Course summary

This course is for graduates of a four-year accredited psychology program. The primary aim is to provide a 5th year of supervised practice and structured learning to prepare candidates for a final year of supervised internship in the field of psychological practice, prior to applying for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

The Master of Professional Psychology provides one year of full-time education in the professional practice of psychology that:

• forms the foundation for professional practice, building on the existing knowledge and skills base acquired as part of an APAC-accredited (Australian Psychology Accreditation Council) four-year undergraduate course;
• takes an evidence-based approach based to the scientist-practitioner model;
• is broad and generalist in nature; and
• grounds the core professional competencies as outlined in the APAC accreditation standards.

Teaching methods include a combination of lectures, workshops, skills training, on-line and supervised work-based practicums, both at the University's Northfields Psychology Clinic and at external placements. The emphasis is on skills training and includes demonstration sessions, audio-visual recording of assessment and therapy, case presentations, role-play activities and feedback and reflection.