Frequently Asked Questions about the Clinical Program

1. Q: What information is assessed to determine a student's acceptance into the clinical program?

A: Academic qualification, the results of the clinical interview, and referee reports are all required parts of the application process. All of these are carefully considered in making our final decisions.

2. Q: What grades do I need to apply for the clinical program?

A: Generally a mark of 78% or higher in the first semester of your honours year is needed to be accepted for the clinical interview, a vital component of the application process. However, in exceptional circumstances persons with a lower GPA may be interviewed - there is space on the application form to outline these circumstances.

3. Q: How many referee reports do I need to apply for the clinical program?

A: Three, one from your honours supervisor, one from another member of academic staff, and a final report from someone who knows you well (not a relative or personal friend).

4. Q: What types of experiences are beneficial when applying to the clinical program?

A: Any experience that involves interaction with other people. Working in sales, the hospitality industry, volunteering, caring for children or the elderly, working at Lifeline, being a research assistant, or doing casual work at the university -- are all valuable experiences that may help your application process by demonstrating skills in working with people.

5. Q: What are some tips that will help me with the clinical interview?

A: Approach the clinical interview as you would a job interview, dress appropriately, be prepared, and come on time. The interviewers are looking to assess your readiness for the clinical program, if you are well rounded, and your level of maturity. The interview involves a structured conversation about why you want to study psychology, and where you see yourself in the future.

It is a good idea to talk to clinical psychologists (including members of the School of Psychology's clinical staff) before your interview, as this will give you a more realistic understanding of the profession of clinical psychology and make you better prepared for the interview.

6. Q: Can I do the interview over the phone?

A: No, the interview must take place in person or by video-link.

If you are unable to make your interview because of an emergency or an illness please advise the clinical administrator as soon as possible to reschedule.

7. Q: When do I need to apply for the Clinical Program and when will I find out if I've been accepted?

A: Applications for the program close on the 30th of September. Interviews take place in early November. For current honours students who failed to maintain a 78% GPA in the first semester of their studies, but who finished the year at 78% or above overall, a second small intake interview session will occur after results are processed. Students accepted into the clinical program will be notified in early December.

8. Q: If I'm accepted into the clinical program can I defer for a year?

A: NO, if you're accepted into the program and decide to take a year off, your place in the program WILL NOT be held. If you want to take a gap year you must apply for the clinical program at the end of that year.

9. Q: If I'm not accepted to the clinical program what can I do to increase my chances of acceptance the following year?

A: If you graduated from the honours program with a 2A or above, getting your thesis data published in a peer reviewed journal or gaining more targeted clinical experience may increase your chances of being selected. We find that many students who work for a year or get their research published are more ready for the program at this second interview opportunity. With this in mind it could be helpful to have to have your third referee report come from that clinical experience, if applicable.

10. Q: Will I be at a disadvantage if I decide to take a year off before applying for the clinical program?

A: After a demanding honours year, some students find that a gap year enables them to have a rest and gain work and life experiences which can help them with the interview process. Other students feel they have momentum in their studies and want to pursue clinical training right after honours. Neither path puts you at a disadvantage, and an individual should think carefully about what is right for them.

If you want to take longer than a year off keep in mind that the QLD registration board stipulates that you MUST apply for postgraduate training within 5 years of completing your honors degree.

11. Q: Once I've graduated from the clinical program can I work overseas?

A: Students with either a masters degree or doctoral degree can work in New Zealand and most countries throughout Europe and Asia. Graduates of the Professional Doctorate programs are also eligible to apply to the British Psychological Society (BPS) for full membership as a chartered psychologist. However, only PhD level degrees are accepted for licensure in the United States and Canada.

12. Q: I didn't get accepted into the clinical program, what can I do now?

A: It's important to remember that UQ is not the only school that offers a clinical program, QUT, Griffith University, Central Queensland University, James Cook University, University of Southern Queensland, University of Sunshine Coast, and Bond University all offer postgraduate programs in clinical psychology. The Australian Psychological Society also provides information on study options and careers in psychology (see link http://www.psychology.org.au/study/ ). Graduates with a four year degree can also work in a range of research, government, and NGO positions as well as being sought out by a number of different employers including, banking institutions, communication businesses, and the defence force. http://www.graduateopportunities.com provides information on employees looking for recent graduates.

13. Q: I did my undergraduate overseas can I apply for the clinical program?

A: A: Yes, international students can apply for the clinical program, however prior to applying students must get their undergraduate qualification assessed by the Australian Psychological Society. Information on how to do this and the associated fees can be found at http://www.psychology.org.au/membership/qualifications/.Students also need to be proficient in English in order to apply for the program - the QLD Registration Board site has information for what test scores you must have to apply for provisional registration, a pre-requisite for starting the clinical program.