Master of Professional Psychology

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

1. Critically review and elucidate the contribution, demands and responsibilities of psychologists in the delivery of comprehensive collaborative care;
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.

Based on the scientist-practitioner model of advanced psychology training, this postgraduate psychology course combines practical classes and supervised practice to help you acquire and apply the following skills:

• psychological and cognitive assessment, case formulation and diagnosis of a range of common mental health and neurodevelopmental issues
• ethical decision-making to support your safe and effective practice across interprofessional settings
• culturally sensitive practice to assist your work with diverse communities
• evidence-based interventions to support the wellbeing and recovery of young people, adults, older adults, groups and families.

Over two practicum units, you will undertake at least 300 hours of supervised work placement at VU Psychology Clinic, where you will provide psychological services to members of a culturally diverse community seeking support for a range of mental health issues. You can also apply for a placement at our Orygen outpost. 

In addition, several of our units include role-playing practitioner-client interactions in different contexts to ensure you feel best prepared to support real clients at VU Psychology Clinic. Our teaching, clinic and supervision staff bring a wealth of practical experience from the private and public mental health sectors to enhance your professional development at every stage of your training.

Upon completing a Master of Professional Psychology at VU, graduates will have the competencies to complete a required year of supervised psychology practice at a professional internship of your choice, outside the university.

After completing this final internship year, you will become eligible to sit the National Psychology Exam and apply for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) through the '5+1 internship model' for registration.

The Master of Professional Psychology is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as a suitable program of study for the purpose of gaining registration as a psychologist.

Study this course via our award-winning VU Block Model®, where you complete one subject at a time over four weeks, rather than juggling several at once. 

Learning in workshop-style classes, you’ll develop strong connections with your peers and practical skills for your future career. 

You’ll also get fast feedback on your assignments, helping you to improve quickly as you progress through your course.

Learn more about the VU Block Model®