Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Professional Psychology (MProfPsych) is a fifth-year program in psychology, open to graduates of an APAC accredited fourth-year (or equivalent) psychology program. It provides graduates in psychology with an additional year of education in the professional practice of psychology, preparing them for a final year of supervised practice prior to general registration as a psychologist, and offers the '5 + 1' pathway to registration through that supervised practice pathway.

The program gives students the opportunity to learn and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the eight core capabilities and attributes required to practise psychology, through a simulated practicum unit and an external placement that let them translate theoretical knowledge into professional and simulated environments. Students complete a 300-hour external placement in a clinical setting; a dedicated MProfPsych Placement Coordinator helps them secure a placement with one of ACU's industry partners. On placement, students gain experience in assessment, diagnosis and therapy under close individual and group supervision by experienced Board approved supervisors, with options including schools, disability services, prisons, not-for-profit and private practice settings.

The course comprises 80 credit points: 70 credit points of specified units covering professional practice in psychology, psychological assessment, therapeutic skills, practicum skills, psychopathology, evidence-based practice and contemporary psychotherapy practice, plus a 10 credit point placement unit. It is offered at ACU's Melbourne and Strathfield campuses and is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). A minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $34,990

Duration

1 year full-time or equivalent part-time

Intakes

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027 (Applications open August 2026) | Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not offered this intake

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:
a.
- a Bachelor degree with Honours in an accredited Psychology course with a minimum of Honours IIB completed in the last 10 years; OR
- a Bachelor degree with accredited 4th-year equivalent major study in Psychology (with performance deemed of the same level as Honours IIB) completed in the last 10 years;
AND
b. demonstrated suitability to undertake the course as evidenced by satisfactory:
- academic referee report;
- professional referee report; and
- for short-listed candidates, interview with the selection committee.
AND
c. be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Students are required to obtain provisional registration as a psychologist prior to commencing the course, and to have completed a Working with Children check and appropriate police checks before they are able to complete practicum units.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

International students

International applicants must meet the same academic requirements as domestic applicants: an accredited Honours degree (minimum Honours IIB) or accredited 4th-year equivalent major study in Psychology completed in the last 10 years, satisfactory academic and professional referee reports, an interview for short-listed candidates, and eligibility for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
If the Bachelor degree was completed outside Australia, applicants must seek an 'Assessment of Overseas Qualifications' from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to confirm that it is equivalent to an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited three-year sequence in psychology. Evidence of this must be submitted with the application.
Applicants must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
IELTS: academic minimum overall score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands, or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Entry is on a competitive basis. All applicants are ranked in October the year prior to admission before being considered for an offer in early December.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be well prepared to work with individuals and groups across the lifespan in a variety of settings:
• Disability settings
• Forensic settings
• Hospital settings
• Community settings
• Private settings
• Educational settings

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units8 units

PSYC621

Professional Practice in Psychology

PSYC622

Practicum Skills

PSYC623

Psychopathology

PSYC624

Evidence Based Practice for Psychologists

PSYC630

Psychological Assessment

PSYC638

Therapeutic Skills

PSYC627

Contemporary Psychotherapy Practice

PSYC625

Professional Placement

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the Master of Professional Psychology for international students?

The estimated total course cost for international students is AU$38,264 in tuition fees, matching ACU's indicative first-year fee for this one-year course, with no additional non-tuition fees listed.

Does the Master of Professional Psychology include a work component?

Yes. ACU states that students complete a 300-hour external placement in a clinical setting, supported by a dedicated MProfPsych Placement Coordinator who helps students secure a placement with an industry partner.

Where can I study the Master of Professional Psychology at Australian Catholic University?

The Master of Professional Psychology is available at two campus locations: the Strathfield Campus in New South Wales and the Melbourne Campus in Victoria.

How long does the Master of Professional Psychology take to complete?

The course has a duration of 52 weeks, making it a one-year full-time masters program.

Is the Master of Professional Psychology eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

The course duration is 52 weeks, which is below the 92-week minimum required for extended Post-Study Work Rights eligibility. Therefore, this course does not qualify for extended Post-Study Work Rights under current criteria.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $61,000 to $80,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $80,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $124,000 per year

Career Paths

Clinical PsychologistCounselling PsychologistOrganisational / Industrial PsychologistForensic PsychologistSchool Psychologist / Educational Psychologist

Key Skills

Critical thinking and evidence-based reasoningPsychological assessment and diagnostic interviewingQuantitative and qualitative research design and analysisTherapeutic communication and active listeningReport writing and clinical documentation

Full Course Overview

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