Key facts
Duration
2 years part-time
Note this course is only available part-time
Locations
This course is only offered Online with on campus intensives.
Course overview
Advance your clinical psychology practice capabilities with the Master of Clinical Psychology (Post Registration), designed for registered psychologists seeking a pathway towards an area of practice endorsement (AoPE) in clinical psychology. Through advanced coursework, practical learning and supervised placement experience, you will strengthen your skills in assessment, diagnosis and intervention across complex mental health presentations.
The course includes 750 hours of clinical placement experience across diverse settings including youth, adult, aged, community, forensic and rehabilitation services. Practical learning experiences, simulations and supervision support the development of advanced clinical assessment, interviewing and therapeutic skills across the lifespan.
Delivered part-time with flexible online learning, the program allows you to balance study with professional commitments while deepening your understanding of evidence-based clinical practice. Elective study options provide opportunities to explore areas including occupational wellbeing, clinical governance and scientist-practitioner approaches to psychology.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 11 October 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Clinical Psychology (Post Registration)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H745
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Clinical Psychology (Post Registration) you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
An 8-credit point Master of Clinical Psychology (Post Registration) includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 7 core units
- 1 electives (you can choose which ones to study).
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
All students must complete the following core units, ^practicum units and one zero credit point unit
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Mandatory student checks
Under the regulations of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009, Master of Clinical Psychology (Post Registration) students are required to be generally registered from the commencement of enrolment and for the duration of enrolment in their degree. This is a mandatory requirement.
In accordance with the Department of Justice 2007, Working with Children Act 2005, amended 2017, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical placement and this will impede progress in the course.
In accordance with Department of Human Services policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course.
Students may also be required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals, placements and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
The course involves two compulsory clinical placement units HPS712 and HPS709 with 750 clinical hours or approximately 100 days required for course completion.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Intensive workshops are held on-campus for units:
HPS711, (Burwood, 5 days) and
HPY716 (Burwood campus 4 days)
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
Work experience
Placement program
The clinical placements are designed to equip students with a range of professional skills and an awareness of professional issues. Students will benefit from Deakin’s key placement partnerships including Barwon Health and other organisations to ensure they gain experience of across child, adolescent and adult populations. The placement program will be determined jointly by the student, the placement coordinators, and the course leadership team. Each placement requires the full complement of days to be completed. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
For entry to the Master of Clinical Psychology (Post-Registration) students must currently hold general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and have practiced for a minimum of 12 months full-time equivalent, without any current conditions upon this registration.
Indigenous Entry Stream (recognised as an Indigenous Australian)
• Eligibility for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
For more information on the Indigenous Entry Stream including eligibility and how to apply, visit the Indigenous Entry Stream page.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
You will also need to provide all of the following documents:
- a CV with evidence of the previous 12 months Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- a personal statement
- TWO references. Applicants are encouraged to include one professional and one academic reference. References to be submitted through Psychology Reference Portal
Please note: there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive, you may be asked to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$34,800 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Deakin alumni discount
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Additional applicant instructions
Please refer to the additional applicant checklist PDF for information before applying.
Career outcomes
Expand your employment options by gaining the qualifications and skills to practice as a clinical psychologist. The Master of Clinical Psychology (Post Registration) allows you to pursue an area of practice endorsement and meets accreditation requirements of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). With 12,500 new jobs expected to be created for psychologists by May 2033*, your enhanced qualifications will ensure you can meet the high demand for clinical psychologists in the healthcare sector.
*Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections May 2023 – May 2033
Professional recognition
The Master of Clinical Psychology (Post Registration) is currently accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply advanced psychological knowledge of aetiology, progression and recovery from psychopathology, and relevant taxonomies, to culturally safe assessment and identification of psychological disorders, current functioning, and risk to self and others. Display advanced knowledge of psychological theories and scientific methods, including through appropriate application of culturally responsive and evidence-based clinical psychology assessment and treatment across the lifespan. |
| Communicate safely and effectively with clients, carers, and colleagues, including discussing risks and benefits of assessment and intervention, in a variety of settings in which clinical psychologists work, including health and medical settings. |
| Ethically use a range of digital technologies including research databases, eHealth, and artificial intelligence applications to support evidence-based clinical psychology practice, research, innovation and evaluation. |
| Critically evaluate, interpret and synthesise research findings with assessment data to inform formulation, diagnoses and treatment approaches for clients and apply these appropriately for the context. |
| Demonstrate and apply an understanding of outcome-based and evidence-based treatment and assessment approaches relevant to the practises of clinical psychology, including through collaborative goal setting and client feedback, and ongoing evaluation of symptom change and other therapeutic outcomes. |
| Proactively engage in reflection and supervision to identify strengths and areas for development, and the impact of culture, values, beliefs, biases and self-care practices on one’s own practice; develop and implement related goals to practice competently in line with clinical psychology practice standards, codes of ethical practice and relevant legal frameworks. |
| Operate effectively within intra- and inter-disciplinary teams, respecting diverse cultural perspectives, skills and contributions, and practicing within the boundaries of professional and cultural competence across a range of settings in which clinical psychologists operate. |
| Practise clinical psychology ethically and legally, in culturally informed, trauma-aware and neuro-affirming ways. Apply knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands peoples’ psychology frameworks and demonstrate a commitment to decolonising clinical psychology practice. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
