A day in the life of...

Embarking on the journey to become a clinical psychologist is rewarding and at UWA you’ll have access to a comprehensive pathway that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to thrive in this dynamic career.  
Let's explore the steps to becoming a clinical psychologist and why studying at UWA is an excellent choice for aspiring mental health professionals.

The pathway to clinical psychology: from student to practitioner 

1. Bachelor’s degree 
   Your pathway to becoming a clinical psychologist typically begins with completing a bachelor's degree in psychology. At UWA, you’ll have the opportunity to study psychology within a wide range of bachelor’s degrees including the Psychology (Extended Major) and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major, gaining a solid foundation in psychological principles, research methods, and human behaviour. This undergraduate degree serves as the first step towards pursuing advanced studies in clinical psychology. 
2. Honours 
   During your honours (usually your fourth year of undergraduate study), you can concentrate on your major subjects while honing essential skills such as research, time management, problem-solving, and communication, critical for your academic and professional development. 
3. Postgraduate degree 
   After completing your bachelor's degree, aspiring clinical psychologists typically undertake further study at the postgraduate level. At UWA, you can enrol in the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Psychology which provides you with a combination of clinical skills and research knowledge. This rigorous course combines coursework, clinical placements, and research training prepares you for professional practice in clinical psychology and is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). 
4. Practise registrar period 
   Following completion of the master's program, you must fulfill a period of supervised practice, known as a registrar period, internship, or supervised practice placement. This involves working under the supervision of experienced, board-approved clinical psychology supervisors in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, mental health clinics, or private practices. The length of this supervised practice period varies depending on the type of degree completed but typically lasts for at least two years. 
5. Registration as a clinical psychologist 
   Upon successful completion of the supervised registrar period, you are eligible to apply for endorsement as a clinical psychologist, which involves demonstrating a high level of competency in clinical practice through a combination of education, training, and supervised experience. 

Why study clinical psychology at UWA 

Studying clinical psychology at UWA offers you a distinct advantage, thanks to the university's reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. UWA's School of Psychological Science is home to world-renowned researchers and clinicians who are at the forefront of advancing knowledge in the field of psychology. 

UWA’s Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Psychology provides you with a comprehensive and evidence-based education that prepares you for the diverse challenges of clinical practice. Through a combination of coursework, practical placements, and research opportunities, you will develop the skills and expertise needed to work effectively with individuals, families, and communities facing mental health challenges. 

UWA has a strong emphasis on research, leading in clinical psychology training. You’ll engage in cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with staff members who are conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as mental health interventions, neuropsychology, and psychotherapy outcomes. 

Ready to get started? Find out how to apply now. 

UWA is the best university in WA. The master’s framework is very practical and prepares you for advanced business and career exposure. The faculty members, beautiful campus and friendly environment make studying here an amazing experience. I chose to study the Master of Business Information and Logistics Management because it is industry relevant and combines both business and IT. This course suits someone who wants to pursue a career in something like business analytics or digital marketing.

"I started studying straight after high school in 2016. My undergraduate majors were in Neuroscience and Archaeology, and in 2019 I completed an Honours in Archaeology. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at UWA, and have especially fond memories of travelling for both archaeological field trips and debating competitions. I studied neuroscience after falling in love with it during the Brain Bee at high school, organised by Jenny Rodger at UWA. 

My second major became archaeology after a very interesting first year class with Sven Ouzman, where I ended up sourcing and firing my own clay tablet for an assignment. I was lucky enough to get a job at the Museum straight after graduation. 

I have remained connected to UWA since then, especially as I finish publishing work that I completed during my Honours year."

Patrick Morrison, BSc ’18, BA(Hons) ’19 (Archaeology and Neuroscience)
Assistant Curator, Western Australian Museum