Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology)

Victoria University

About

Pursue a career as a community psychologist with the Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology).

You'll be part of a vibrant learning environment where your psychology skills and knowledge will be directed towards applied community psychology.

This course is founded upon the scientist-practitioner model of professional training.

Two key elements of the model are:

combined knowledge and skills acquisition with reality-based psychological understandings facilitation of a clear stance of inquiry in relation to all aspects of theory, research and practice.

You'll undertake a combination of theoretical coursework, skill-based practice coursework, practicum placements and an applied community psychology focused research project.

Graduating students will have completed 1000 hours of supervised practical placement experience.

Structure

To attain the Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) students are required to complete:

  • 192 credit points (equivalent to 16 units) of Core studies.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

  • Foundations of Psychotherapy Unit code APC6085 Credits12
  • Clinical Assessment Unit code APC6086 Credits12
  • Professional Ethics Unit code APC6087 Credits12
  • Psychopathology and Diagnosis Unit code APC6088 Credits12
  • Research Methods Unit code APC6089 Credits12
  • Interventions 1 - Introduction to CBT Unit code APC6091 Credits12
  • Thesis 1 Unit code APC7901 Credits12
  • Thesis 2 Unit code APC7902 Credits12
  • Foundations of Community Psychology Unit code APM6010 Credits12
  • Psychology of Community Health Unit code APM6013 Credits12
  • Practicum 1 Unit code APM6014 Credits12
  • Community Psychology Interventions Unit code APM7003 Credits12
  • Intercultural Approaches to Community Psychology Unit code APM7004 Credits12
  • Practicum 2 Unit code APM7005 Credits12
  • Psychology Practice Unit code APM7006 Credits12
  • Practicum 3 Unit code APM7007 Credits12

Entry requirements

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Completion of Bachelor Honours degree (or equivalent) in the same discipline (accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council, completed within the last 10 years, with a minimum average of at least 75 in fourth-year sequence). ORCompletion of an Australian Graduate Diploma (or equivalent) in the same discipline (accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council, completed within the last 10 years, with a minimum average of at least 75).

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

Additional information

Applicants will also be required to:

Applicants with qualifications obtained overseas have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

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  1. Interrogate and interpret social and psychological problems and interventions from multiple stakeholder standpoints and community psychological perspectives, including other health care professionals;  
  2. Critically analyse and adapt skills and strategies in social and psychological problem intervention to multiple levels of analysis (from the individual level, the group level, and to broader community contexts) and to different bodies of knowledge or professional practice;  
  3. Deconstruct the cultural, experiential, political and structural forces that impact social and psychological problems;  
  4. Critically apply intervention skills to a variety of contexts, including: program and policy design, implementation and evaluation; organisation and facilitation of groups and alliances; counselling and advocacy for individuals and groups and, the promotion and strengthening of social networks;  
  5. Assess and critically apply appropriate research methodologies and independent research skills to identify and analyse complex problems from a range of community and applied settings;  
  6. Conduct and report on research in groups and/or individually, that contributes to the professional evidence base of community psychology;  
  7. Exhibit advanced interpersonal and communication skills to debate and elucidate complex ideas and to engage with diverse individuals and multiple stakeholders;  
  8. Critically review ethical and professional conduct issues faced by practising psychologists and exhibit high standards of social and ethical responsibility;  
  9. Evaluate the interconnections between theory, research and professional practice from a diverse range of community psychological perspectives.  

Institution