Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Entry is competitive for limited places. Final offers are based on interview performance, academic record and referee reports. Entry is based on completed fourth year Psychology qualifications which include an APAC accredited sequence of units or other criteria and eligibility for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. You must be eligible for registration as a provisional psychologist or be registered, unless you have a UNE Master of Professional Psychology.
View full entry requirements- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2027 | Trimester 2 – June 2027 | Trimester 3 – October 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Demand is growing for psychologists who can respond to complex mental health needs with evidence-based assessment and intervention across the lifespan. In this course, you develop advanced clinical psychology capabilities grounded in the scientist–practitioner approach and informed by ethical, culturally responsive practice. You build confidence in diagnostic interviewing, psychological assessment and test interpretation, and individual and group interventions, and complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical placement experience.
On completion, you are eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (via AHPRA). With further supervised practice, you can progress toward Area of Practice Endorsement in Clinical Psychology.
Applications for Trimester 1 2027 admission will close AEDT 11.59pm on 19 October 2026. Quotas apply.
Why study the Master of Psychology (Clinical) with UNE?
You need clinical training that is rigorous, accredited and strongly practice-based. UNE’s Master of Psychology (Clinical) gives you a structured, postgraduate pathway into clinical psychology, combining advanced coursework with extensive supervised placement experience. It’s designed for psychology graduates who are ready to move beyond theory and begin practising with real clients, in real services, under close professional supervision.
You also study in a way that supports working professionals and students outside metropolitan centres. The course is offered online, and your learning prepares you to collaborate effectively with other professionals, including in rural settings, where psychologists often need broad clinical confidence, strong referral networks and clear ethical boundaries.
Our highly qualified research and teaching staff are committed to providing you with the support you need to succeed in an inclusive and collaborative learning environment—in fact, our postgraduate psychology students consistently award UNE 5-star ratings for Learning Resources, Student Support, Teaching Quality, Graduate Salary and Overall Experience (Good Universities Guide, 2026).
What makes our course different?
With UNE, you are equipped to practice not only in urban and metropolitan areas, but also in the rural communities that we serve. In fact, more than 50% of our psychology graduates are employed in rural and regional communities. These areas have traditionally suffered from workforce shortages in health and psychosocial care. In this course you can:
- Graduate from an APAC-accredited clinical psychology course that supports your pathway to general registration as a psychologist and an Area of Practice Endorsement in Clinical Psychology.
- Complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical placement, the first being offered in an online format, followed by two external placements. Every stage of our program is set up to ensure that with the support of our helpful, experienced academic staff, you are building on your experience in providing high-quality clinical services.
- Receive detailed and formative feedback on your practice throughout your placement, supporting your development of the competencies required to practice as a psychologist.
- Access cutting-edge technology including audio-visual capture of treatment sessions, iPad-based administration of psychological assessments and telehealth service delivery to clients in remote locations.
- Study online with a university known for supporting diverse learners, while developing capability to work ethically and effectively across settings, including rural and community contexts.
This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.
Limited Places
Applications for Trimester 1 2027 admission will close AEDT 11.59pm on 19 October 2026. Quotas apply.
Places in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are limited, because of this, applications are ranked: first for an offer of interview, then again for a place in the program. Final offers are based on interview performance, academic record, referee reports and suitability to become a psychologist. Failure to receive an invitation to interview or offer of candidature in the program does not indicate a determination of lack of suitability for postgraduate professional psychology training but, instead, reflects the high standard of applications UNE receives each year.
Due to the high number of applications to our professional psychology programs, the University of New England is not able to provide individual feedback on applications or interview performance.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed ONE of the following qualification pathways:
- Within the past ten years* you have completed a four-year Bachelor Honours qualification in Psychology (AQF Level 8) which includes a full sequence of units in Psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
- AND you have achieved a minimum of second-class division one honours or equivalent.
- AND you are eligible for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- OR you have completed a three-year AQF Level 7 qualification (or equivalent, such as a Graduate Diploma in Psychology) which includes a full sequence of units in Psychology accredited by APAC.
- AND within the past ten years* you have completed an APAC-accredited fourth year in Psychology (AQF Level 8 Honours or Graduate Diploma) with a minimum of second-class division one honours or equivalent.
- AND you are eligible for registration as a provisional psychologist with AHPRA.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed the UNE Master of Professional Psychology (AQF Level 9), 2021 course rules onwards, in addition to meeting the entry requirements of Rule A.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Master of Psychology (Clinical) Quotas
Please note that meeting the minimum selection criteria does not guarantee a place in this course. A quota applies to Master of Psychology (Clinical) admissions and therefore, applications are ranked: first for an offer of interview, then again for a place in the program. Final selection is based on your written application, interview performance, academic record and referee reports and suitability to become a psychologist.
If you do not receive an invitation to interview or offer to study this course with us, this does not indicate that you are unsuitable for postgraduate professional psychology training. Instead, this reflects the high standard of applications UNE receives each year. Due to the high number of applications received, UNE is unable to provide individual feedback on applications or interview performance.
Selection Procedure
The selection procedure for this course includes consideration of the following:
- Your academic record
- Referee reports from two referees
- Multimodal applications (e.g., written, audio-visual presentation)
- Interviews for shortlisted candidates by a panel comprising at least two staff members of the School of Psychology, one of whom has qualifications equivalent to those required for Area of Practice Endorsement in Clinical Psychology
* Ten-Year Rule Waivers
You can apply for a waiver of the ten-year rule at application if you are a currently registered and practicing psychologist who can demonstrate compliance with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) continuing professional development requirements.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory online intensive schools are a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript/s of your completed qualification/s.
- A current CV.
- A completed Master of Psychology (Clinical) Additional Information form. This must be included in your online application.
- Two referee reports supplied via Heads of Departments and Schools of Psychology Australia (HODSPA). One referee must be an academic (preferably your Honours supervisor) and the second referee must be a professional. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that referee reports have been submitted by the closing date for applications, and that you have released your referee reports to UNE in HODSPA.
If you are admitted to this course you must supply the following documents by Trimester 1 Census Day:
- A Working with Children Check (WCC), carried out in accordance with the procedures of the state or territory in which you are planning to conduct your clinical placements.
- An Australian Federal Police Criminal Check.
- Documentation of provisional registration with AHPRA.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing. In this course, Advanced Standing can only be granted when there is strict equivalence and your previous studies were completed in an APAC-accredited 5th year Psychology course within the past ten years.
- If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 48 credit points of Advanced Standing for coursework units.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for research experience or work experience completed prior to entry into this course. Individual Unit Advanced Standing is not applicable for the clinical psychology placement units PSYC534 or PSYC535.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 96 credit points as prescribed in the course accreditation standards and approved by the course coordinator. These units shall cover coursework, research and practicum requirements.
96 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule A96 credit points
Complete the following units:- Adult Psychological Disorders (PSYC503) – 6 credit points
- Psychological Interventions with Adults (PSYC504) – 6 credit points
- Clinical Psychological Assessment (PSYC505) – 6 credit points
- Counselling Skills and Professional Practice (PSYC506) – 6 credit points
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (PSYC507) – 6 credit points
- Applied Clinical Research (PSYC516) – 6 credit points
- Health Psychology, Rehabilitation, Older Adults (PSYC525) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology (PSYC526) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Assessment and Intervention I (PSYC528) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Assessment and Intervention II (PSYC529) – 6 credit points
- Psychology Practice Placement (PSYC533) – 12 credit points
- Clinical Psychology Placement - External I (PSYC534) – 12 credit points
- Clinical Psychology Placement - External II (PSYC535) – 12 credit points
96 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule B48 credit points
48 credit points specified advanced standing granted for students who have completed the UNE Master of Professional Psychology, 2021 course rules onwards:- Adult Psychological Disorders (PSYC503) – 6 credit points
- Psychological Interventions with Adults (PSYC504) – 6 credit points
- Clinical Psychological Assessment (PSYC505) – 6 credit points
- Counselling Skills and Professional Practice (PSYC506) – 6 credit points
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (PSYC507) – 6 credit points
- Applied Clinical Research (PSYC516) – 6 credit points
- Psychology Practice Placement (PSYC533) – 12 credit points
48 credit points
Complete the following units:- Health Psychology, Rehabilitation, Older Adults (PSYC525) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology (PSYC526) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Assessment and Intervention I (PSYC528) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Assessment and Intervention II (PSYC529) – 6 credit points
- Clinical Psychology Placement - External I (PSYC534) – 12 credit points
- Clinical Psychology Placement - External II (PSYC535) – 12 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee (no government subsidy) | $37,728* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $4,896* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $384 |
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
Your career
As a graduate of UNE’s Master of Psychology (Clinical), your high-level knowledge and abilities, extensive clinical practice experience and adaptability open up a wide range of opportunities across the private, public and non-government sectors.
With a career as a registered psychologist, you could consider roles in a range of settings, including:
- hospitals and community health services
- academic and applied research
- law courts and prisons
- private practice
- market research
- schools and other education providers.
UNE’s Master of Psychology (Clinical) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council as a higher degree pathway towards General Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
On completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for General Registration as a psychologist. Subsequent supervised practice will lead to endorsement as a clinical psychologist.
As a graduate of the course, you will be eligible for Area of Practice Endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist after completing a further two years of supervised full-time equivalent practice.
Course outcomes
- effect an advanced body of knowledge of the theories, principles and practice of applied clinical psychology and an understanding of the management of psychological disorders;
- apply diagnostic interviewing, counselling skills and assessment and management of risk;
- apply the principles and practice of clinical assessment, diagnosis and case formulation, taking account of wider contextual and cultural factors;
- execute psychological testing and test data interpretation using a culturally responsive approach;
- execute high level skills in individual and group clinical interventions across the lifespan, using an evidence-based and culturally responsive approach;
- monitor treatment progress, modify approach based on evolving formulation and evaluate treatment outcomes;
- apply advanced skills in research and evaluation within a scientist-practitioner framework;
- consult and collaborate appropriately and ethically with other professionals in the management of complex case presentations, including in rural settings;
- effect knowledge of the legal and professional frameworks for practice and engage in supervision, self-reflection and self-care;
- apply cultural responsiveness when working with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and
- apply knowledge and skills with proficiency in the workplace.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates have an extensive knowledge of clinical psychology practice, including an understanding of assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology across the lifespan. Graduates site their clinical practice within international perspectives on theory, diagnostic systems and evidence-based treatments. Graduates respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and understand the impact of culture on therapy.
- Communication Skills
Graduates have high level verbal and written communication skills, as well as effective interpersonal skills for psychology practice. Graduates communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse range of clients, colleagues and stakeholders through a variety of means including case reports, research reports and verbal and/or video presentations.
- Problem Solving
Graduates are logical and critical thinkers, able to select and use evidence-based procedures and techniques and critically evaluate and apply reflection and reflexivity to their practice as well as evidence based research.
- Information Literacy
Graduates have advanced information literacy skills gained through literature searching, objective scientific writing, and exposure to resources for professional practice.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates practice within the legal and ethical frameworks of the profession. Graduates also have a sense of social responsibility for knowledge and decision-making and its application in professional practice. Through the application of the scientist-practitioner model, graduates contribute to the development of the profession.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates engage in continuing professional development accessing research and skills training to inform clinical practice. Development of deliberate practice and the application of reflection and reflexivity add to graduates development. Graduates are also adaptable and flexible, open to new ideas and able to manage change.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates practice across a variety of settings, working independently and/or collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Graduates respect multiple points of view and interact in accordance with professional ethics.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
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Why study with us?
Getting to personally know the clinicians in town who are eager to be involved in your learning make the experience here very enriching.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Please note this course has an early closing date - 19 October
