Overview
Become a professional clinical psychologist working with children, adolescents and adults when you study the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology).
You'll study a range of assessments, therapies and rehabilitation techniques and undertake clinical field placements in agencies across Melbourne. As part of your professional training you'll also see clients at the VU Psychology Clinic.
This program has a strong emphasis on both cognitive and psychodynamic therapeutic perspectives.
The course provides an APAC-accredited pathway to practice as a fully-registered professional psychologist. In addition, appropriately-qualified applicants can continue postgraduate training in the area of Clinical Psychology.
Graduates qualify for registration as a psychologist in Victoria and membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
The program has been designed to meet the accreditation standards of the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC).
Applications & closing dates
Candidates who have completed an APAC accredited 5th year qualification may be eligible to apply for a place to join the course after applications are closed.
Please contact [email protected] if you are a current 5th year student interested in considering a 6th year in Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) AMAL. Current VU HMPP students will be contacted via email and invited to submit an EOI to be considered for a 6th year place in AMAL.
Applicants need to arrange two referee reports (one personal and one academic) via the Australian Psychology Postgraduate Reference System.
Applicants also need to provide a resume/CV with their application.
Please note: places are limited and meeting the minimum requirements will not guarantee entry to this course.
Advanced theory & practice
As a student of this course you'll learn advanced theory, engage in practical classes and complete a minor Master research thesis. In addition, you'll participate in selected fieldwork placements, under the direct supervision of experienced psychologists (with appropriate endorsement from the Psychology Board of Australia).
The course adopts a lifespan framework, training graduates in a wide range of assessment and therapeutic techniques with adults, children and adolescents, with a particular emphasis on both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural perspectives. The approach embraces a reflective and scientist-practitioner perspective, providing evidence-based interventions for enabling well-being and human flourishing.
Careers
This course equips you for a career as a specialist professional psychologist in the area of Clinical Psychology.
Psychology Board of Australia endorsement enables you to practice as a professional psychologist. With further supervision in the area of Clinical Psychology, you'll become eligible for a Medicare provider number.
Our Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) is accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC).
Course structure
To attain the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) students will be required to complete:
- 192 credit points of Core studies.
Course structure and units
-
- Unit code
- APC6085
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC6086
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC6087
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC6088
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC6089
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC6091
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC6092
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC7003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC7004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC7005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC7008
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC7009
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC7901
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC7902
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APM7008
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HCP6001
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Appraise the contribution, demands and responsibilities of psychologists in the delivery of comprehensive multidisciplinary health care systems; | ||
| 2. | Critically analyse psychological problems from different perspectives and levels, incorporating cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; | ||
| 3. | Formulate and evaluate evidence-based, appropriately complex and effective intervention plans for clients with psychological difficulties; | ||
| 4. | Critically review the professional literature to identify and apply best practice guidelines for intervention; | ||
| 5. | Conduct research that contributes to the professional evidence base of clinical psychology; | ||
| 6. | Critically evaluate core ethical and professional conduct issues that practising psychologists are likely to encounter; and | ||
| 7. | Exhibit advanced interpersonal and communication skills to debate and elucidate complex ideas and to engage with diverse individuals and multiple stakeholders, including other health care professionals. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Completion of Bachelor Honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology (accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, completed within the last 10 years, with a minimum average of at least 75 in fourth-year sequence).
OR
Completion of an Australian Graduate Diploma (or equivalent) in Psychology (accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, completed within the last 10 years, with a minimum average of at least 75).
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
Additional information
Applicants will also be required to:
- Submit a completed VU supplementary information form.
- Provide two referee statements (one personal and one academic) submitted via Australian Psychology - Postgraduate Reference System at https://www.psychologyreference.org/
- Attend an interview (short listed applicants only)
- Obtain a Working with Children Check prior to being placed in a work placement setting, in accordance with the accreditation requirements and the Department of Justice.
Applicants with qualifications obtained overseas have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
How to apply
Applications for this course are not being taken at this time.
Browse our other Health & biomedicine courses or send us an enquiry to be notified of updates relating to this course.
Enquire now
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