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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
Make a difference in your community.
Our Master of Psychology (Clinical) prepares you for a career as a psychologist in Australia and for entry into the registrar program to become endorsed to practice in the area of Clinical Psychology.
Our vision is to educate, innovate and inspire the science and practice of clinical psychology in the Northern Territory.
We integrate our teaching, research, and clinical practice with the needs of our region, producing graduates who are engaged with their local communities.
Our Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree supports the science and practice of what helps individuals, families, communities and society to thrive. You will be exposed to contemporary modes of practice, including face-to-face interventions, telehealth, and the use of immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality.
You will embrace a busy mix of coursework, research and practical placements. Your clinical training will be demanding and challenging. However, you will find a friendly and enthusiastic group of academic staff and fellow students to support you on your journey.
Our location in the Northern Territory is also ideal to ensure that you take time out to relax and enjoy yourself.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study Psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study Psychology at CDU?
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
Our Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a two-year full-time course of 160 credit points (CPs) of which 70 CPs are coursework (7 units of 10 points each); 60 CPs are placement units (2 placements of 10 CPs and 2 placements of 20 CPs); and 30 CPs are the research component (3 units of 10 CPs each). The course is designed to be completed full-time As such you are required to be available for classes, research and placement activities five days every week (Monday-Friday).
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (11 units) | 130cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 130 credit points as per list of units detailed below: PSY520 Assessment and Diagnosis: Children and Adolescents |
| Research (3 units) | 30cp | Research Units totalling 30 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: PSY810 Thesis 1 PSY811 Thesis 2 PSY821 Thesis 3 |
| 160 | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | P = Placement | R = Research Core |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PSY520 Assessment and Diagnosis: Child and Adolescent | C | PSY524 Applied Methodology | C |
| PSY521 Professional Practice and Ethics | C | PSY525 Psychological Interventions | C |
| PSY522 Assessment and Diagnosis: Adult | C | PSY526 Clinical Placement 1B | C |
| PSY523 Clinical Placement 1A | C | PSY810 Thesis 1 | R |
| Year 2 | |||
| PSY527 Advanced Assessment and Therapies A | C | PSY529 Advanced Assessment and Therapies B | C |
| PSY528 Clinical Placement 2 (20cp) | C | PSY530 Clinical Placement 3 (20cp) | C |
| PSY811 Thesis 2 | R | PSY821 Thesis 3 | R |
Entry requirements
Quota
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a highly competitive course which has a quota of approximately 15 places each year meaning there are more applicants than places available.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of an APAC accredited four-year sequence in Psychology with either
- a minimum upper second class Honours (2A) or
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology with a minimum GPA of 6.00.
All applicants are required to provide:
- 2 referee reports submitted via www.psychologyreference.org and
- a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter addressing why you are interested in the CDU Course; to be uploaded to your application at the time of submission.
Invitations to attend an interview will be extended to applicants based on a combination of academic performance, CV and references.
Essential requirements
All students enrolled in the program are required to be provisionally registered as a psychologist on commencement of the course.
Prior to commencing clinical practice, all students are required to undergo a 'working with vulnerable people' check, and Australian Federal Police Record Check. Depending on requirement of health departments, some health facilities may request students to present a complete immunisation schedule, and First Aid certificates including CPR. A current Working with Children check may also be required.
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
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