Master of Psychology (Clinical)

Introduction

The clinical psychology program at the University of Melbourne began in the early 1970s. The program enjoys an excellent reputation and is one of the premier clinical psychology programs in the country. The program aims to produce students with a strong knowledge base in 'organic' and 'functional' psychopathologies, combined with a high level of skill and acumen in the detection, assessment and diagnosis of various 'psychological' conditions. Therapeutic skills are taught primarily within a broad cognitive-behavioural framework and developed over time within didactic, individual- and group-based contexts. In their second year, all students see patients referred to the Psychology Clinic situated along Blackwood Street. In addition to this, all students undergo compulsory field placements in psychiatry in their first year of the program. Other 'field' placements in second year are tailored to a student's interests. One of the strengths of the program is its access to a variety of placement opportunities within hospital and community settings.

The academic members of the clinical teaching staff are all active in both clinical work and research. Students are expected to both conduct high quality research and submit articles based on their research for publication in peer-refereed national and international journals. The expectation is that graduates of the clinical psychology program will not only become excellent clinicians but will go on to be leaders in the professional clinical psychology community.

Objectives

This stream aims to provide graduates with the skills to work as professional clinical psychologists and to provide a thorough grounding in the discipline of clinical psychology, particularly in the area of mental illness. The program provides sound training in the nature, assessment and treatment of mental illness.

Course Structure