University of the Sunshine Coast
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Build advanced knowledge in clinical psychology through professional coursework, supervised practicum placements and a research project and thesis.
Course overview
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is designed for psychology graduates seeking advanced training in clinical psychology. The program combines professional and clinical psychology coursework with supervised practicum placements and a research project and thesis.
Coursework covers psychological assessment and reporting, clinical psychological practice, counselling, ethics and professional practice, clinical health psychology and psychopharmacology. Students also develop research skills through a sequence covering research design, project development, data analysis and the completion of a research thesis.
Supervised practicum placements form 25 per cent of the program, with students completing four placement courses and a minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum placement. The program also includes 50 per cent coursework and 25 per cent research project and thesis work. Placements begin in the UniSC Psychology Clinic at the Thompson Institute, with further placements undertaken in suitable psychological work settings.
The program takes two years full-time or equivalent part-time and is delivered at the Sunshine Coast, with some courses for Thompson Institute students taught at the Sunshine Coast campus. The program is accredited by APAC, and graduates are eligible to apply for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia through AHPRA, subject to meeting the applicable requirements.
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
What you will study
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) comprises 16 courses (192 units). Each course is valued at 12 units.
Required courses
- Advanced and Transcultural Counselling
- Advanced Psychological Assessment and Reporting
- Clinical Psychological Practice 1
- Practicum Placement 1
- Advanced Research Design and Methods
- Clinical Psychological Practice 2
- Practicum Placement 2
- Research Project 1
- Ethics and Professional Practice of Psychology
- Clinical Psychological Practice 3
- Practicum Placement 3
- Research Project 2
- Clinical Health Psychology and Psychopharmacology
- Research Project 3
- Research Project 4
- Practicum Placement 4
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for admission to the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are:
- Successful completion of an APAC-accredited four-year degree or fourth year in Psychology.
- Master of Psychology (Clinical) offers a limited number of places.
Special selection criteria
- An upper second class Honours (2A) or a psychologist with demonstrated equivalent experience and compliance with PsyBA CPD requirements.
- Applicants must have provisional or general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
English language requirements
Anyone intending to study at UniSC needs to meet the minimum English language requirements for their chosen program. Contact the university for more details.
Recognition of Prior Learning
UniSC offers credit for prior learning consistent with the Australian Qualifications Framework and general practice in the Australian Higher Education sector. If you've completed prior study or have relevant work experience, you may under specified conditions, be eligible for credit towards your UniSC degree. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates may be eligible to become members of the Associate Membership of the Australian Psychological Society’s College of Clinical Psychologists.
Career opportunities:
- Non-government organisations
- Private health sector
- Psychologist
- Public health sector
Accreditation
Accredited by The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Graduates of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are eligible to apply to the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) for general registration via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Fees and CSP
Indicative fee in 2026: $4,736 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study. Actual fees will change based on selected courses and are subject to yearly increases.
Student fees may vary per:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per course you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.