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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March
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Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
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Location
Online
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
Not applicable
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.5
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
MProfPsych
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Course code
1209250
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Credit points
96
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Equivalent units
8
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
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Start Date
-
Duration
1 year full-time
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Location
-
Placement
Yes Learn more
-
ATAR
Not applicable
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.5
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
MProfPsych
-
Course code
1209250
-
Credit points
96
-
Equivalent units
8
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
The Master of Professional Psychology provides an additional year of academic study for graduates of Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours degree programs. These five years of study – the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours and the new Masters of Professional Psychology combined – represent the academic pre-requisites for a further one-year internship and eligibility to sit the Psychology Board national exam to register as a Psychologist in Australia.
The Master of Professional Psychology develops skills and advanced knowledge in the core areas of professional psychological practice and includes two compulsory one-week face-to-face residentials at Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour campus and 300 hours of professional placement. Students are allocated to their placement by Southern Cross University and most placements are located between the Gold Coast and Port Macquarie (including inland surrounding areas) and within the footprint of our campuses located at Coffs Harbour, Lismore and the Gold Coast. Please note requirements, including vaccination, for placement as part of the course requirements below. Graduates of the Master of Professional Psychology will be well-prepared to complete their final year of supervised internship prior to applying for registration as a general psychologist.
Southern Cross University offers a comprehensive program of psychology training, 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.
Psychologists for Community Scholarship
Southern Cross University’s Psychologists for Community Scholarship supports students from diverse backgrounds who wish to become registered psychologists by assisting with course fees. Students from rural, remote and regional areas, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, single parents or carers, and those impacted by financial disadvantage are invited to apply. Find out more about this scholarship and how to apply.
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.
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“My experience at Southern Cross has been really good. There has been a vast array of opportunities for me. I've seen the whole spectrum of what I'm capable of doing."
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| 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 300 hours of professional placement providing students with the opportunity to develop skills in supervised clinical settings. Please note there are pre-requisites for professional placement. Visit Faculty of Health Professional Experience for details.
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 |
|---|---|
| Online | Term  1 |
Career Outcomes
As an additional year of postgraduate study following the the Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours, this course completes the academic pre-requisites for registration as a Psychologist in Australia. A one-year internship must also be completed in conjunction with the Psychology Board national exam before registration with APHRA and the Psychology Board of Australia.
This degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
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:
- 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
- be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia; and
- submit a maximum 400 word (one page) response to “What attributes will you bring to the psychology profession?”; and
- provide two referee reports (preferably one academic and one professional) 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.
International applicants will need to meet the English language requirement set by the Psychology Board of Australia and have their overseas qualifications 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:
- Provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia; and
- National Police Certificate; and
- 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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.5 |
| Listening | minimum 6.0 |
| Speaking | minimum 6.0 |
| Reading | minimum 6.0 |
| Writing | minimum 6.0 |
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 Equity and Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Equity 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.
Other things to consider
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Going straight from school to a degree is one way to start uni, but it’s not the only way.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you just left school, Southern Cross University offer two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
Course structure
Why Health at SCU
One of the best clinical lab facilities in Australia
Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums
5-star health ratings
We are 5-star rated in psychology, nursing and health services and support
(GUG 2023)Graduates in very high demand
Health graduates in very high demand as Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry
Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Applications can be made directly to the University through our Application Portal.
Notice: Please note applications for this course close 17 October 2022. Application assessment, interviews and offers will commence in November 2022.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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How can we help?
Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway