Clinical (Advanced Entry) Frequently Asked Questions

 How long does it take to complete this course?

The course takes one year full-time, or up to four years part-time.

Do I have to attend anything in person?

All coursework is delivered fully online. Lectures can be attended live or watched later via recordings, offering flexibility to fit study around your schedule.

Each unit typically includes 3 live, online intensive days per trimester, which require mandatory live attendance and cannot be completed via recordings. If you’re unable to attend, you will need to withdraw from the unit. Click here to find exact dates.

Placements must be completed in person. Students are required to undertake 750 hours of supervised clinical practice across two practica.

You may undertake placement at a site of your choosing — such as a location near your home or workplace — provided it meets program and registration requirements and is approved by UNE. Alternatively, you may apply to complete placement at the UNE Life Psychology Clinic on campus in Armidale.

Will I graduate with a Clinical Endorsement?

This course forms part of the pathway to Clinical Endorsement. After graduation, you must complete a further 2 years of supervised practice in the clinical area and meet the PsyBA’s requirements for endorsement.

For detailed information, refer to the Guidelines on area of practice endorsements.

Why study Clinical Psychology — and why now?

There is a significant shortage of clinical psychologists in Australia, with the gap most pronounced in regional, rural, and remote communities.

At the same time, the demand for mental health support is rising:

  • Nearly 1 in 2 Australians will experience mental ill-health in their lifetime
  • The complexity and severity of presenting issues continues to increase across the lifespan
  • Access to qualified clinical psychologists is limited in many areas

Graduates of this program are trained to provide evidence-based assessment and intervention for complex psychological conditions and are eligible to pursue Clinical Endorsement, opening doors to:

  • roles in hospitals, private practice, and community mental health, where you can work with complex client presentations and access higher Medicare rebates.
  • Higher earning potential — Clinical Psychologists typically earn 10% to 25% more than General Psychologists
  • Leadership and supervision roles in the mental health sector

This program is designed to prepare you for clinical roles where your skills are most needed — especially in underserved communities.

What are the admission requirements?

To be eligible for Advanced Entry you must have completed an APAC-accredited Master of Professional Psychology (or equivalent fifth-year program) and hold general registration as a psychologist with AHPRA.

Applications are assessed on:

  • Academic performance
  • Emotional and social intelligence
  • Maturity, empathy, and open-mindedness
  • Relevant work, service, or clinical experience

Learn more about admissions

Can I receive credit for previous study or work experience?

Students may be eligible for advanced standing for coursework only.

Credit may be granted for coursework that:

  • Is directly equivalent in level and content to a unit in the current program
  • Was completed in an APAC-accredited program
  • Was passed within the preceding five years

No credit is available for:

  • Previous clinical placement, practicum, or work experience
  • Research experience

More information on Advanced Standing.

What do I need to know about placements?

This course includes two clinical placement units (PSYC534 and PSYC535), totaling a minimum of 750 hours of in-person supervised psychological practice.

Placement proposals are reviewed and approved by UNE’s Placement Coordination Team after you have been accepted into the course. Placements must be approved before you begin for any hours to count towards your placement requirements.

Want to complete a placement at your current workplace? This must be approved by UNE’s Placement Coordination Team. Hours completed before approval cannot be counted towards your placement unit.

To be approved, placements must:

  • Be supervised by someone who holds: General Registration; Area of Practice Endorsement in Clinical Psychology; and Board-Approved Supervisor status with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA)
  • Provide new learning opportunities that support the development of required clinical competencies (this is especially important if applying to complete placement in your current workplace)

Placements are usually completed over 2–4 days per week to ensure consistent skill development. You cannot compress your placement into a few intensive weeks.

Students are responsible for any placement-related costs, including supervision, travel, or accommodation. In some cases, if suitable supervision cannot be provided by your chosen site, you may need to pay for a Board-approved Clinical Supervisor.

Full-time students

Placement 1: Trimester 1, 2026 (from February)
Placement 2: Trimester 2, 2026 (from July, after Placement 1)

Part-time students

Placement 1: Trimester 1 of your second year
Placement 2: Trimester 2 of your second year (although commencement may vary depending on your study load)

To learn more or confirm suitability of a placement site, submit your question via AskUNE, and include “Postgrad Psychology Placements Team” in the subject line.

Can I undertake paid employment while studying this course?

A full-time study load equates to around 37 hours per week, including coursework, placement, and supervision.

  • Students are advised to limit paid work to no more than 10 hours per week
  • If you plan to work more than 10 hours per week, you will need to request written approval from the Director of the Clinical Psychology Program after enrolment
Where can I learn more about registration and endorsement in Australia?

For full details on pathways to General Registration and Clinical Endorsement, visit the:

What other qualifications can help expand my career options?

You can add the Graduate Certificate in School Psychology alongside your Clinical studies to enhance your skills for school-based settings.

Graduates may also progress to the PhD (Clinical Psychology) to become a Doctor, combining advanced clinical training with original research — and positioning themselves as leaders in the profession.Shape

What financial support or scholarships are available?

All students

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Students from rural, regional or remote areas

 Are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available?

CSP places are limited and offered via a competitive quota.

  • Option 1: If you only want a CSP place, list CSP as your preference.
  • Option 2: If you would prefer a CSP place but are also willing to accept a full-fee place if CSPs run out, list CSP as your first preference and full-fee as your second.
 Which units do I need to complete, and in what order?

You can view the full list of units, their recommended order, and any prerequisites in the UNE Course Handbook under the Course Plans tab.

This section outlines:

  • The structure of the course
  • The recommended sequence
  • Any prerequisites or co-requisites you should be aware of
Can I defer my offer?

No — deferment is not available for postgraduate psychology courses, including the Clinical Advanced Entry program.

Can I take a break from the course once I’ve started?

Yes. After you complete at least one unit, you can apply for intermission for up to two years.

You need to apply and be approved before you take a break from study.

If you do not apply, your enrolment may be considered withdrawn.

Intermission does not extend the maximum time you have to finish your course. You still need to complete the course within 1 year full-time or 4 years part-time.

Ready to apply?

Applications for admission open 4 August for study in the following year.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNE is committed to supporting Indigenous students to succeed in psychology and contribute to mental health and wellbeing in their communities. Learn more about support for Indigenous students at UNE.