Swinburne University of Technology

Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Undertake advanced clinical psychology training through evidence-based coursework, research and 1,000 hours of supervised placement experience supporting adults, children and families with complex psychological conditions.

Course overview

The Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) is a postgraduate professional psychology course for graduates who have completed an accredited four-year psychology sequence and are seeking advanced training in clinical psychology.

You will develop skills in psychological assessment, diagnosis, case formulation and therapeutic intervention across children, adolescents and adults. Your studies explore psychopathology, cognitive behaviour therapy, family counselling, health psychology and culturally responsive and ethical practice, alongside advanced research in clinical psychology.

Delivered at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus, the course combines eight coursework units, four research units and four clinical placement units. Students complete 1,000 hours of supervised placement experience, providing opportunities to apply clinical psychology knowledge and skills in professional settings.

The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Graduates are eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist and can undertake the registrar program required for clinical psychology area of practice endorsement, subject to the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
24 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $5,05
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is based on the indicative tuition fee per subject.

From $592 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for CSP where the government pays part of your fees. The estimated per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate. It is based on a full-time study load of 100 credit points (eight units) per year.
Campus
Hawthorn
Intake
1st March, 2027
Units
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You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
16
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans and HECS loans are available to assist domestic students.
FEE-HELP, HECS, CSP

What you will study

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.  

Core units

  • Counselling Theory and Skills
  • Advanced Psychological Assessment
  • Adult Psychopathology
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research
  • Systemic Family Counselling
  • Psychology Practice with Children and Adolescents
  • Clinical and Forensic Placement B1
  • Foundations of Health Psychology
  • Research Project (Clinical) A1
  • Research Project (Clinical) A2
  • Research Project (Clinical) B1
  • Research Project (Clinical) B2
  • Clinical Placement A1
  • Clinical Placement A2
  • Clinical Placement B1
  • Clinical Placement B2

Entry requirements

Applicants for the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) program should have:

  • A bachelor's 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
  • 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.

English language requirements

All Swinburne students must be able to meet the English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skills if you have one of the following:

  • Completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or another type of secondary qualification taught in English.
  • Completed some types of university or vocational education studies (tertiary studies).
  • Completed English language tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson or C1.
  • Completed an English language (ELICOS) course.
  • Lived and worked in an English-speaking country for at least four years (domestic applicants only).

These requirements vary for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, depending on your chosen course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  • Evaluate a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in the discipline and practice of clinical psychology, as well as knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to clinical psychology.
  • Demonstrate technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in clinical psychology practice and independent research and project work.
  • Use communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills, with creativity and initiative, to new situations in the practice of clinical psychology.
  • Apply a high level of personal autonomy and accountability in the practice of clinical psychology.

Career outcomes

Potential opportunities include:

  • Psychologist
  • Rehabilitation counselor
  • Forensic psychologist

Fees and CSP

Domestic full-fee paying prices

  • Indicative tuition fee per 12.5-credit-point unit in 2027: $5,051
  • Published yearly tuition fee in 2027: $40,410
  • Indicative total course fee in 2027: $80,820

Commonwealth supported prices

  • Indicative student contribution per 12.5-credit-point unit in 2027: $613
  • Published yearly student contribution in 2027: $4,908
  • Indicative total student contribution in 2027: $9,816

Eligible domestic students may access FEE-HELP to defer all or part of their tuition fees.

Eligible Commonwealth supported students may access HECS-HELP to defer their student contributions.

The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) may apply and is not included in the indicative tuition fees.

Tuition fees are subject to annual review and may change.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.