Overview
Pursue a career as a community psychologist with the Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology).
You'll be part of a vibrant learning environment where your psychology skills and knowledge will be directed towards applied community psychology.
This course is founded on the scientist–practitioner model of professional training. Two key elements of the model are:
- combined knowledge and skills acquisition with reality-based psychological understandings
- facilitation of a clear stance of inquiry in relation to all aspects of theory, research and practice.
You'll undertake a combination of theoretical coursework, skill-based practice coursework, practicum placements and an applied community psychology focused research project.
Graduating students will have completed 1000 hours of supervised practical placement experience.
To practise as a psychologist, you must meet the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia. This involves completing a minimum six-year sequence of study in psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
This course is a fully APAC accredited 5th and 6th year of psychology training.
Applications & closing dates
Due to limited places and a high volume of applications, it is important applicants apply early. If places are filled in the timely round, round two and three applications will not be considered, or applications may close early.
- Round One (timely round) - Applications close Sunday 2 October 2022. All applications submitted prior to Sunday 2 October will be considered as timely.
- Round Two – Applications close Sunday 30 October 2022 (if places available)
- Round Three – Applications close Sunday 27 November 2022 (if places available)
A reminder that 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 and complete the supplementary form available as part of the application process.
Find more information about how to apply on this page.
Careers in psychology
Graduates may find employment in:
- community mental health
- organisational, applied social, environmental, ecological and health psychology or related areas
- policy development, research and evaluation
- community organising, advocacy and program development
- applied social, environmental health psychology
- community psychology and related areas.
Our Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) is accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC).
Upon completion, graduates can apply for General Registration and an Area of Practice Endorsement through the Psychology Board of Australia. Graduates can also apply for membership of Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Community Psychologists.
Course structure
To attain the Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) students are 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
- APC7901
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APC7902
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APM6010
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APM7008
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HCP6001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APM7003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APM7004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APM7005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APM7006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- APM7007
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Interrogate and interpret social and psychological problems and interventions from community psychological perspectives, including understanding of collaborative care; | ||
| 2. | Critically analyse and adapt skills and strategies in social and psychological problem intervention to multiple levels of analysis and to different bodies of knowledge or professional practice; | ||
| 3. | Critically analyse psychological problems from different perspectives and levels, incorporating cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; | ||
| 4. | Critically apply intervention skills to a variety of contexts, including: program and policy design, implementation and evaluation; organisation and facilitation of groups and alliances; counselling and advocacy for individuals and groups and, the promotion and strengthening of social networks; | ||
| 5. | Assess and critically apply appropriate research methodologies and independent research skills to identify and analyse complex problems from a range of community and applied settings; | ||
| 6. | Conduct and report on research in groups and/or individually, that contributes to the professional evidence base of community psychology; | ||
| 7. | Exhibit advanced interpersonal and communication skills to debate and elucidate complex ideas and to engage with diverse individuals and multiple stakeholders; | ||
| 8. | Critically review ethical and professional conduct issues faced by practising psychologists and exhibit high standards of social and ethical responsibility; | ||
| 9. | Evaluate the interconnections between theory, research and professional practice from a diverse range of community psychological perspectives. |
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 Psychological 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 Psychological 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 Psychology courses or send us an enquiry to be notified of updates relating to this course.
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