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Clinical psychology

Discipline

Turn your degree into your specialisation with clinical psychology at Deakin and learn how to diagnose and treat psychology and mental health conditions.

Get work-ready

With courses built in consultation with industry partners, rest assured we'll help prepare you for work in the field as a clinical psychologist. Achieve your full potential by studying a combination of theory, research and practice to shape your learning ready for practical application in the workplace, while accessing placements through our public health, private organisations and not-for-profit industry partners to gain well-rounded experiences that translate into industry knowledge.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate (further study)

A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.

Research

Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)

Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.

Career opportunities

As well as professional practice, clinical psychologists may be involved in:

  • other activities that promote psychological health in individuals, families and groups
  • private practice
  • program development and evaluation
  • public policy
  • research
  • teaching and supervision.

The material I teach is simulation based and directly applicable to real-life clinical practice, making it engaging for myself as a clinical academic and for students.

Dr Jade Sheen

Senior Lecturer, Clinical Psychology

Choosing the right course

If you're interested in a career in this discipline, Deakin can help you get there.

Are you new to this area of study?

If you haven't previously worked or studied in this area, you'll need to complete an undergraduate course before moving on to our specialised postgraduate program.

Browse the undergraduate offerings in some of our other psychology disciplines.

Are you working or studying in this area?

If you've completed an undergraduate course or have professional experience in this field, Deakin's postgraduate offering will help you reach your career goals.

Alternatively, if you're a registered psychologist wishing to seek or retain supervisor endorsement, we offer courses and masterclasses approved by the Psychology Board of Australia.

Learn more about supervisor training for psychologists at Deakin

Skill-up with our practical placement

Skill-up with our practical placement

During placements you'll develop the knowledge, skills and experience to practise confidently, and an awareness of the professional issues that can arise. The skills you'll gain will make you highly employable in Australia and internationally.

Psychology careers

A psychology qualification can prepare you for many diverse, exciting career paths. While some psychology graduates go on to become registered psychologists, many others will pursue roles in complementary professions or entirely different fields.

Careers in psychology-related fields are always evolving; there are plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies aimed towards specific areas you're interested in – including some you may not have considered.

Learn more about career opportunities for psychology graduates

Who we work with

Studying psychology at Deakin gives you access to our wide range of industry connections and partnerships, including:

  • Barwon Health 
  • Eastern Health 
  • FBG Group 
  • National Australia Bank
  • People Measures 
  • People Scape
  • Richmond Football Club.

Accreditation

All of our psychology courses meet the requirements for graduates to register as generalist psychologists with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

After completing the one or two year registrar program, graduates will also be eligible to be endorsed as clinical psychologists with the PsyBA.

Research with us

With our partnerships, from hospitals and business, through to support centres, you'll have opportunities to work in research programs that make an impact, both locally and globally. Fields of research include autism, child development, body image and obesity, addiction, cognitive neuroscience and relationship studies.

Learn more about researching with us

Research with the best

Professor Nicole Rinehart has published over 70 Journal articles and book chapters on autism, Asperger's disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. She has been involved in research grants for neurodevelopmental disorders totalling over 4 million dollars of funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, ARC, Neurosciences Victoria and other international funding bodies.

Careers in psychology – clinical psychologist

Hear from Dave about his journey to becoming a clinical psychologist, and how Deakin helped to prepare him for his work and research in men's mental health.

Deakin's Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)

Associate Professor David Austin discusses the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) at Deakin.