Program Overview

Master of Professional Psychology

The Master of Professional Psychology at Victoria University 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.

Overview

Through in-depth learning and supervised placements under expert guidance, students build their skills and knowledge to progress towards becoming a practising psychologist. At VU Psychology Clinic, students provide psychological services under close supervision to a culturally diverse community seeking support for a range of mental health issues.

Duration and Delivery

• Duration: 1 year
• Delivery mode: In person
• Location: Footscray Park
• Next start date: 16 February 2026

Fees

• Tuition: AU$19,100 per semester

Learning Outcomes

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.
7. Appraise ethical and professional conduct issues faced by practising psychologists and exhibit high standards of social and ethical responsibility.

Course Structure

To attain the Master of Professional Psychology, students will be required to complete 96 credit points of Core units, including:

• 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

Applicants will need to meet specific academic qualifications, including completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited four-year sequence in psychology. Additional requirements include:

• IELTS (or equivalent) with an overall score of 7 and no band less than 7.0.
• Submission of a completed VU supplementary information form.
• Provision of two referee statements.
• Attendance at an interview (for shortlisted applicants).
• Obtaining a Working with Children Check prior to being placed in a work placement setting.

Careers

The Master of Professional Psychology provides an accredited pathway to registration as a psychologist. After graduating, students can apply for a required internship year of supervised practice in psychology, as approved by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). Following completion of both this course and the internship year, students 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 can pursue rewarding careers in private, public, and non-profit mental health services, youth mental health and school settings, rehabilitation and disability services, advocacy, and program development.