Course description
Professional recognition
The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, approved by the CollegeClinical Psychologists and recognised for the purposes of registration as a psychologist by the Psychologists’ Registration Board of Victoria. of
Course rules
The course consists of 16 credit points covering three strands: theory, research and practice. Students will complete a minimum of 4 credit points each trimester over two years.
Course structure
Year 1
Trimester 1
HPS714 Studies in Psychopathology
HPS777 Interview and Intervention Strategies
HPS778 Biological and Neuropsychological Perspectives on Disorder
HPS779 Psychological Assessment
Trimester 2
HPS706 Clinical Placement 1 and Case Analysis Seminar 1
HPS707 Applied Methodology
HPS776 Issues in Professional Psychology
HPS766 Research Thesis A
Year 2
Trimester 1
HPS705 Advanced Clinical Assessment
HPS708 Psychological Therapy
HPS709 Clinical Placement 2
HPS767 Research Thesis B
Trimester 2
HPS711 Advanced Clinical Practice
HPS712 Clinical Placement 3
HPS787 Research Thesis C
Note: All coursework units have a hurdle requirement of 80 per cent attendance. A pass grade in a unit requires satisfactory completion of each component assessed.
Student Income Support Payments
Eligible students undertaking approved masters courses will be able to access Youth Allowance, Austudy and the Pensioner Education Supplement from 1 January 2008. You can access more details from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website , and from Centrelink (these sites open new windows).
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide
Admission requirements - specific
Applicants must have completed of a four-year sequence of study in an accredited psychology program. The sequence may be either an Honours program or the combination of a three-year undergraduate degree, including a psychology major, and an approved postgraduate program.
Selection criteria
Entry is competitive, based on academic results, job description, referees’ reports, and relevant professional experience. It would normally be expected that applicants will have achieved a minimum Honours grade of 2A or equivalent. Equal opportunity guidelines will be observed in all selection procedures.
Advanced standing - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Advanced standing - specific
Normal University regulation and guidelines pertain to students applying for advanced standing within this program. In all cases credit will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis with maximum credit granted being consistent with university policy.
How to apply
Applications must be made directly to the university through the Applicant Portal referring to closing dates for applications as dates for particular courses may vary.
Your faculty may require further information from you when submitting your application. Please refer to the faculty information website for further details.
Placement program
The clinical placements are designed to equip students with a range of professional skills and an awareness of professional issues. Students will have placements in at least three different settings, so that they gain experience of adult and child problems, community and institutional care and medical and non-medical agencies. Each student’s program will be worked out jointly by the student, the placement coordinators, and the practitioners supervising the placements. Contracts will be drawn up which will clearly specify the skills to be taught and the responsibilities of the student and placement supervisor. Placement supervisors are registered clinical psychologists, eligible for membership of the College of Clinical Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society. Each placement requires the full complement of days to be completed. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.
