Master's in Psychology & Behavioral Sciences in Australia

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Master of Brain and Mind Sciences

The Master of Brain and Mind Sciences is designed to provide advanced education and training for professionals and researchers in fields related to brain and mind disorders. It caters to graduates from science, psychology, health, and education backgrounds, as well as medical professionals like general practitioners and nurses. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address the needs of individuals affected by disorders of the brain and mind.

Master of Clinical Psychology

Master of Clinical Psychology

This Master of Clinical Psychology program offers advanced education and training designed to develop future clinical psychologists committed to serving community needs. The teaching team's extensive qualifications and experience provide exceptional support, supervision, and training for provisionally registered psychologists. You will gain practical, real-life experience through the university's Psychology Clinics, which also contribute to providing high-quality care to the community. Extensive professional partnerships ensure valuable external placements for enhanced training and development.

Master of Clinical Psychology

This Master of Clinical Psychology program is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required for a career in professional clinical psychology. You will gain practical experience in various clinical settings, developing competencies in areas such as cognitive behavioural therapy, child and adolescent mental health, psychopathology, counselling, and psychological assessment and treatment. The curriculum also covers advanced psychotherapy processes and addresses the ethical and professional issues crucial to the field. A significant component of the program involves clinical placement practicum, where you will conduct intake assessments and case work with both adults and children. Additionally, you will undertake a research project relevant to clinical psychology, culminating in a research report. Graduates will be well-prepared to apply for general registration as a psychologist and pursue specialist training towards clinical psychologist endorsement, enabling them to work effectively in diverse settings such as community health centres, schools, hospitals, and private practice.

Master of Counselling, Rehabilitation and Mental Health

This Master's program offers a unique blend of rehabilitation counselling, general counselling, and mental health studies, preparing you for a career dedicated to helping individuals navigate significant life changes. You will develop essential counselling skills by exploring the professional, ethical, and legal aspects relevant to practice in Australia. The curriculum delves into various clinical and sub-clinical mental health conditions, their diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies. Through practical experience and a focus on reintegration into work and community life, you will be well-equipped for roles in rehabilitation counselling, mental health support, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

Master of Guidance and Counselling

Develop the skills to guide and counsel individuals, fostering their social and emotional well-being. This Master's program equips you with advanced counselling techniques and the ability to design, plan, and ethically implement guidance programs across various contexts. You will gain a deep understanding of counselling theories, explore intercultural applications relevant to tropical settings, and develop essential micro and macro counselling skills. The program includes opportunities for practical application through simulated sessions and a small-scale research project, preparing you for roles such as a guidance officer, counsellor, or career development advisor.

Master of Mental Health

Master of Mental Health and Neuroscience

Prepare for advanced research or academic careers in mental health and neuroscience with this fully online Master's program. Building on a Graduate Diploma, this program is delivered through UniSC’s Thompson Institute, featuring experts at the forefront of research, education, and advocacy. You will explore the latest scientific advancements and their application in mental health practice, including neuroimaging techniques for research, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as innovative approaches like brain stimulation. The program delves into key areas such as youth mental health, advanced neuroimaging, suicide prevention, brain ageing, neurocognition, lifestyle factors, and stress-related disorders like PTSD. Despite its online format, the program emphasizes interactivity, offering regular contact with course coordinators and peers through high-quality, engaging resources. Note: More places will be available in 2027, with updated admission information expected in late August 2026.

Master of Professional Psychology

Master of Professional Psychology

This Master of Professional Psychology program is designed as a pathway to a career in mental health, building the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career. Upon completion, graduates will be ready to undertake a one-year internship to pursue general registration as a psychologist. The course combines online learning with in-person intensive sessions and a mandatory in-person placement within Australia. It adheres to the accreditation standards set by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), fulfilling the requirements for a generalist fifth year in psychology. This accreditation is crucial for graduates aiming for post-graduation supervised internship and registration. Students will develop core competencies in areas such as counselling, psychological assessment, case formulation, and the creation and implementation of evidence-based treatment plans. The curriculum emphasizes research-informed practice and includes hands-on experience through simulated role-plays and a supervised placement in a relevant mental health setting. Please note that all placements and in-person subject requirements must be completed in Australia, and students are required to maintain provisional registration with AHPRA throughout the course.

Master of Psychology (Clinical)

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a two-year postgraduate program designed to provide comprehensive training in clinical psychology. The course integrates academic coursework with extensive practical experience in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, alongside a significant research project. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible for general registration as a psychologist. After an additional period of supervised practice, graduates can gain area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology with the Psychology Board of Australia. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for eligible domestic students.

Master of Psychology (Clinical)

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) program offers comprehensive training in the practice of clinical psychology, covering assessment, intervention, communication, and ethical considerations. It provides specialised training and supervised experience in the assessment and intervention skills essential for clinical psychologists. This degree is designed for graduates who have completed a four-year APAC-accredited psychology program, equivalent to an AQF Level 8 sequence, and who have demonstrated competence in pre-professional competencies. The program serves as the fifth and sixth year of structured learning and supervised practice to meet the requirements for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. It also prepares graduates for further registrar programs leading to an area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology with the Psychology Board of Australia. The curriculum includes subjects in clinical assessment and interventions, psychotherapy, and research, with students undertaking a research project in each of the two years. Teaching methods combine lectures, workshops, skills training, online learning, and supervised work-based placements at the University's Northfields Psychology Clinic and external sites.

Master of Psychology (Clinical)

This Master of Psychology (Clinical) program is designed for individuals passionate about improving mental health and psychological well-being. It equips you with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary for a career as a registered psychologist in Australia, offering a direct route to the registrar program for Clinical Psychology endorsement. The program combines cutting-edge research with contemporary teaching methods and extensive hands-on clinical training. A key focus is on preparing graduates to be adaptable, skilled, and community-oriented, with a particular emphasis on serving the diverse communities within the Northern Territory. Graduates will gain expertise in various therapeutic modalities, including face-to-face therapy, telehealth, and the use of immersive technologies like virtual reality. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience through coursework, research, and mandatory practical placements, ensuring you are well-prepared for clinical practice upon graduation. The program strongly encourages engagement with local communities, enabling graduates to apply evidence-based practices to support individuals, families, and society effectively. Despite the rigorous nature of the clinical training, students will benefit from a supportive learning environment fostered by expert academic staff, dedicated supervisors, and a vibrant student community.

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed for graduates from other disciplines who wish to become qualified social workers. This intensive two-year full-time program, or equivalent part-time study, provides the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding required for professional social work practice. Graduates will be equipped to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities across diverse settings. The curriculum integrates core social work theories with extensive practice education, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Students will engage with contemporary issues in social policy, mental health, and Indigenous and cultural studies, preparing them for a dynamic and rewarding career in social justice and human services. The program focuses on developing critical thinking, research skills, and an ethical approach to practice. The program is offered at ACU's Canberra and Strathfield campuses. Upon successful completion, students will have completed 160 credit points, including a significant practice education component, making them eligible for professional accreditation as social workers.