The Master of Psychology (Clinical) prepares students for professional practice as a registered psychologist. They can make a profound impact on patients’ lives by diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, and set themselves up for further training in a specialized area, which can lead to area of practice endorsement.
For those seeking general registration as a psychologist, the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is where they might finish their study journey. Upon graduation, students will have the skills, experience and qualifications needed to apply to the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) for general registration. With this in mind, the course is designed to prepare them for the transition from student to professional psychologist. It’s also accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), making it a degree that’s sought-after by employers across the industry.
The course also provides a pathway to further training in order to gain area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA. An endorsement demonstrates a registered psychologist’s high-level knowledge and qualifications in a specialized area, such as clinical psychology or neuropsychology, and can open the door to more advanced roles.
Deakin University's clinical psychology teaching team was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence award, and the university's award-winning teaching strategies and learning resources include simulation and competency-based assessment approaches.
Students can draw on everything they have learned in their studies, and add layers of new knowledge to become an expert in their field. Some of the key areas they will study include:
- advanced clinical assessment
- psychological intervention
- the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions
- advanced clinical research methods
- biological and neuropsychological perspectives on disorder
- issues in professional psychology
The course exposes students to the many different aspects of clinical psychology, beyond just professional practice. They will graduate as a confident, well-rounded psychology professional with training in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy, and mental health promotion. Tying all of these study areas together is a common thread of evidence-based practice. To create a degree that’s truly evidence-led, Deakin University has designed the course in consultation with industry partners, ensuring the latest theoretical principles, established knowledge and industry research is embedded within the curriculum.
The extensive practical experience students will gain throughout the course will make their transition into life as a professional psychologist even smoother. Practical learning opportunities allow them to apply their knowledge and skills with real patients in real clinics – invaluable preparation for the challenges of their future career.
