Master of Professional Psychology

What you will study

To attain the Master of Professional Psychology, students are required to complete 96 credit points consisting of:

Core units

• Foundations of Psychotherapy
• Clinical Assessment
• Psychopathology and Diagnosis
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
• Psychology of Health and Community
• Evidence-Based Practice for Psychologists
• Practicum 1
• Practicum 2

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 70 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:

• Critically review and elucidate the contribution, demands and responsibilities of psychology practice including in the interprofessional context;
• Critically analyse social and psychological issues 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;
• Critically review psychological research literature, using established research procedures, to investigate a topic relevant to the evidence-base of professional psychology practice; and
• Appraise ethical and professional conduct issues faced by practising psychologists and exhibit high social and ethical responsibility standards.

Career outcomes

The Master of Professional Psychology provides an accredited pathway to registration as a psychologist. After graduating, you can apply for a required internship year of supervised practice in psychology, as approved by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). After completing this course and the internship year, you will become eligible to sit the National Psychology Exam and apply for registration as a general psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

Graduates of the Master of Professional Psychology at VU go on to have rewarding careers that match their passions and interests in these areas:

• Private, public and non-profit mental health services
• Youth mental health and school settings
• Rehabilitation and disability services
• Advocacy and program development
• Child protection and related areas

Fees and FEE-HELP

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

The indicative full 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.