepted into an accredited postgraduate psychology program in Australia you will need to obtain Provisional Registration from the Psychology Board of Australia in order to commence the degree.  The minimum educational requirement for Provisional Registration in Australia is an accredited four year sequence of study.  Please be aware that Provisional Registration for Psychologists will require successful applicants to disclose the following:

    • Any criminal history (both National and International where applicable)
    • Any impairment that is likely to detrimentally affect your capacity to practise as a psychologist
    • If your registration in any profession is currently suspended or has been cancelled in Australia or overseas

    Professional Experience Placement Requirements

    SAFETY IN PRACTICE COMPLIANCE

    This course includes compulsory Professional Experience Placements. You must meet the College of Health and Medicine's Safety in Practice Requirements before census date of the first semester of your course. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.

    Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.

    English Language Requirements

    Evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

    Course Specific Requirements

    Please note: The closing time and date for the receipt of applications for admission to the Master of Psychology (Clinical) in 2024 is 11.59pm on 30 September 2023 (AEDT). Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

    Further information regarding applying for the Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree can be found in the 2024 Postgraduate Psychology FAQs.

    Applications for the Master of Psychology (Clinical) program are only accepted from those applicants:

    • who have completed, or will complete, a four year Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited sequence in psychology within the last 10 years, and
    • who have attained a minimum entrance requirement of an Upper Second Class Honours (2A) psychology degree or equivalent, and
    • who are eligible for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as a provisional psychologist

    Please note the following:

    Those applicants who have not completed a four year APAC- accredited sequence in psychology, must have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and provide the resulting assessment report from the APS with their application. For information on how to do this and the fees associated with this service refer to the APS.  The assessment report must state that the applicant's qualifications are comparable to a four year APAC- accredited sequence in psychology. Applicants must also provide a letter from their University indicating that their fourth year qualification is equivalent to an upper second class Honours degree.

    Students who have completed a three year plus a fourth year APAC-accredited sequence without Honours grading need to provide a letter from their University indicating that their fourth year qualification is equivalent to an upper second class Honours degree.

    Applicants should note that meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee entry to the program. Each year the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of available places.  A competitive entry process is followed.  Applications need to be submitted on-line through the University of Tasmania Admissions website by the end of September.  All applicants must satisfy the School of Psychological Sciences that they are suitable candidates for professional training in psychology. Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview in November.

    If you are accepted into an accredited postgraduate psychology program in Australia you will need to obtain Provisional Registration from the Psychology Board of Australia in order to commence the degree.  The minimum educational requirement for Provisional Registration in Australia is an accredited four year sequence of study.  Please be aware that Provisional Registration for Psychologists will require successful applicants to disclose the following:

    Any criminal history (both National and International where applicable)
    Any impairment that is likely to detrimentally affect your capacity to practise as a psychologist
    If your registration in any profession is currently suspended or has been cancelled in Australia or overseas
    Overseas applicants will also need to provide proof of English language proficiency. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has specified that it is mandatory for all graduates seeking registration with the Psychology Board of Australia to demonstrate that they have achieved an overall IELTS score of 7.0 (academic module) with a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).  Test results will generally need to have been obtained within the two years preceding the application for registration.

    For more information about registration requirements for overseas applicants refer to the Psychology Board of Australia.

    Professional Experience Placement Requirements

    SAFETY IN PRACTICE COMPLIANCE

    This course includes compulsory Professional Experience Placements. You must meet the College of Health and Medicine's Safety in Practice Requirements before census date of the first semester of your course. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.

    Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic postgraduate student, you might be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

    You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

    Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    An important note on Youth Allowance and Austudy

    The Department of Social Services has approved some accredited and professionally-oriented Master courses for student payments through Youth Allowance or Austudy. This means if you enrol in one of these courses, you may be eligible for student payments. However, please be aware that this is not the case for all Master courses. Please visit our Scholarships, Fees and Costs website for further information.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    Domestic students enrolled in certain postgraduate coursework programs may not be eligible for student payments through Youth Allowance and Austudy. Visit the Department of Social Services website to find out more about eligibility for Centrelink support and the list of eligible courses

    International students

    2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $ 85,368 AUD *.

    Course cost based on a rate of $41,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

    * Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

    International students

    International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

    Scholarships

    For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

    Next steps