Master of Professional Psychology

The Master of Professional Psychology is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited, Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 9 Masters by Coursework degree designed to prepare candidates for a final year of supervised internship in the field of psychological practice prior to full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Applicants will already have completed a four year APAC accredited AQF Level 8 sequence in Psychology or an international equivalent.This course provides one year of full-time education in the professional practice of psychology.

The coursework aims to develop the knowledge and skills required in a professional psychological practice, building on the existing knowledge and skills base acquired as part of the undergraduate course.

Case studies, simulated laboratory exercises and reflective assessment tasks scaffold the development of skills in a safe environment.Seminar presentations offer a chance to test your growing clinical expertise with peers and expose you to alternative cases and methods of practice.

Students are required to demonstrate at least a Credit pass in the theory components of the course.

Supervised practicum placements run alongside this course work giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in real world cases.

Capstone research subjects and external practicum learning outcomes of the course are assured to a professionally acceptable level, which meets the core professional attributes and capabilities as outlined in the APAC accreditation standards.The program is taught via a combination of lectures, e-learning, face-to-face discussions and skills training workshops, supervision, and external service industry placements.Students have the option of applying to enrol in the School Psychology specialisation, which will prepare you to work as a school psychologist.

This specialisation is only available through flexible delivery, using a combination of e-learning, online lectures, webinars, teleconference tutorials and two 1-week intensive residential blocks.

To qualify for award of the degree, the Master of Professional Psychology, a candidate must:

1. successfully complete at least 48 credit points, including:

1. 18 credit points of core subjects;
2. 30 credit points for the Master of Professional Psychology with no specialisation;
3. OR
4. 30 credit points for the Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology) specialisation;

2. demonstrate a Credit pass in the theory components of the course; and

3. demonstrate a professionally acceptable level of competency in the practical course components.

Students enrolling in the Master of Professional Psychology have the option of applying for the School Psychology specialisation. This specialisation is only available to students who have been successful in securing a graduate scholarship offered by the NSW Department of Education. Students will learn and develop the foundation competencies for general registration as a psychologist, with a focus School Psychology in Context through supervised practicum in NSW schools, research, reflective practice and applied interventions.

CORE SUBJECTS

All students are required to complete the following core subjects:

MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (WITH NO SPECIALISATION)

Students who are not enrolled in a specialisation are required to complete the following additional subjects:

MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY)

Students enrolled in the School Psychology specialisation are required to complete the following subjects:

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

CLO Description 1 Demonstrate competence in ethical, legal and professional matters. 2 Demonstrate professional skills working with people from across the lifespan and from diverse groups. 3 Conduct valid and reliable psychological assessments and reports. 4 Formulate, implement and monitor recognised psychological interventions. 5 Apply scientific research methods and knowledge to evaluate psychological practice.