Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

What you will study

To attain the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology), students are required to complete 192 credit points consisting of:

Core units

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
• Foundations of Psychotherapy
• Clinical Assessment
• Professional Ethics
• Psychopathology and Diagnosis
• Psychology of Health and Community
• Practicum 1
• Practicum 2
• 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 must have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. VU also consider non-academic research and work experience for VU's research candidates.

Completing 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

You may be eligible for one of VU's special admission programs if you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have completed your studies at another university or institution, you may be eligible to receive credit for skills and past studies.

Units can be credited if they are part of the course structure you are applying for. Please note that credits relating to prior VU subjects are automatically granted and no further action is required.

Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning 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.

Career outcomes

The Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) provides an accredited pathway to registration as a psychologist. After graduating, you can apply for two years of supervised practice in clinical psychology through the ‘registrar program’, after which you will become eligible to apply for endorsement in the area of Clinical Psychology with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

Graduates of the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at VU go on to have rewarding careers that match their passions and interests in the following areas:

• Private, public and non-profit mental health services
• Hospitals and interprofessional settings
• Youth mental health and school settings
• Rehabilitation and disability services
• Policy, advocacy and program development
• Research and evaluation
• Child protection, forensic services and related areas

Graduates qualify for registration as a psychologist in Victoria and membership in the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2025: $30,400 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The indicative annual fee is calculated based on eight units of study or 96 credit points.

The fees depend on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for Advanced Standing, which is assessed after you submit your application.

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.