University of Wollongong
Master of Professional Psychology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Provides a fifth year of supervised practice and structured learning to prepare candidates for a final year of supervised internship in the field of psychological practice before applying for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Course overview
The Master of Professional Psychology course is for graduates of a four-year accredited psychology program, designed for students seeking registration as a general psychologist.
The course provides one year of full-time education in the professional practice of psychology that:
- Forms the foundation for professional practice, building on the existing knowledge and skills base acquired as part of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited four-year undergraduate course;
- Takes an evidence-based approach based on the scientist-practitioner model;
- Is broad and generalist in nature; and
- Grounds the core professional competencies as outlined in the APAC accreditation standards.
The Master of Professional Psychology is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited, Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 9 Master's by Coursework degree designed to prepare candidates for a final year of supervised internship in the field of psychological practice before full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Applicants will already have completed a four-year APAC-accredited AQF Level 8 sequence in Psychology or an international equivalent.
This course provides one year of full-time education in the professional practice of psychology. The coursework aims to develop the knowledge and skills required in a professional psychological practice, building on the knowledge and skills base acquired during the undergraduate course. Case studies, simulated laboratory exercises and reflective assessment tasks scaffold skills development in a safe environment. Seminar presentations offer a chance to test your growing clinical expertise with peers and expose you to alternative cases and methods of practice. Students must demonstrate at least a Credit pass in the theory components of the course. Supervised practicum placements run alongside this coursework, allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world cases. Capstone research subjects and external practicum learning outcomes of the course are assured to a professionally acceptable level, which meets the core professional attributes and capabilities outlined in the APAC accreditation standards.
Key facts
What you will study
The Master of Professional Psychology requires completing 48 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is valued at six credit points.
Core subjects
- Practicum (12 credit points)
- Assessment
- Psychotherapy A
- Research A
- Psychotherapy B
- Applied Interventions
- Research B
Entry requirements
Students accepted into the course must have successfully completed a four-year, or a three-year plus a fourth year, Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)-accredited sequence in psychology within the previous 10 years and be eligible for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as a provisional psychologist.
Places in this course are limited. Entry is competitive and based on academic merit and personal suitability.
Work and life experience
Admission to UOW is primarily based on your academic qualifications, with work or life experience generally not considered. If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, UOW recommends exploring recognised pathway programs, such as those offered by UOW College or the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC).
English language requirements
All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying proficiency levels. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.
Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge and OET for specific health-related courses.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.
Credit for prior learning evaluates your study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.
UOW values lifelong learning and recognises various types of prior knowledge, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon course completion. Students graduating from this course will be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in ethical, legal and professional matters.
- Demonstrate professional skills working with people from across the lifespan and diverse groups.
- Conduct valid and reliable psychological assessments and reports.
- Formulate, implement and monitor recognised psychological interventions.
- Apply scientific research methods and knowledge to evaluate psychological practice.
Career outcomes
Possible career opportunities:
- Case Manager
- Consumer Behaviour Analyst
- Counsellor
- Psychologist
- Social Policy Analyst/Consultant
- Specialist Psychologist (Further Training Required)
- Substance Abuse Counsellor
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative tuition fee per session in 2025: $16,008 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Total indicative tuition fee in 2025: $32,016 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Session fees are for one session for the year shown. The total tuition fee shown is indicative and based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your costs will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
