Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

Victoria University

About

Become a professional clinical psychologist working with children, adolescents and adults when you study the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology).

You'll study a range of assessments, therapies and rehabilitation techniques and undertake clinical field placements in agencies across Melbourne.

As part of your professional training you'll also see clients at the VU Psychology Clinic.

This program has a strong emphasis on both cognitive and psychodynamic therapeutic perspectives.

The course provides an APAC-accredited pathway to practice as a fully-registered professional psychologist.

In addition, appropriately-qualified applicants can continue postgraduate training in the area of Clinical Psychology.

Graduates qualify for registration as a psychologist in Victoria and membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) (external link) .

The program has been designed to meet the accreditation standards of the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) (external link) .

Structure

To attain the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) students will be required to complete:

  • 192 credit points 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
  • Clinic Experience Unit code HCP6001 Credits12
  • Interventions 1 - Introduction to CBT Unit code APC6091 Credits12
  • Interventions 2 - Introduction to Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Unit code APC6092 Credits12
  • Interventions 3 - Advanced CBT Applications Unit code APC7003 Credits12
  • Interventions 4 - Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Unit code APC7004 Credits12
  • Clinical Placement 1 Unit code APC7005 Credits12
  • Health Psychology Unit code APC7006 Credits12
  • Psychopharmacology and Reflective Practice Unit code APC7007 Credits12
  • Clinical Placement 2 Unit code APC7008 Credits12
  • Thesis 1 Unit code APC7901 Credits12
  • Thesis 2 Unit code APC7902 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. Appraise the contribution, demands and responsibilities of the role registered psychologists play in the delivery of comprehensive multidisciplinary health care systems;  
  2. Critically analyse psychological problems from different perspectives and levels, including individual, dyad, and family systems;  
  3. Formulate evidence-based, appropriately complex, and effective intervention plans for clients with psychological difficulties;  
  4. Critically review the professional literature to identify and apply best practice guidelines for intervention;  
  5. Plan, conduct, and prepare a written report on, an applied psychology research project;  
  6. Critically evaluate core ethical and professional conduct issues that practising psychologists are likely to encounter;  
  7. Evaluate psychology intervention programs and critically assess their effectiveness; and  
  8. Apply for general registration through the Psychology Board of Australia, having integrated theory, research and professional practice from a diverse range of clinical psychology perspectives.  

Institution