Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

This program blends advanced coursework, applied clinical placements and a research component to prepare students for clinical practice. Core areas typically covered include:

• Clinical assessment and diagnosis — structured and semi‑structured diagnostic interviewing, psychometric assessment, case formulation and differential diagnosis across age groups.
• Evidence‑based interventions — training in cognitive‑behavioural therapies, acceptance and commitment approaches, interpersonal and family interventions, and other empirically supported modalities.
• Psychopathology across the lifespan — developmental, adult and older adult presentations, plus specialised modules on child and adolescent mental health.
• Neuropsychology and psychopharmacology — principles of brain‑behaviour relationships and working knowledge of common psychotropic agents in clinical settings.
• Research methods and statistics — advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, critical appraisal of evidence, and a supervised research project or thesis component.
• Professional practice and ethics — legal, ethical and cultural responsibilities, risk assessment and management, record keeping and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Clinical practicums — multiple supervised placements in a range of settings (public mental health, hospitals, community services, school or forensic settings), emphasis on developing applied competencies under supervision.

Teaching methods typically include lectures and seminars, clinical skills labs and simulated client work, supervised placement hours, peer case consultation, and a research project that integrates evidence with clinical practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have completed an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited sequence in psychology equivalent to a four‑year professional sequence. Acceptable backgrounds typically include an honours degree in psychology or a postgraduate diploma/graduate entry qualification that provides the required fourth year of professional training.

Selection also usually takes account of academic performance in prior psychology study, relevant clinical or community experience, referees' reports, and a personal statement outlining commitment to clinical practice and suitability for the profession. Applicants must meet professional suitability checks for placement, which commonly include criminal history checks and, where applicable, working with children checks.

International applicants need to demonstrate English language proficiency to the University’s required level and may need to show that their prior qualifications are equivalent to the APAC‑accredited sequence.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to pursue credentialing and registration pathways required for clinical psychology practice in Australia. Typical career destinations include:

• Clinical psychologist roles in public health services, hospitals and community mental health teams
• Private practice providing psychological assessment and therapy
• Specialist work in child and adolescent services, older adult mental health, forensic or rehabilitation settings
• Interdisciplinary roles within primary health networks, education and disability services
• Research and academic positions or further doctoral study in clinical psychology and related fields

Because clinical psychology generally requires registration and supervised practice after graduation, the degree forms one part of the pathway to independent practice alongside any mandated supervised practice period and registration steps set by national regulatory bodies.

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt offers clinical psychology training with a strong applied focus and an emphasis on placement experience across metropolitan, regional and rural settings, which is beneficial for students interested in diverse client populations and rural mental health. The University is known for small cohort sizes, close supervision by experienced clinical academics and practising clinicians, and access to simulated clinic facilities that let students practise assessment and therapy skills in a supported environment.

Students benefit from established partnerships with public and community health services for supervised placements, integrated research supervision, and a curriculum aligned to national accreditation standards to support graduates pursuing professional registration. Additional student support includes academic skills development, clinical supervision guidance and career planning services tailored to health professions.