The Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) 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 masters research thesis.

With a unique emphasis on both 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.

For strong career outcomes, you will have opportunities to:

• practise both face-to-face and using telehealth
• facilitate group psychotherapy programs

To be considered for postgraduate study, you will need to have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. We also consider non-academic research and work experience for our 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 fourth-year sequence. PLUS IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 7.0 (with no band less than 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) in keeping with the AHPRA Registration Standard for English Language Skills.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Appraise the contribution, demands and responsibilities of psychology practice, including in the interprofessional context;
2. Critically analyse psychological problems from diverse perspectives and levels, incorporating cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
3. Formulate and evaluate evidence-based and effective intervention plans for clients with psychological difficulties across the lifespan;
4. Critically review evidence-based literature to identify and apply best practice guidelines for psychological assessment and intervention;
5. 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;
6. Investigate and execute a substantial research based project that contributes to the professional evidence base of clinical psychology;
7. Critically evaluate core ethical and professional conduct issues that practising psychologists are likely to encounter and exhibit high standards of social and ethical responsibility; and
8. 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.

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.