Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Master of Clinical Psychology – MClinPsych
Note: All Master of Clinical Psychology students need to pass health screening (including full COVID-19 immunisation, see further details below under Entry Requirements) to undertake clinical placements as a requirement of this qualification. Currently, some health organisations, including District Health Boards, community mental health, and community health care practices require vaccination as a condition of working in their organisation.
The Master of Clinical Psychology is a professional qualification. It enables you to meet the competency requirements for the clinical scope of practice under the Health Practitioners Competencies Assurance Act (2003). With the Master of Clinical Psychology you’ll be able to practise independently.
Places on this programme are highly sought-after and there’s a competitive entry process.
Clinical psychology is an applied branch of psychology. It uses psychological techniques to help people solve a wide variety of mental, physical, behavioural and relationship problems.
What does the programme cover?
The programme comprises courses, practica placements and an internship of supervised full-time practical work for at least one academic year. You’ll write case studies and keep a log of your work.
Develop practical skills
There are typically three placements in a variety of health service agencies that may include:
- child and family
- community mental health
- drug and alcohol agencies
- rehabilitation
- secondary care
- forensic
- Massey Student Counselling
- Psychological Services/Department of Corrections
- Massey psychology clinics.
Get a diverse perspective
Massey is committed to the principles embodied in the Treaty of Waitangi. You’ll be well trained from a variety of perspectives and be sensitive to the needs of people from diverse backgrounds and across the lifespan.
The scientist-practitioner model
Clinical training at Massey is based on the scientist-practitioner model. This emphasises the need for clinical psychologists to have a strong research background as well as clinical skills. You’ll formulate an approach to understanding human behaviour.
Internationally recognised and market-leading in New Zealand
Massey graduates more researchers and clinical psychologists than any other university in New Zealand.
We’re connected to a wide range of community and statutory organisations, and produce unique and applied psychology research and training that’s recognised nationally and internationally. This expertise enhances the reputation of your degree and ensures your knowledge is relevant to today’s society.
A MClinPsych is a good fit if you:
- want to become a registered clinical psychologist
- have a master’s or PhD specialising in psychology and meet minimum grade requirements.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.
In order to be considered for the Master of Clinical Psychology you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a master’s degree with First Class or Second Class Division I Honours in Psychology with at least 120 credits of research, or the equivalent,
or
- have been awarded or qualified for a PhD in Psychology, and
- have completed the following courses, or their equivalents, obtaining at least a B+ average no longer than five years before the start of the internship year:
- meet the requirements set down by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 as being a fit and proper person to be registered.
You will need to provide the following documents:
- copies of official academic transcripts (if your qualifications were not obtained from Massey University)
- a current CV or resume detailing your relevant training and experience
- a passport-sized photograph
- brief personal statement (up to 500 words) which includes your reasons for seeking a career in Clinical Psychology. You may also wish to list perceived strengths as well as skills you will bring to your studies and training as a Clinical Psychologist
- supporting statements from whanau/family (optional)
- name, occupation and email details of two referees. Referees will be automatically contacted to supply a confidential reference in relation to this programme. Referees are invited to comment, where they are able, on academic performance, ability to successfully complete further study, motivation and suitability for clinical psychology training, quality of interactions, and adherence to professional ethical standards.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed before a final selection is made.
Limited places
This qualification has a limited number of places available. Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the qualification.
Application closing date
Applications close on 1 September for study commencing the following year.
No late applications
You must ensure that all documentation is supplied well in advance of the 1 September closing date. No late applications will be accepted. If you are applying near to the deadline you will need to ensure your referees are advised, as their report must be received by the above date.
Note: This qualification is not available for international students.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Contact us through the Get advice button on this page, if you would like more details and a copy of our postgraduate prospectus.
Conditions of studentship
For full-time students the minimum period of enrolment will be two years (24 months) and the maximum will be three years (36 months).
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations or this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Master of Clinical Psychology
Full-time study is 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of Clinical Psychology is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
Master of Clinical Psychology (MClinPsych) sequence
Year 1 (Part One)
Professional content courses
- 175811 Clinical Assessment Skills (30 credits)
- 175812 Skills in Clinical Intervention (30 credits)
- 175813 Clinical Practica (60 credits)
Year 2 (Part Two)
- 175814 Clinical Psychology Internship.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
240 credits
- Part One compulsory courses – 120 credits
- Part Two internship – 120 credits
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.
Requires:
- Achievement of specified performance standards in the academic courses, the clinical practicum courses, the internship, and research case studies
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Part One (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 175811 Clinical Assessment Skills 30 credits
This is a workshop based course that requires students to engage in learning activities across a full range of applied skills, of clinical psychology assessment across the lifespan, including interview skills, skills in case conceptualisation and psychological formulation, and skills in the selection, administration, scoring, interpretation and reporting of psychological and neuropsychological tests. Training will also include compulsory attendance at workshops and other training opportunities as they arise.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175812 Clinical Intervention Skills 30 credits
This is a workshop based course that requires students to engage in learning activities across a full range of applied skills, of clinical psychology interventions across the lifespan, including behavioural and cognitive behavioural interventions, family and systems approaches and neurorehabilitation interventions. Training will also include compulsory attendance at workshops and other training opportunities as they arise.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175813 Clinical Psychology Practica 60 credits
Provides structured supervision of the student’s clinical activities. It includes observation of the work of clinical psychologists, supervised practice of designated clinical psychology skills, and exploration of individualised psychotherapy approaches and formal treatment protocols in a selected domain of practice. And provides opportunities for supervised practice of all the professional activities of a clinical psychologist, including working in professional teams, conducting assessments under supervision, and using the empirical literature to guide clinical decision making.
View full course detailsPart Two (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 175814 Clinical Psychology Internship 120 credits
Supervised experience in all aspects of clinical psychology service delivery in a professional service setting, with increasing emphasis on independent ability to offer specialised assessment and treatment programmes to a diversity of clients in a safe, culturally appropriate, and ethical manner. The internship comprises a minimum of fifteen hundred hours of supervised direct clinical experience in an approved setting. The internship involves supervision, videotaped assessment of work with clients, seminars and workshops designed to deal with specialised clinical issues such as client safety, legal concerns, sophisticated diagnostic methods, bicultural practice and so on, culminating in a practical-oriented exam involving external examiners.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Our clinical psychology graduates typically work in their community in:
- health
- education
- social services
- justice
- private practice
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