Clinical Psychology

The Master of Clinical Psychology at La Trobe University is a comprehensive and professionally focused program designed to prepare students for a successful career as a licensed clinical psychologist. This postgraduate qualification combines rigorous academic coursework with practical supervised training, ensuring graduates are equipped with the essential knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding required to deliver evidence-based psychological services across diverse populations and settings. Throughout the program, students engage in a variety of learning experiences, including interactive seminars, case studies, research projects, and clinical placements, which provide real-world exposure and reinforce theoretical concepts. The curriculum covers core areas such as psychological assessment, intervention strategies, mental health disorders, child and adolescent psychology, chronic disease management, and ethics in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on developing competence in culturally sensitive and client-centered approaches, fostering reflective practice, and adhering to professional standards established by accrediting bodies. The program features partnerships with healthcare clinics, community health organizations, and hospitals, offering students valuable opportunities to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced clinical psychologists. Graduates from this program are well-prepared to pursue registration as a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and to undertake the requirements for endorsement as a clinical psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. The Master of Clinical Psychology at La Trobe University stands out for its commitment to research-informed teaching and its focus on developing practitioners capable of addressing complex mental health issues with confidence and compassion. Upon completion, graduates can expect to work in diverse roles such as clinical psychologists in hospitals, community health services, private practice, and research institutions, contributing significantly to the mental well-being of individuals and communities. The program is designed for students with a strong interest in psychology, a background in health sciences or a related field, and a dedication to lifelong learning and professional development in the field of clinical psychology.

The Master of Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Graduates of the Master of Clinical Psychology might be eligible to apply for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) like a psychologist. Specialist endorsement as a clinical psychologist with the PsyBA is susceptible to additional registrar conditions beyond completion of the amount. Please contact the relevant body such as details. Graduates of the Master of Clinical Psychology may apply for membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS), the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, and also the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA). Membership might be susceptible to additional conditions beyond completion of the amount. Please get the relevant professional bodies for details.

• Please assess eligibility before filing an internet application: Postgraduate Psychology Program Self-assessment Checklist [PDF 278KB] Candidates should possess: a APAC-accredited Australian Bachelor's degree with a major in psychology and a minimum B grade average (70 per cent or above) or equivalent across all years
• An APAC-accredited fourth-year application in psychology involving a significant thesis component by having a upper H2A average (75 per cent or above)
• Two academic referee reports
• Two pro referee reports
• Experience in volunteer work or work associated with psychology. NB: Meeting minimum requirements will not guarantee an offer of a spot. Entry into most of of La Trobe classes relies on competitive selection and there can be limited places available.

The Master of Clinical Psychology at La Trobe University offers a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for professional practice in mental health services. Regarding financing studies, students can explore various options to support their educational expenses. La Trobe University provides a range of scholarships and financial aid programs to assist domestic and international students. These include merit-based scholarships, equity scholarships, and specific awards for students demonstrating financial need. Additionally, domestic students may be eligible for government loans such as HECS-HELP, which allows repayment of tuition fees through the taxation system once income reaches a certain threshold. International students are expected to pay tuition fees upfront or as per the payment plan options provided by the university.

Students are encouraged to consider personal savings, part-time employment, and family contributions as supplementary funding sources. La Trobe University also collaborates with external financial organizations and banks to offer student loan options and financial planning resources. International students should budget for tuition, accommodation, health insurance, textbooks, and living expenses, which can be managed through a combination of personal funds and financial aid. The university’s financial services department provides guidance on budgeting, scholarship applications, and financial planning to help students manage their studies effectively. It is recommended that prospective students consult the official La Trobe University website or contact the admissions office directly for detailed, up-to-date information on financing options, scholarship opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application procedures to ensure they can adequately plan and fund their Clinical Psychology studies.

The Master of Clinical Psychology at La Trobe University is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to prepare students for a professional career in clinical psychology. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, including the assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychological disorders across diverse populations. La Trobe’s curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical training through supervised placements, allowing students to develop essential clinical skills in real-world settings. Throughout the course, students gain expertise in psychological assessment, therapeutic interventions, diagnostic procedures, and ethical considerations related to the practice of clinical psychology. The program is structured to meet the accreditation standards of the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, ensuring graduates are eligible for registration as psychologists with endorsement in Clinical Psychology.

Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized clinics and research labs, fostering an environment of innovation and applied learning. La Trobe University emphasizes a student-centered approach, encouraging engagement with research projects and ongoing professional development. The program caters to both domestic and international students, providing a diverse academic community. Upon completion, graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to work in hospitals, community health services, private practice, academic institutions, and research organizations. The program typically takes two years of full-time study to complete, although flexible study options may be available. La Trobe University’s Clinical Psychology program maintains strong links with industry partners and professional bodies, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant to current clinical practices and healthcare policies. Graduates from the program are well-positioned to contribute significantly to mental health, psychosocial well-being, and community service initiatives across Australia and beyond.