Master of Professional Psychology

Victoria University

About

Our graduate psychology program provides an APAC-accredited pathway to register for professional practice.

It concludes five years of university training, to be followed by a required year of supervised psychology work outside the university.

The course is based on the scientist-practitioner model of professional training, combining advanced theory with practical classes in the following areas:

psychological knowledge skills acquisition ethical decision-making capacity application of evidence-based interventions.

You'll undertake selected fieldwork placements, under the direct supervision of experienced psychologists.

Structure

To attain the Master of Professional Psychology students will be required to complete 96 credit points of Core Professional Psychology studies.

Course structure and units

Semester 1:

  • Foundations of Psychotherapy Unit code APC6085 Credits12
  • Clinical Assessment Unit code APC6086 Credits12
  • Psychopathology and Diagnosis Unit code APC6088 Credits12
  • Interventions 1 - Introduction to CBT Unit code APC6091 Credits12

Semester 2:

  • Psychology of Community Health Unit code APM6013 Credits12
  • Evidence Based Practice for Psychologists Unit code HPP7000 Credits12
  • Practicum 1 Unit code HPP7001 Credits12
  • Practicum 2 Unit code HPP7002 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 70 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 70).

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 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. Exhibit advanced interpersonal and communication skills to debate and elucidate complex ideas and to engage with diverse individuals and multiple stakeholders;  
  6. Critically evaluate core ethical and professional conduct issues that practising psychologists are likely to encounter to ensure protection of the public;  
  7. Evaluate psychology intervention programs and critically assess their effectiveness.  

Institution