Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This coursework and practicum programme combines advanced theoretical teaching with intensive supervised clinical placements and applied research. Core themes include psychological assessment and diagnosis, evidence‑based therapeutic interventions (such as cognitive behavioural, interpersonal and family approaches), psychopathology across the lifespan, neuropsychological assessment, and ethical, legal and professional issues in clinical practice.

• Clinical assessment and diagnosis – standardized assessment batteries, clinical interviewing, case formulation and differential diagnosis.
• Intervention and therapy – evidence‑based treatments for mood, anxiety, trauma, personality and severe mental illness; individual, group and family approaches.
• Psychopathology and developmental perspectives – presentations from childhood through older adulthood with attention to lifespan transitions.
• Neuropsychology and cognitive assessment – cognitive profiling, interpretation of neuropsychological test data and integration with clinical formulation.
• Research methods and applied project – advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, and a capstone project or minor research thesis applying research to clinical practice.
• Professional practice and ethics – reflective practice, cultural competence (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives), mandatory reporting, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Practicum and placement – multiple supervised placements in settings such as public mental health services, private practice, hospitals and community health agencies totalling substantial client contact hours.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)‑accredited fourth‑year honours sequence or equivalent qualification in psychology. Admission typically also requires demonstrated preparation for advanced clinical training, satisfactory academic performance in prior psychology study, and meeting ACU's fitness to practise and suitability requirements.

• Evidence of completion of an APAC‑accredited fourth year (honours) or equivalent.
• Satisfactory academic record in relevant undergraduate and honours coursework.
• Completion of any specified prerequisite subjects or professional experience, where required.
• Compliance with professional suitability checks such as police checks and working with children checks, and meeting English language proficiency standards for international applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates develop the competencies required for clinical practice and are positioned to pursue registration pathways with the Psychology Board of Australia. Career destinations for graduates include public mental health services, private practice (following registration and required supervised practice), hospitals, community mental health organisations, forensic services, rehabilitation teams and non‑government organisations. Graduates may also continue into further specialist training, doctoral research or academic roles.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

• ACU emphasises values‑based and ethically informed clinical training, with an emphasis on compassionate, person‑centred practice.
• Students benefit from small cohort teaching, close supervision by experienced clinical psychologists and access to a network of placement partners across public, private and community sectors.
• The course integrates research and practice, preparing graduates to apply evidence‑based approaches and to undertake applied research in clinical settings.
• ACU promotes culturally responsive practice, including attention to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and working with diverse communities.