Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Professional Psychology (MPP) at The University of Notre Dame Australia is a one-year full time program that offers psychology graduates a 5th year of study as an essential step towards accreditation as a general psychologist. This program is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited Level 3 program of study. The program focuses on the integration of theory and professional practice and allows students to develop the advanced knowledge, skills, capabilities and attributes required for the safe and ethical practice of psychology. Through a combination of coursework, research and supervised placements, this program will enable you to develop advanced knowledge and skills in psychological assessment, intervention, research and practice. With an emphasis on the integration of science practice with critical thinking, ethics and the consideration of cultural diversity, this program prepares you for professional practice in psychology based on quality client care and psychological services focused on the whole human person.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Broadway, NSW - The University of Notre Dame Australia

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited 4-year sequence of study in Psychology within the last 10 years, with a minimum of Second-Class Honours Division B or equivalent
Be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist (NB students must obtain and provide evidence of provisional registration from the Psychology Board of Australia before commencing the program and maintain it over the course of their program)
Demonstrate suitability to undertake the course as evidenced by satisfactory: Referee reports via Psychology Reference Portal; CV and personal statement; and, for short-listed candidates, interview with the selection committee
Applicants are required to register with the Psychology Reference System and nominate two referees (1 x academic and 1 x professional)
Submission of two academic references in place of a professional reference, or vice versa, will not be accepted
Only references submitted through the Psychology Reference System by the application closing date will be accepted
CV: Maximum length of two A4 pages
Personal statement: Maximum one A4 page providing a reflective account of the candidate's motivation as well as why they believe they are well-suited to join the program and pursue a career as a psychologist
Students who have obtained their qualifications outside Australia must have their qualifications assessed prior to applying for this program and prior to applying for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
If you obtained your qualifications outside Australia, please submit evidence of your APS equivalency with your application
Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for Advanced Standing

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 Units10 units

PSYC5002

Ethics, Practice and Counselling Skills

First semester core unit

PSYC5007

Psychological Assessment

First semester core unit

PSYC5008

Psychological Interventions

First semester core unit

PSYC5004

Professional Psychology Placement A

First semester placement unit; 180 hours of practicum consisting of observations and simulated practice activities

PSYC5005

Professional Psychology Placement B

Second semester placement unit; 120 hours in an external placement with a partner organisation

PSYC5006

Professional Psychology Research Project

Second semester capstone research project

PSYC5001

Educational and Developmental Psychology

Elective option

PSYC5000

Clinical Psychology

Elective option

PSYC5003

Organisational Psychology

Elective option

PHIL6210

Philosophy and the Human Person

University of Notre Dame core unit; required for students entering from other universities

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many practicum hours are required and how are they structured?

The Master of Professional Psychology includes 300 practicum hours spread over one year. In Professional Psychology Practice A, students complete 180 hours of practicum consisting of observations and simulated practice activities. In Professional Psychology Practice B, students complete 120 hours in an external placement with a partner organisation.

What are the elective requirements and do they differ depending on where I completed my undergraduate degree?

Students select two electives from the available options (Educational and Developmental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Organisational Psychology, and Philosophy and the Human Person). University of Notre Dame students who have previously completed the University Core Curriculum in undergrad and/or Honours can choose two electives from the psychology options. Students entering the program from other universities will need to complete PHIL6210 Philosophy and the Human Person as the University of Notre Dame core and choose one elective.

Is this program accredited and does it count towards becoming a registered psychologist?

Yes, the Master of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a Level 3 program and is approved by the Psychology Board of Australia. It offers psychology graduates a 5th year of study as an essential step towards accreditation as a general psychologist, and meets the minimum of 300 hours of practicum in the 5th year of study set out by the Psychology Board of Australia and APAC.

What is the application deadline and what does the application process involve?

The application deadline for Semester 1 2027 intake is Thursday, 15 October 2026, and late applications will not be accepted. Interviews are expected to take place in November 2026. The application process involves submitting referee reports via the Psychology Reference Portal (one academic and one professional referee), a CV of maximum two A4 pages, a personal statement of maximum one A4 page, and for short-listed candidates, an interview with the selection committee.

Can I apply to study at either the Fremantle or Sydney campus?

Yes, the program is offered at both the Fremantle and Sydney campuses. However, given that admission is on a competitive basis, requests to study at a different campus after the interview or after an offer has been accepted will not be acceded to. Applicants will only be considered for and offered a place at the campus at which they applied and interviewed for.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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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Master of Professional Psychology

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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