Central Queensland University

What you'll study

The program combines advanced coursework in clinical assessment, evidence‑based intervention and professional practice with supervised clinical placements and a substantial research component. Typical topics and subjects include:

• Clinical assessment and formulation: diagnostic interviewing, psychometric assessment, neuropsychological screening and case formulation.
• Evidence‑based interventions: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), interpersonal therapy, and brief psychotherapies tailored for different populations.
• Across the lifespan: child and adolescent clinical practice, adult mental health, and older person mental health.
• Specialist areas: trauma and PTSD, substance‑related disorders, severe and persistent mental illness, and forensic or community mental health settings.
• Professional practice and ethics: clinical governance, ethical decision making, cultural competence (including working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), risk assessment and multidisciplinary teamwork.
• Research methods and project: quantitative and qualitative methods, applied clinical research, and completion of a research project or thesis that develops skills in evidence appraisal and evaluation.
• Practicum and clinical supervision: multiple supervised placements across public, private and community settings with structured clinical supervision and case seminars.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate psychology qualification that meets the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) fourth‑year sequence or equivalent (for example a Bachelor Honours or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology with honours level content). Additional entry criteria typically include:

• Academic record demonstrating capacity to undertake advanced professional training in psychology.
• Relevant professional experience or clinical exposure is highly regarded and may be required for competitive selection.
• Referees, curriculum vitae and a personal statement outlining clinical and research interests.
• Selection interview—many applicants are required to attend an interview to assess suitability for intensive clinical training.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and demonstrate equivalent academic preparation in psychology.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for professional practice as clinical psychologists and for pathways to registration with the national regulator, subject to completion of any required internship or registration processes. Career destinations commonly include:

• Public and private hospitals (inpatient and outpatient services).
• Community mental health and primary health care teams.
• Private clinical practice and specialist private clinics.
• Child and adolescent mental health services, school psychology and family services.
• Forensic, rehabilitation and correctional services.
• Non‑government organisations, counselling centres and online mental health services.
• Research and academic roles or further doctoral study in clinical, health or neuropsychology.

Why study at Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University offers a practice‑oriented clinical psychology program with a strong emphasis on supervised placements and applied research. Students benefit from clinical teaching by experienced practitioners, access to placement opportunities across regional and metropolitan health services, and small cohort sizes that support intensive supervision and hands‑on learning. The curriculum is designed to align with professional competency frameworks used in Australia, preparing graduates for the clinical workforce and for further professional registration processes.