Murdoch University
Master of Applied Psychology (Professional)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Completing two practicums, including simulated practical experiences and an internship at an external workplace, will help you develop the personal and professional skills you need for practice.
Course overview
Working towards becoming a registered psychologist and completing your fourth year, this course provides you with the next step required in the 5+1 pathway.
You’ll undertake coursework, practicums and research to gain knowledge of psychological practice. Gain work-ready skills in assessment (e.g. Mental State Exam, WAIS) and intervention (e.g. CBT, family-based interventions), all based on the latest psychological approaches and research findings in a supportive learning environment.
This course provides a pathway into the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) based on performance and availability of places. There are also placement streams (including school and disability settings) providing industry-based learning experiences.
Entry to this course is very competitive and requires a recognised and accredited undergraduate psychology degree, plus either Honours in Psychology (with at least 2A Honours), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (with a distinction average), or a 4-year Bachelor of Psychology with evidence of relevant experience in the field.
Three reasons to study a Master of Applied Psychology (Professional) at Murdoch
- Learn from leading academics and experienced clinicians committed to helping you succeed in your studies.
- Gain professional experience with real people.
- Establish a network of valuable industry contacts through your practical placement that will open up employment opportunities when you graduate.
Key facts
What you will study
Core units
To complete the Master of Applied Psychology (Professional), you are required to fulfil 24 credit points. Each unit is valued at three credit points.
- Professional Psychology: Research Project
- Psychology: Advanced Research Methods
- Psychological Assessment: Theory and Method
- Psychotherapy in Practice
- Professional Psychology: Practicum 1
- Professional Psychology: Practicum 2 (Workplace Internship)
- Work and Well-being
Specified electives
- Clinical Psychology: Working with Children and Families
- Clinical Psychology: Working with Adults
Entry requirements
Entry to the program is very competitive and requires a Bachelor's degree with at least 2A Honours in Psychology or equivalent, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. Applicants must also supply referee reports and a personal statement detailing their past accomplishments, plans and interests in the graduate psychology program. Interviews will be offered to the best candidates. Students with overseas qualifications who are accepted into the course and who wish to seek registration in Australia after graduation should ensure that their undergraduate qualifications meet the requirements of the relevant psychology registration board for equivalence to a four-year Australian degree in Psychology with at least 2A Honours. Applications with qualifications obtained outside Australia must have a formal assessment completed by the Australian Psychological Society before applying to study.
English Requirements
To study at Murdoch, you must meet a minimum standard in English, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Years 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student or through English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Suicide Prevention
- Assessment for Adults and Children
- Intervention with children and adults
- Counselling skills
Career outcomes
You could work in the following areas: health, community development, justice, education and disabilities. Careers could include:
- School Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist (if you gain entry after completing the Master's of Applied Psychology Professional)
- Paediatric assessment services
- Disability Sector work
- Alcohol and Drug counselling
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated annual fee in 2025: $33,960 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated fee displayed is based on a standard full-time study load. Fees may increase each year. For courses longer than one year in duration, you'll pay the current fee for the year that you enrol.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
