In life’s toughest moments, clinical psychologists offer hope and guidance. They support individuals through their darkest days – assessing them by listening and observing and assisting with strategies to give evidence-based care for better mental health.
The best clinical psychologists have exceptional interpersonal skills, a logical mind and genuine empathy. If this sounds like you, make clinical psychology your path to a rewarding career that improves lives. Blending scientific research with compassionate care, you’ll explore how to apply research to practice, across the lifespan and with people from diverse backgrounds. You’ll learn specialist skills in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of major mental illnesses and psychological problems.
Become a source of support and compassion during challenging times. Build strong, trusting connections and advocate for improved mental health care. Play your part in building a healthier, more supportive society.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is for those who wish to make a meaningful impact as a registered psychologist.
Developed with insights from practitioners, academics and students, this degree is current and highly relevant. You’ll gain a deep understanding of both established best practices and the latest advancements in the field. You’ll also engage with research, exploring how it shapes and enhances clinical practice.
Learn how to conduct comprehensive assessments to develop an understanding of the psychological, environmental, social and cultural factors contributing to how your client presents. Design and implement personalised treatment plans using evidence-based therapies tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Guided by experienced clinical psychologists, you’ll have the chance to apply your skills across clinical placements. Here, you’ll contribute to comprehensive assessment and therapeutic services to adults, children, and families across a range of contexts, while gaining the skills and confidence to excel in your future career.
Gain a qualification that enables you to be eligible for registration as a psychologist. Benefit from strong career opportunities and the opportunity to begin a registrar program and work towards endorsement in clinical psychology after you graduate. Study a degree created in collaboration with practitioners, academics and students. Learn from top researchers. Acquire hands-on experience in our affiliated psychology clinics, providing psychological services to real clients under supervision. Develop real-world insights and practical skills through supervised clinical placements. The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is an intensive, two-year full-time program designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of clinical psychology.
Gain essential clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis and intervention – preparing you to effectively and sensitively address diverse psychological needs. With an emphasis on critical reflection, you’ll continually improve and adapt your clinical approach while you study.
Communication and research skills are integral to your training. Learn to apply research principles and evidence-based methods to your clinical practice.
This degree takes a highly practical and hands-on approach to learning. You’ll learn from experienced psychologists with clinical expertise and practice skills under their guidance. You will gain experience in clinical psychology placements, where you’ll provide high-quality psychological services under the supervision of experienced clinical psychologists.
Graduate eligible to register as a psychologist, practise independently, and begin a registrar program leading to endorsement in clinical psychology.
Complete 96 units comprising:
Complete 72 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Evidence-based Practice
|
Course code
PSYC5021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Interviewing and Intervention
|
Course code
PSYC5043
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Psychological Assessment
|
Course code
PSYC5022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Psychopathology and Clinical Practice
|
Course code
PSYC5042
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Neuropsychology and Disability
|
Course code
PSYC5044
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Child and Adult Intervention
|
Course code
PSYC5045
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC5019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Research Project in Clinical Psychology 1
|
Course code
PSYC6033
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Research Project in Clinical Psychology 2
|
Course code
PSYC6034
|
Units
18
|
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Master of Psychology (Clinical) Placement I
|
Course code
PSYC5904
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Master of Psychology (Clinical) Placement II
|
Course code
PSYC6916
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Master of Psychology (Clinical) Placement III
|
Course code
PSYC6917
|
Units
12
|
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) prepares you to become a highly skilled and empathetic psychologist. You might support a client who has experienced trauma to help them process their experiences and rebuild their life. You could provide therapy to a family with a teenager facing mental health challenges, helping create a supportive family environment that encourages healing and resilience. Perhaps you’ll assist clients through major life transitions, providing a safe space for them to explore their emotions and move forward with acceptance and hope. Perhaps you will conduct psychoeducational and social-emotional assessments to support students to thrive in their academic development. You could also contribute to the field by researching new therapeutic approaches or underlying causes of mental health disorders.
With a degree in clinical psychology, you’ll be well prepared for various roles, including:
According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020–2022, two in five Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. It also highlighted that around 4.3 million Australians were affected by mental health issues in the 12 months leading up to the survey’s release in 2022. This underscores the urgent need for skilled clinical psychologists to address the growing demand for mental health support in Australia.
The Australian Government’s National Skills Commission has identified psychology as an area with significant shortfall of qualified professionals, and data from employment website SEEK predicts a 20% increase in job prospects for psychologists over the next five years. With your degree in clinical psychology from Adelaide University, you’ll play a crucial role in addressing our society’s escalating mental health challenges.
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
