Master of Psychology (Clinical)

The course prepares students to become skilled clinical psychologists through a combination of coursework, clinical practice and research, supporting their pathway towards registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Students develop advanced knowledge of clinical problems across childhood, adolescence and adulthood, as well as expertise in evidence-based psychological assessment and intervention and the ethical requirements of professional practice. Through strong industry partnerships, students complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised field experience during their studies, including placements in regional, rural or remote settings. They also gain practical experience through Federation University’s Community Psychology Services. The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Federation University is committed to increasing the number of psychologists working in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia, as well as increasing the representation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people within the profession. The application and selection process reflects these commitments. Initial shortlisting for interview is based on a holistic assessment of each application. This assessment may consider an applicant’s relevant work or volunteer experience in human services, welfare, mental health or closely related fields; referee assessments of their suitability for postgraduate psychology training; their potential to contribute to addressing identified workforce shortages in psychology, including through their areas of interest, previous experience or intended career pathway; and their connection to, or experience of, rural or regional communities. Consideration is also given to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants in recognition of the program’s commitment to participation, representation and equity. Applicants are not required to meet every criterion. Selection decisions are made holistically, taking into account academic background, relevant experience, referee reports, alignment with program values, equity priorities and workforce needs. The highest-ranked applicants are invited to interview, with offers made in descending order of merit. Applicants who have completed, or are currently completing, the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) (HY8) at Federation University are offered an interview the first time they apply for the program, provided they submit a complete application. If an applicant from this cohort is unsuccessful in receiving an offer following their initial application, any subsequent applications are considered competitively alongside the broader applicant pool and in accordance with the standard selection criteria. Final admission decisions are based on applicants’ assessed suitability for postgraduate training and the psychology profession, including their performance at interview and the broader assessment of their application. Applicants are ranked according to their overall suitability and consideration of the selection criteria. Offers are made in rank order until all available places are filled or the list of applicants deemed suitable is exhausted. Individual feedback on applications or interviews is not provided.