Victoria University
Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Prepare for a career as a Clinical Psychologist with a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at Victoria University.
Course overview
The Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at VU provides an accredited pathway to clinical psychology endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as a fully registered psychologist. During your study, you will:
- Learn advanced theory and psychological practice skills.
- Engage in practical classes and fieldwork placements.
- Complete a minor master's research thesis.
With a unique emphasis on cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic therapeutic practice, this course will maximise your opportunities to apply a range of assessment, formulation and therapeutic techniques in clinical field placements at agencies across Melbourne and the VU Psychology Clinic. For strong career outcomes, you will have opportunities to:
- Practise both face-to-face and using telehealth.
- Facilitate group psychotherapy programs.
- Apply for a placement at VU's Orygen outpost, where you will gain experience in providing early interventions for youth mental health.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
To attain the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology), students are required to complete 192 credit points consisting of core studies:
Year one
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
- Foundations of Psychotherapy
- Clinical Assessment
- Professional Ethics
- Psychopathology and Diagnosis
- Psychology of Health and Community
- Practicum 1
- Practicum 2
Year two
- Clinical Placement 1
- Clinical Placement 2
- Advanced Clinical Practice
- Evidence-Based Therapy Developments
- Thesis 1 (24 credit points)
- Thesis 2 (24 credit points)
Entry requirements
To be considered for postgraduate study, you will need to have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. Victoria University also considers non-academic research and work experience for research candidates.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited four-year undergraduate sequence in psychology comprising a three-year major in psychology as part of an undergraduate degree, plus a fourth year Honours specialisation (or equivalent) in psychology. This qualification should be completed within the last 10 years, with a minimum average of at least 75 in the fourth-year sequence.
Applicants will also be required to:
- Submit a completed VU supplementary information form.
- Provide two referee statements (one personal and one academic) submitted via the Australian Psychology Postgraduate Reference System.
- Attend an interview (shortlisted applicants only)
- Obtain a Working with Children Check before being placed in a work placement setting, following the accreditation requirements and the Department of Justice. Students with an overseas qualification in psychology must provide certification from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) that their qualification/s are equivalent to an APAC-approved, four-year sequence in psychology.
Special entry programs
If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of the university's special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have completed a study with another university or institution, you may be eligible to receive credit for skills and past study.
Units can be credited if they are part of the course structure for the course you are applying for. Please note that credits relating to prior VU subjects are automatically granted and no further action is required.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Appraise the contribution, demands and responsibilities of psychology practice in the interprofessional context.
- Critically analyse psychological problems from diverse perspectives and levels, incorporating cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Formulate and evaluate evidence-based and effective intervention plans for clients with psychological difficulties across the lifespan.
- Critically review evidence-based literature to identify and apply best practice guidelines for psychological assessment and intervention.
- Exhibit advanced interpersonal and interprofessional communication skills to debate and elucidate complex ideas and to engage in a culturally responsive manner with diverse individuals and multiple stakeholders.
- Investigate and execute a substantial research-based project that contributes to the professional evidence base of clinical psychology.
- Critically evaluate core ethical and professional conduct issues that practising psychologists are likely to encounter and exhibit high social and ethical responsibility standards.
- Formulate diagnostic conceptualisations of severe, chronic and/or complex mental health presentations to determine the most appropriate interventions and manage both risk and client rights.
Fees and CSP
Indicative fee per year in 2026: $16,992 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative fee per year in 2026: $34,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)
These fees are guide only, based on a typical full-time study load and do not include materials, such as textbooks.
Each unit has an associated cost. Your final student contribution amount will be the total cost of the units you select, which may be higher or lower than the fee listed here, depending on your chosen units.
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 (CSP)
If you're enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the government pays a portion of your fees while you pay the remaining balance, which is your ‘student contribution’.
Your student contribution can be paid up front or paid later through tax, when your income passes the repayment threshold.
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.
