Entry requirements for the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) / Doctor of Philosophy

Direct entry to this combined program is not available.

Prospective students must be enrolled in the first year of Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) to be considered. Currently enrolled students can apply to transfer to the combined Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/PhD program for the following year.
Applications to transfer are opened to currently enrolled Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) students towards the end of their first year.

1. In order to be considered for entry into the Master of Psychology component, applicants must have completed:

• an Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited four-year undergraduate sequence in Psychology, namely a three-year major in Psychology as part of an undergraduate degree plus a fourth-year Honours specialisation in Psychology, with a weighted average mark of at least H2A (75%), or equivalent; and
• an interview; and
• a personal statement; and
• nomination of three referees.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance; and
• suitability for clinical training as determined by the interview, personal statement and referee reports.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

• Selection into the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/PhD combined program requires the approval of the intended PhD supervisor, the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
• Direct entry to the first year of this combined program is not available for international or local students. All local or international students who are currently enrolled in the first year of the single Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) may apply to transfer to the combined Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)/PhD program. Application details will be available by the end of September.

Core participation requirements

All research candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least six months full-time (12 months part-time) advanced study and research at the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely online supervision for research higher degree students.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the first six months of candidature. During this time the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

• to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
• to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a research higher degree awarded by the University
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout candidature.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Questions? Contact the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences through the MSPS Postgraduate Study Web form.

Before you apply

✓ Internal applicants only: applicant must be enrolled in the first year of the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

✓ Apply to transfer to the combined degree in your first year of study when applications are considered

English Language Criteria

Applicants are required to satisfy the University’s English language requirements for graduate courses.