Psychology Postgraduate Courses

Psychology at UNE offers three professional courses that prepare students for careers working as Psychologists. Students completing each of these courses will develop a variety of skills in the use of evidence-based approaches to assessment and intervention in areas such as mental health, wellbeing, and physical and cognitive functioning across the life-span.

All of our professional psychology postgraduate courses have been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and successful completion of each course can provide a pathway to registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Registered psychologists have a unique skill set that is valued in a wide range of workplaces across the private, public and non-government sectors. These include: schools, hospitals, community health services, academic and applied research settings, law courts, prisons, defence forces, private practices, consulting firms, market research companies, and many more.

  1. Master of Professional Psychology (MProfPsych) provides a one-year (or part-time equivalent) professional training in the skills necessary to become a registered psychologist, including evidence-based approaches to psychological assessment and intervention.  This course is part of the 5+1 pathway towards applying for General Registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
  2. Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a two-year professional Masters which provides professional training in clinical psychology. This course provides a pathway towards becoming a Registered Psychologist with endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
  3. Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) combines professional training with the research training of a full Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Students initially apply to the Master of Psychology (Clinical). On completion of the coursework of the first year of the program, application may be made to transfer to the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology).

Clinical Psychology Courses

The information below has been compiled to provide helpful information about course requirements, and studying either of the Clinical Psychology courses: MPsych(Clin) and  PhD(ClinPsych).

Why obtain clinical training at UNE?

The UNE clinical programs – MPsych(Clin) and PhD(ClinPsych) – prepare students to help fill the need for clinical psychologists in Australia. Rural areas in particular suffer from workforce shortages, and our programs equip students for practice in rural as well as urban areas. At the completion of the MPsych(Clin) and PhD(ClinPsych), students are eligible for general registration as a psychologist, and may then pursue endorsement through subsequent supervised practice.

Our programs include practical training in assessment and evidence-based treatments

The UNE clinical programs offer students stimulating, practically-oriented training. In the first year, students receive extensive training in assessment and evidence-based treatments; then, under close supervision provide assessment and intervention to clients with psychological disorders. Every unit and training experience is set up to help ensure that students are able to provide a wide range of high-quality clinical services by the time they graduate.

Students completing the MPsych(Clin) on-campus undertake a placement at the UNE Psychology Clinic, where they provide assessment and intervention to clients with psychological disorders, under close supervision from a dedicated clinical supervision team. The UNE Psychological Clinic is a state-of-the-art purpose-built facility, co-located with the UNE Medical Clinic, which utilizes technology to support clinical practice. This includes audio-visual capture of treatment sessions and iPad-based administration of psychological assessments. Students have the opportunity to receive detailed and formative feedback on their practice within clinical supervision, to support the development of clinical competencies. Every unit and training experience is set up to help ensure that students have knowledge of, and are able to utilise, a wide range of clinical skills by the time they graduate.

Our instructors in the program are friendly, helpful and determined to help students succeed.

Graduates of the clinical programs have diverse career options, across a range of practice areas and settings.

Entry requirements for the Master of Psychology (Clinical)

There are three entry pathways to the Master of Psychology (Clinical):

  • Rule (a) entry for applicants who have completed a four-year AQF Level 8 APAC accredited sequence in psychology within the last 10 years, with an upper second class Honours (2A) or equivalent overall mark; OR three-year plus a fourth year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology within the last 10 years, with an upper second class Honours (2A) or equivalent overall mark.
  • Rule (b) entry for applicants hold an AQF Level 9 Master of Professional Psychology from the University of New England (or have completed all the units in that course except PSYC531); in addition to satisfying the requirements of Rule (a);
  • Rule (c) entry for applicants who hold General Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia without conditions; and who have completed a minimum of 12 months practice as a Psychologist with General Registration; in addition to satisfying the requirements of Rule (a)

Applicants must be eligible for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as a Provisional Psychologist. An exception to this standard may be made for currently registered psychologists who can demonstrate current compliance with Registration Board CPD requirements seeking to gain a professional postgraduate qualification.  Those applying to enter via the Rule (c) pathway must hold General Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia without conditions.

In ranking eligible applications the selection committee will take account the whole of an applicant's undergraduate record.

Attendance for interview by the selection committee is required of all short-listed applicants. Rule A Interviews will be held on campus in Armidale with zoom available for applicants unable to attend in person, Rule B and Rule C interviews will be held via zoom.

In determining admission to candidature, attention will be given to each applicant's suitability for the roles and tasks required of a clinical psychologist. This will take account of such personal qualities as emotional and social intellect, empathetic outlook, maturity and open-mindedness. Relevant occupational and/or service experience will also be considered.

Entry in the PhD(ClinPsych)

Entry to the PhD(ClinPsych) program is by way of transfer after the first year of study in the MPsych(Clin) if grades are at a satisfactory level of Distinction or higher.

Applicants for the programs who have completed their degrees at universities other than UNE should submit full documentation related to their qualifications in Psychology so that equivalence can be established. Qualifications completed outside Australia must be assessed for equivalence by the Psychology Board of Australia.

Advanced standing and credit for previous experience

Advanced standing for the first year of the PhD(ClinPsych) may be granted to applicants who have completed the first year of the MPsych(Clin) or equivalent. Advanced standing will only be considered for first year work.

Coursework

Students may be given credit for coursework that is directly equivalent to coursework in the current program and has been completed in an APAC accredited program at pass level or above within the preceding five years. Students who wish to apply for advanced standing should do so through AskUNE.

Practicum

No credit will be given for any previous placement or clinical experience.

Research

No credit will be given for any previous research experience, including research higher degrees, as the research component is integrated into the total program and has a specific focus on research in the area of clinical psychology.

Master of Professional Psychology

The information below has been compiled to provide helpful information about course requirements, and studying the Master of Professional Psychology MProfPsych.

Why undertake professional psychology training at UNE?

The Master of Professional Psychology provides an excellent opportunity for students to undertake training in professional psychology skills. The Master of Professional Psychology allows students to undertake this training by distance and can be completed part time (up to four years) allowing for flexible study in this training.

We prepare students to help fill the need for psychologists in Australia

The Master of Professional Psychology prepares students to help fill the need for psychologists in Australia. Rural areas in particular suffer from workforce shortages, and our programs equip students for practice in rural as well as urban areas. The Master of Professional Psychology allows students to undertake a one-year internship following the Masters which will allow them to apply for General Registrations as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

The Master of Professional Psychology includes practical training in assessment and evidence-based treatments

The UNE clinical programs offer students stimulating, practically-oriented training. In the first year, students receive extensive training in assessment and evidence-based treatments.

Graduates of the Master of Professional Psychology may undertake internships in a wide variety of settings and, once registered as Psychologists, a range of diverse career opportunities is available (including work in private practice or within agencies where their skills are in high demand).

Entry requirements into the Master of Professional Psychology

Applicants must have successfully completed a:

  • four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology within the last 10 years; OR
  • three-year plus a fourth year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology within the last 10 years.

Applicants must be eligible for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as a provisional psychologist. An exception to this Standard may be made for currently registered psychologists who can demonstrate current compliance with Registration Board CPD requirements seeking to gain a professional postgraduate qualification.
In ranking eligible applications the selection committee will take account of the whole of an applicant's undergraduate record.

All short-listed applicants will be required to take-part in an interview by the selection committee which will be undertaken via Zoom/Video-conferencing.

In determining admission to candidature, attention will be given to each applicant's suitability for the roles and tasks required of a registered Psychologist. This will take account of such personal qualities as emotional and social intellect, empathetic outlook, maturity and open-mindedness. Relevant occupational and/or service experience will also be considered.

Advanced Standing and credit for previous experience

Advanced standing may be granted for a maximum of 24 credit points of coursework units. In accordance with the course accreditation standards, students may only be given credit for coursework that is strictly equivalent to coursework in the current course and must have been successfully completed in
an APAC accredited course within the previous ten year period (APAC Accreditation Standard 5.1.9).

Advanced standing will not be granted for research experience or employment experience prior to entry into the course. Placement experience completed as part of current employment should not normally be credited in a fifth year Master of Professional Psychology course (APAC Accreditation Standard 5.1.10).

Applications for admission to commence study open 1st August of the preceding year.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are encouraged to apply.

If you would like to learn more about the process of becoming registered as a psychologist and the different pathways available visit the Psychology Board of Australia website.


Scholarships and Prizes

Students who continue on for a PhD may be able to obtain a UNE Scholarship or an Australian Postgraduate Award.

Scholarships for applicants from rural, regional or remote areas

Applicants from rural, regional or remote locations who meet eligibility requirements may be able to obtain scholarships funded from either of two sources:

  1. The Australian Government Department of Health provides a Health Workforce Scholarship Program administered through the NSW Rural Doctor’s Network.
  2. A range of scholarships and grants are advertised through Health Education and Training including NSW Rural Allied Health Postgraduate Scholarships.
Australian Psychological Society (APS) Prizes
Award for Excellence in PhD Thesis

The Award for Excellence in PhD Thesis is an $1000 award by the APS is to encourage and reward outstanding research in psychology.

APS College of Clinical Psychologists Students Prize

The College of Clinical Psychologists Students Prize is awarded to a final-­year postgraduate clinical psychology student who demonstrates high levels of clinical skill and the ability to design and conduct clinically relevant research. Self-nominations for the UNE recipient are called for in December. The name of the successful nominee is placed on the Honour Board outside of the Paul Barratt Lecture Theatre.

Indigenous students - scholarships and award

In addition to the scholarships outlined above under 'Fees and Financial Assistance', Indigenous students may also apply for the following scholarships that provide funding up to $15,000 per year:

ATSIPP Indigenous Student Conference Attendance Award

The purpose of the ATSIPP Indigenous Student Conference Attendance Award is to provide Indigenous students with a positive experience of the psychology profession through a conference format. The award provides up to $1200 to attend the Annual APS Conference.

Australian Psychological Society (APS) Prizes
Award for Excellence in PhD Thesis

The Award for Excellence in PhD Thesis is an $1000 award by the APS is to encourage and reward outstanding research in psychology.

APS College of Clinical Psychologists Students Prize

The College of Clinical Psychologists Students Prize is awarded to a final-­year postgraduate clinical psychology student who demonstrates high levels of clinical skill and the ability to design and conduct clinically relevant research. Self-nominations for the UNE recipient are called for in December. The name of the successful nominee is placed on the Honour Board outside of the Paul Barratt Lecture Theatre.