Study psychiatry at the University of Sydney
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Find out moreWe are ranked 18th in the world for medicine in the QS Subject Rankings 2020.
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In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
The Master of Medicine (Psychiatry) will help you to develop a sophisticated understanding of the neuroscientific basis of psychiatry, gain expertise in critical appraisal and research design, strengthen your clinical capability, develop interdisciplinary clinical and research networks, and pursue research.
Psychiatrists provide a wide range of evidence-based and effective treatments, and work in multidisciplinary teams. There are many opportunities throughout this field for innovation, research, advocacy and leadership.
As a psychiatry student, you will learn from leading experts how to translate research into clinical practice and develop interdisciplinary clinical and research networks. We promote engaged enquiry and active problem solving, helping you to gain expertise in critical appraisal and research design.
Run by the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, an industry leader in the investigation and treatment of diseases of the brain and mind, this degree is taught part-time over three years. Facilitated by experienced clinicians and academics, classes are presented weekly, with face-to-face teaching supported by online learning. If you are not based in Sydney or if you are working evening or night shifts, you can join the class online or view class recordings later.
The Master of Medicine (Psychiatry) is accredited by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) as a formal education course mandated for the first three years of the five-year RANZCP training program.
This master's degree is ideal for trainees in psychiatry who are looking for an accredited formal education course, or current psychiatrists who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills.
This course also suits overseas-trained psychiatrists and CMOs in psychiatry who would have a broader range of subjects available to them as they would not need to adhere to the formal education course requirements.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSP places are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
There are no specialisations for this course.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
The master's degree requires the completion of 48 credit points of units of study including:
You will learn how to translate research into clinical practice, and develop interdisciplinary clinical and research professional networks. Facilitated by experts, classes are presented in small groups and supported by online learning.
Explore the Medicine and Health Postgraduate Handbook to learn more about what you will study as part of this degree:
This course includes an elective capstone experience in an area of advanced study. Options include a research project, which may be used to fulfil RANZCP requirements or a range of coursework units.
The research activity capstone provides an opportunity to work in the student’s own clinical setting or with a research group at the Brain and Mind Centre.
Capstone units for the Master in Medicine (Psychiatry) :
Psychiatrists are also eligible to apply.
International students currently working in Australia or New Zealand in an appropriate role and on an appropriate working visa, may apply for admission.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually and may be changed without notice.
The psychiatry program is also available as:
It is also possible to undertake the course as a continuing medical education (CME) program. This program meets the RANZCP requirements as a formal education course. As a CME student, you will be expected to attend and participate in classroom and online discussions and presentations, but will not have to submit written assessments or undertake exams.
This course has been accredited by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists as a formal education course, and is aligned with its new competency-based fellowship program.
Outstanding graduates may be eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in the following courses:
A research degree provides students with the opportunity to prepare a substantial piece of work which represents a significant contribution in a particular field of study and to gain transferable skills in general research methodology.
Learn more about our research degrees and research capability.
We offer a wide range of short professional development courses for health professionals. Many of the courses offered are pre-accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME) points, and other courses may be awarded CME points on request to your relevant association or professional body.
Learn more about short courses in medicine
The Master of Medicine (Psychiatry) is tailor-made for psychiatry trainees.
