Curtin University

What you'll study

This programme combines taught units, supervised clinical practicums and a research project to develop advanced competencies in assessment, formulation and intervention. Core subject areas include psychopathology and diagnosis, psychological assessment and psychometrics, evidence-based therapeutic approaches (such as cognitive‑behavioural and third‑wave therapies), case formulation, psychopharmacology for psychologists, and professional ethics and legal issues.

Practical training is a major component: students complete multiple supervised placements in a range of settings (public hospitals, community mental health services and specialised clinics), working with diverse client groups across the lifespan. The research component develops skills in research design, statistics and dissemination and typically culminates in a major research paper or thesis.

• Clinical assessment and diagnostic interviewing
• Evidence‑based psychotherapy and intervention planning
• Neuropsychological and cognitive assessment
• Research methods and applied statistics
• Professional practice, ethics and cultural competence (including Indigenous mental health)
• Supervised clinical placements and case supervision

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited four‑year sequence in psychology or an equivalent qualification that gives eligibility for provisional registration in Australia. Selection is competitive and based on academic record, relevant clinical experience, referee reports and a personal statement; shortlisted applicants are usually invited to interview or other assessment.

International applicants must meet Curtin's English language requirements and provide evidence that their prior psychology training is comparable to APAC standards. Additional documentary requirements and checks (such as criminal history or working with children checks) may be required before clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry into supervised registration pathways and roles where clinical psychological skills are required. Typical employment destinations include public and private hospitals, community mental health services, private practice (following registration and any required supervised practice), forensic and correctional services, child and adolescent mental health services, and specialist clinics (e.g. neuropsychology, pain clinics).

Other career paths include research or academic positions, clinical coordination and program development roles in health services, and multidisciplinary teams within primary care or non‑government organisations. The programme’s clinical and research training also supports further doctoral study for those pursuing a research career.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers an APAC‑aligned clinical training environment with strong links to public health services across Western Australia, ensuring varied placement opportunities and exposure to diverse client populations. The School employs experienced clinician‑academics actively engaged in applied research, allowing students to integrate current evidence into practice.

The programme emphasises culturally responsive practice, including engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health perspectives, and provides access to clinical training facilities and supervised practice. Curtin’s collaborative ties with hospitals, community agencies and research centres help students build professional networks that support transition into clinical careers.