
The UNSW combined PhD/Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a four-year, full-time degree that encourages initiative and originality in research. High-level candidates are offered the opportunity to engage in advanced training in areas relevant to the professional practice of psychology.
Our program has a research component as well as coursework and professional placement components. Its focus is on the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of people with a range of psychological challenges. It includes advanced training in research skills that are particularly relevant to clinical application.
A full scholarship is required to undertake this program.
Primary supervision must be provided by an academic who holds a position in the School of Psychology.
The minimum academic eligibility requirement is completion of a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology, including a major research thesis/project, with Honours Class 1 (85%), or international equivalent. Qualifications must have been completed within the last 10 years (exceptions may be possible in limited circumstances).
While there is a standard process to apply for most Higher Degree Research programs at UNSW, there are additional requirements for Combined applicants which relate to the Masters component of the program.
Please review the step-by-step application guide.
The School does not have specific requirements for a research proposal/research description. Applicants can be guided both by the general information published in the Document Submission Guidelines and advice from their potential supervisor.
Applicants must:
All applicants, domestic and international, are encouraged to use AHPRA’s Pathways diagram for all professions (under ‘Additional resources’) to guide their understanding of AHPRA’s requirements.
The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a fifth and sixth year of study. Graduates are eligible to apply for full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).
Graduates are also eligible for Associate Membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. After completing a Psychology Board of Australia approved Clinical Psychology registrar program (further two years of full-time equivalent supervised practice), graduates are eligible to apply for APS College of Clinical Psychology Fellowship and endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.
The UNSW School of Psychology is considered the best in Australia and is ranked among the top psychological schools worldwide. We attract award-winning staff and offer excellence and innovation in our teaching.
The school has excellent research and professional training facilities that include extensive computing facilities, a psychological test library, a psychology clinic, a technical workshop and laboratories in all areas of experimental psychology.
The school also has strong links with professional practitioners in the areas of clinical, neuropsychological and forensic psychology.
There’s an increasing demand from a wide variety of agencies across Australia to obtain psychological expertise to aid understanding and management of psychological issues.
Clinical psychologists work in a wide range of settings, including:
Research component (PhD): Contact the Admissions and Scholarships team at the GRS or the Postgraduate Coordinators for the School.
Coursework component (Master of Psychology): Prospective applicants should review the School’s Frequently Asked Questions, Program Guide, or contact the School.
Learn more about our programs and connect with the UNSW School of Psychology.