Prepare for your final internship to become a practising psychologist, with a Master of Professional Psychology.

The Master of Professional Psychology provides an accredited pathway to register with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as a practising psychologist. Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), this course concludes five years of university training, followed by a required year of supervised psychology practice at a professional internship of your choice, outside the university.

Through in-depth learning and supervised placements under expert guidance, you will build your skills and knowledge to progress towards becoming a practising psychologist.

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 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 fourth-year sequence). PLUS IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 7 (with no band less than 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) in keeping with the AHPRA registration Standard for English Language Skills. Applicants would need to have their relevant studies formally assessed by the Australian Psychological Society for equivalency.

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

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

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.