Griffith University Psychology School Overview

This degree will prepare you for a career as a clinical psychologist. You will learn how to make decisions with regard to psychological assessments, case conceptualizations, interventions, research methodologies, organizational and systemic issues in mental health program development, and ethical professional practice.

Students enrolling in the Master of Clinical Psychology are required to complete coursework, placement and a dissertation.

Work-integrated learning activities (professional placements) integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. The inclusion of work-integrated learning activities in the degree program demonstrates Griffith’s commitment to preparing its graduates for success in their working life.

In this program you will spend time in the work/professional environment undertaking placements at various locations. Placements may be outside of the Brisbane metropolitan/Gold Coast area including northern New South Wales and (by negotiation) interstate or overseas.

Entry Requirements

To qualify for admission, applicants:

1. must have completed a program in psychology extending over four years and accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Preference may be given to people having completed an Honours degree in psychology awarded at the level of a First or Second Class Division A. It is a requirement that students will have completed undergraduate programs relevant to clinical and health psychology (e.g. Abnormal Psychology, Counselling Psychology).
2. will be expected to demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills. This will be assessed by a panel of program staff in a group and individual interview situation and by two referees reports. Applicants will be required in this situation to demonstrate insight and understanding into their own personal functioning and interpersonal style, as well as sensitivity and effective interpersonal responses to other group members.
3. will be expected to demonstrate at least a basic level of competence in the counselling context and an openness to a range of approaches. This will be judged by role plays conducted in the group interview situation, by evidence of previous counselling training and experience, and by a brief frame of reference paper outlining an applicant’s personal orientation to their clinical/counselling practice.

Under the Australian National Law, students must obtain provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia before they commence their program of study, and for the duration of the program. In the event that the Registration Board refuses an application for provisional registration, the offer of candidature in the program will be rescinded – it is not possible to complete the program without holding provisional registration as a psychologist.

Career Opportunities

You will be prepared for work in private practice, in organizations such as Queensland Health, and in child and youth mental health services, education services, corrections, health psychology and general practitioner practices.

Professional Recognition in Canada

The Griffith University Master of Clinical Psychology course has been designed to be consistent with the requirements for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists, which is the benchmark for professional clinical psychology practice in Australia.

Canadian psychology license are regulated by each province, so graduates applying to licensing in Canada will be required to contact each province’s licensing body you want to practice in. For a list of provincial licensing websites visit http://www.cpa.ca/accreditation/PTlicensingrequirements/.

KOM Consultants understands the process and requirements needed to enter the profession in Canada. Contact KOM Consultants for more information.

All students applying directly through KOM will be supported with the latest information on the accreditation process.