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Master of Professional Psychology

Masters by Coursework

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    MProfPsych

  • Course code

    1209250

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Indicative Fee

    Fee paying

Overview

The Master of Professional Psychology is an accredited fifth-year degree on the '5+1' pathway to general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

The Master of Professional Psychology will provide students with the skills and advanced knowledge in the core areas of professional psychological practice. Graduates will be well-prepared to complete their final year of supervised internship before applying for registration as general psychologists.

The MPP is a comprehensive combination of coursework and practical experience to build your knowledge and skills in psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions across the life span, as well as ethical, professional and cultural considerations in psychological practice.   

Key features

  • Coursework units are delivered online by experts in the field. Students engage in active, interactive and discussion-based learning and are guided in completing online learning modules.
  • With the Southern Cross Model's innovative and unique model, each unit is completed over six weeks, with a two-week break between terms. This shorter structure delivers a deeper, immersive learning experience for students centred on greater interactivity and connection with real-world applications. 
  • Students will develop their practical skills by observing and participating in role play and other activities at the two one-week residentials at the Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour campus.
  • Students will apply their knowledge and skills from coursework to professional psychological practice in real-world settings by completing a compulsory 300-hour placement.
  • During your placement, you will be supervised by an experienced Board approved psychologist supervisor.
  • Students can complete their placement in diverse approved settings located across Australia, with most located in New South Wales and Queensland. Students may be required to travel outside of their area of residence to attend placements at their own expense.
  • This course has travel expectations - please read the information below on placements carefully.

Please note:

From 2023 the Master of Professional Psychology has been approved by the Department of Social Services for Student Assistance to eligible students for the following payments: Youth Allowance (student), Austudy and the Pensioner Education Supplement.

Southern Cross University offers a comprehensive psychology training program, taught by experts in the field with established professional networks. Students have access to 5-star learning resources (Good Universities Guide 2021) and become part of a dynamic research and learning community.

In order to submit referee reports as required as part of the application process for this course, it will be necessary for you to register with the Australian Psychology Postgraduate Reference Request System and complete the process with them.

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Apply evidence-based, culturally responsive approaches to psychological practice across the lifespan, with a range of socially and culturally diverse people

GA2: Creativity

Synthesise, analyse and interpret complex information, from multiple sources to determine the most appropriate psychological intervention, including the management of risk

GA3: Ethical practice

Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking into account the impact of personal values and beliefs, with appropriate actions

Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal requirements and effective work practises whilst operating within the scope of professional practice

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Apply a range of skills and theoretical knowledge to select, administer and interpret a comprehensive range of psychological assessments

GA5: Lifelong learning

Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature and utilise advanced research and academic skills to inform professional practice

GA6: Communication and social skills

Demonstrate professional communication skills that are culturally responsive and adaptable across all psychological practice

GA7: Cultural competence

Monitor, evaluate, and reflect on the effectiveness of professional practice at the level of the consumer, within their support networks and the broader community, implementing changes as needed

This course includes a compulsory 300 hours of Working Integrated Learning (WIL), providing students with the opportunity to develop skills in supervised clinical settings. 

WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course:

  • Placement Locations: While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment, as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel.
  • Travel and Costs: You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses.
  • Fit-to-Practice Requirements: Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, immunisations (as per the Australian National Immunisation Program), mask-fit testing, First Aid and CPR certification and National Police Certificate checks. 

 More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty WIL page.

In addition to the professional placement, this course covers culture, communication and professional practice, research methods for psychology practitioners, as well as psychological assessment, psychopathology and psychological interventions for children, adolescents and adults.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Online Term 1 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The Master of Professional Psychology is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Applicants must:

  1. have completed an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited four-year sequence in psychology within the last ten years with a Second Class Honours Division one (or above) (Honours AQF Level 8) or equivalent; and
  2. be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia; and
  3. submit a maximum 400 word response to “What attributes will you bring to the psychology profession?” or similar; and
  4. provide two referee reports (this could be either one Academic and one Professional reference, or two Professional References, depending on your circumstances) that comment on suitability for the professional psychology program and psychological practice. Referee reports must be submitted via the Australian Psychology Postgraduate Reference Request System. Professional experience is desired.

Shortlisted applicants must attend an interview by a panel comprising at least two members of the academic staff of the Discipline of Psychology. 

Applicants must meet the English language requirement (IELTS 7 or equivalent) set by the Psychology Board of Australia.  Applicants who have overseas qualifications will need to be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society

Additional requirements:

Once accepted into the program, but before undertaking any units of study, students must provide evidence of:

  1. Provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia; and
  2. National Police Certificate; and
  3. Working with Children Check.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score or equivalent7.0
Reading7.0
Writing7.0
Listening7.0
Speaking7.0

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Master of Professional Psychology, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising all core units.

Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Access and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Professional Experience Learning
This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

PSYC5002 Culture, Communication and Professional Practice
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term1
N/A
PSYC5003 Research Methods for Psychology Practitioners
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term1
N/A
PSYC6001 Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology: Adults
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term2
N/A
PSYC6002 Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology: Children and Adolescents
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term2
N/A
PSYC6003 Psychological Interventions: Adults
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term3
N/A
PSYC6004 Psychological Interventions: Children and Adolescents
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term3
N/A
PSYC6007 Professional Psychology Practicum
Tri Term2
24 Note 1
Location Domestic International
Online
Tri Term2
N/A
Pre-requisites PSYC5002 - Culture, Communication and Professional Practice
Enrolment information This unit includes two one-week compulsory residentials at a SCU campus. Students must successfully complete the residentials before progressing to placement. Those unable to attend should enrol in this unit only when they are able to participate in the required residentials. This unit contains a 300-hour supervised WIL experience in a professional psychology workplace. Students must meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL. Full details are available at http://www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.

Note 1:

This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Please refer to the unit details for more information.

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
PSYC5002 Culture, Communication and Professional Practice
PSYC5003 Research Methods for Psychology Practitioners
PSYC6002 Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology: Children and Adolescents
PSYC6001 Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology: Adults
PSYC6004 Psychological Interventions: Children and Adolescents
PSYC6003 Psychological Interventions: Adults
PSYC6007 Professional Psychology Practicum Note 1