Program Overview

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Master of Professional Psychology

Program Overview

The Master of Professional Psychology (MPP) at The University of Notre Dame Australia is a one-year full-time program that offers psychology graduates a 5th year of study as an essential step towards accreditation as a general psychologist. This program is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited Level 3 program of study. The program focuses on the integration of theory and professional practice and allows students to develop the advanced knowledge, skills, capabilities, and attributes required for the safe and ethical practice of psychology.

Why Study This Degree?

Through a combination of coursework, research, and supervised placements, this program will enable you to develop advanced knowledge and skills in psychological assessment, intervention, research, and practice. With an emphasis on the integration of science practice with critical thinking, ethics, and the consideration of cultural diversity, this program prepares you for professional practice in psychology based on quality client care and psychological services focused on the whole human person.

Program Summary

First Semester of Study

• PSYC5002 Ethics, Practice, and Counselling Skills
• PSYC5007 Psychological Assessment
• PSYC5008 Psychological Interventions
• PSYC5004 Professional Psychology Placement A

Second Semester of Study

• PSYC5005 Professional Psychology Placement B
• PSYC5006 Professional Psychology Research Project (project)
• Elective options (select 2):
  • PSYC5001 Educational and Developmental Psychology
  • PSYC5000 Clinical Psychology
  • PSYC5003 Organisational Psychology
  • PHIL6210 Philosophy and the human person

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admission and Credit.

Specific Program Requirements for Admission

To be eligible for admission to the program, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited 4-year sequence of study in Psychology within the last 10 years, with a minimum of Second-Class Honours Division B or equivalent;
2. Be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist (NB students must obtain and provide evidence of provisional registration from the Psychology Board of Australia before commencing the program and maintain it over the course of their program);
3. Demonstrate suitability to undertake the course as evidence by satisfactory:

• Referee reports (1 x academic and 1 x professional) via HODSPA; and
• CV and personal statement; and
• For short-listed candidates, interview with the selection committee.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master of Professional Psychology, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply professional, ethical, legal, and cultural standards and competencies to the practice of psychology
2. Apply advanced theoretical knowledge and evidence-based, scientific methods to solve complex research and practice-based problems in professional psychology
3. Effectively employ professional communication, in oral and written formats, across a wide range of audiences in a culturally safe manner
4. Collaborate effectively with clients and other service providers
5. Apply advanced knowledge and skills to engage in ethical and safe psychological assessment under appropriate supervision
6. Employ advanced knowledge and skills to engage in ethical and safe psychological interventions under appropriate supervision
7. Engage in self-reflective professional practice to evaluate, maintain, and improve professional competence
8. Utilise advanced knowledge and skill to interact and work with clients across the lifespan and from diverse cultural settings, in culturally safe ways, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds; and
9. Design and execute a substantial research project relevant to the professional practice of psychology.

Practical Component

The Master of Professional Psychology includes 300 practicum hours that are spread over one year. In Professional Psychology Practice A, students will complete 180 hours of practicum, consisting of observations and simulated practice activities. In Professional Psychology Practice B, students will complete 120 hours in an external placement with a partner organisation. Fitness to practice and inherent requirements apply. Students are required to register as provisional psychologists with the Psychology Board of Australia before commencing the program.

Real-World Experience

You will learn from academics who are industry leaders, and, through our practicum placements, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

Supervision

During your practicum, you will receive regular individual and group supervision by psychologists holding board-approved supervisor status with the Psychology Board of Australia for the practicum component of the training. This program meets the minimum of 300 hours of practicum in the 5th year of study, set out by the Psychology Board of Australia and APAC.

Research Focus

This program offers a capstone research project that meets APAC standards. This project offers students the opportunity to investigate a small professional psychology research project and is coordinated and supervised by an appropriately qualified academic staff member.

Mode of Study and Assessment

The Master of Professional Psychology is offered on campus, as full-time or part-time study.

Scholarships

Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

Fees and Costs

This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

• The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.
• The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

International Full-Fee Paying

Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.