The Master of Clinical Psychology degree is a two year program of clinical coursework, clinical field placements (1000 hours) and a research project (12 000 words). The program provides postgraduate clinical training that prepares clinical psychologists to practise in a range of clinical settings such as hospitals, community health centres and private practice. The program aims to develop effective clinical competencies and to encourage a critical approach to the application of these competencies to practice. The emphasis is on a science-based approach to clinical psychology and the development of clinical problem solving skills, with a focus on scientific evidence combined with practical experience based on the theory of clinical psychology.

The clinical coursework and clinical field placement components of the Master of Clinical Psychology can be undertaken by Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students, with the resultant award being the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology).  PhD students complete a full length PhD thesis in place of the 12000 word research project,

The Master of Clinical Psychology is accredited for full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). The program is also accredited for membership of the Clinical College of the Australian Psychological Society though, as with all accredited postgraduate clinical programs, a further two year's supervised clinical practice may be necessary before full membership is given, depending on past clinical experience. In addition, the program fulfils the requirements of the Psychology Registration Boards in all Australian States and Territories.

Student Income Support:

Eligible students undertaking the Master of Clinical Psychology at ANU are able to access Youth Allowance, Austudy and/or the Pensioner Education Supplement from 1 January 2008. For full details, please visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website.

Entry to this program is highly competitive. 

The minimum academic requirement for entry is an honours degree in psychology at the IIA level or better.  Entry by a fourth year postgraduate diploma in psychology will also be considered.  However, diplomas must (a) be of honours standard, (b) contain a substantial research methodology component, and (c) be accredited for Associate Membership of the Australian Psychological Society.  Applicants can check the acceptability of their degree by contacting the Australian Psychological Society. (www.psychology.org.au/).  Applicants with qualifications obtained outside Australia must have a formal assessment completed by the Australian Psychological Society before submitting an application for study.

Additional factors considered in assessing applications are previous relevant experience, availability of supervision for research component and written application. The Clinical Committee will invite prospective students to a personal interview prior to making a final decision on admission. 

Completion of undergraduate courses in abnormal psychology is a prerequisite and completion of undergraduate courses in the areas of psychometrics, personality and health psychology is highly recommended.  As the Clinical Program focuses on a science-based approach to clinical practice, prior acquisition of competence in statistics and research methodology is an important criterion, usually demonstrated by the successful completion of a fourth year thesis.

Eligibility for conditional registration as an intern psychologist with the Psychologist's Registration Board of the Australian Capital Territory is a condition of entry into the School of Psychology's Clinical Program. Other entry qualifications need to be assessed for their compliance with the above-mentioned standards.