Master of Science in Medicine (Advanced) (Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy)

What you will study

Students must complete 60 credit points, including:

• 48 credit points of study as required for the Master of Medicine
• 12 credit points of project units of study

Unless otherwise indicated, each unit is worth three credit points.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Master of Science in Medicine (Advanced) (Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy) requires one of the following:

• Successful completion of the requirements of the embedded Graduate Certificate in Science in Medicine or Graduate Diploma in Science in Medicine with a minimum credit average.
• A bachelor's degree with honours in a health or science-related discipline from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.
• A bachelor's degree plus a postgraduate degree in a health or science-related discipline from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.
• A bachelor's degree in a health or science-related discipline from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.

The following are also required:

• Minimum 12 months’ experience in a clinical area related to mental health.
• Current professional indemnity insurance to practise psychotherapy in Australia.
• Satisfactory performance at an interview as required.

English language requirements

If English is your first language, you may be able to meet the English language requirements if you have citizenship or permanent long-term residency (minimum ten years) and completed secondary or higher education (tertiary) studies recognised by the University in an approved English-speaking country.

If English is not your first language, you can prove English proficiency with an approved English skills test within two years of commencing the course.

Required scores:

• IELTS score: A minimum score of 7.0 overall and a minimum of 6.5 in each band.
• TOEFL - IBT score: A minimum result of 96 overall, including a minimum result of 20 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 22 in Writing.
• Pearson's Test of English: A minimum result of 72 overall and a minimum result of 64 in each band.

Please contact the university or visit its website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Related study may be credited towards your degree. This may also include relevant work experience for some postgraduate courses. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Students will have opportunities to:

• Develop high levels of knowledge and appropriate skills in investigating Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (PDP) and Trauma-Informed process and outcome and in assessing the impact of trauma in patients presenting with mental health issues.
• Learn to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams on the practical challenges faced by professionals working in these areas.
• Acquire skills recognised as essential components of the professional training in psychotherapy practice and research.
• Learn to critically evaluate relevant research and contribute to the growing body of evidence-based, effective interventions.

Career outcomes

The course aims to train clinicians to deal effectively, in a trauma-informed and specific way, with people presenting for psychotherapy, including those suffering from psychological disorders not aided by the more traditional psychotherapies.

After completing the course, you will have enriched skills in psychotherapy research, which may serve as preparation for Higher Degree Research, such as a Master’s of Philosophy or a PhD.

Fees and CSP

Indicative amount in 2026: Fee information is not yet available (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Indicative amount in 2026: $35,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The indicative amounts to complete the first 48 credit points in 2026 are calculated based on one year of full-time study (1 EFTSL).

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

• 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.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
• Depending on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students.