Program Overview

Master of Psychological Science (Research)

Overview

The Master of Psychological Science (Research) is a postgraduate research degree that enables students to pursue research in any area of psychology. The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 Masters Degree by Research.

Key Facts

• Award: Master of Psychological Science (Research)
• Start dates: Anytime (2026)
• Duration: 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
• Learning mode: Research Training

About the Master of Psychological Science (Research)

This program allows students to pursue research in various areas, including but not limited to:

• Autism spectrum disorders
• Clinical and health psychology
• Behavioural neuroscience and neuropsychology
• Cognitive and developmental psychology
• Social and intercultural psychology

Academic Entry Requirement

The minimum academic requirement for entry to a Master of Psychological Science (Research) is a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degree completed within the last ten years with a weighted average mark of 70 or above.

Pathways

There are currently no alternative Pathway courses for this course.

What You'll Study

A range of work-based learning opportunities are available, including internships, mentoring, and industry-linked projects.

Master of Psychological Science (Research) Course and Career Outcomes

This degree will equip students with the tools and knowledge to pursue a research-related career in higher education, government, or the public health sector. Successful completion of the Master of Psychological Science (Research) can also serve as a pathway into a PhD.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Mastery of theoretical knowledge and ability to reflect critically on theory and its application
• Ability to analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and apply to established theories from different bodies of knowledge or practice
• Ability to generate and assess complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
• Ability to design, use and evaluate research and research methods
• Advanced communication and technical skills to present coherent arguments and disseminate research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Fees and Scholarships

Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents do not usually pay tuition fees for graduate research degrees, as the fees are covered by the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP).

Scholarships

Several scholarships are available for domestic and international students, including:

• Dennis McDermott Research Scholarships
• La Trobe Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) - candidates with disabilities
• Graduate Research PhD Project Scholarships
• La Trobe University - Sheffield Hallam University Joint PhD Program Scholarship
• La Trobe University - IIT Kanpur Joint PhD Program Scholarship
• La Trobe University - University of Bayreuth Joint PhD Program Scholarship
• Victorian Maternal and Child Health Nursing Scholarship
• Return of Native Title Materials PhD Scholarship
• Creating Safer Sport Communities PhD Scholarship
• Transforming early autism screening with multimodal AI

How to Apply

Applications for the Master of Psychological Science (Research) can be made directly through the university. Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period, and applications for these courses close one week prior.