Psychology student speaking to someone with back of head to camera

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March

  • Duration

    1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

  • Location

    Online

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    MProfPsych

  • Course code

    1209250

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    1 year full-time

  • Location

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

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 is an accredited fifth-year degree on the '5+1' pathway to general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

The Master of Professional Psychology will provide students with the skills and advanced knowledge in the core areas of professional psychological practice. Graduates will be well-prepared to complete their final year of supervised internship before applying for registration as general psychologists.

The MPP is a comprehensive combination of coursework and practical experience to build your knowledge and skills in psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions across the life span, as well as ethical, professional and cultural considerations in psychological practice.   

Key features

  • Coursework units are delivered online by experts in the field. Students engage in active, interactive and discussion-based learning and are guided in completing online learning modules.
  • With the Southern Cross Model's innovative and unique model, each unit is completed over six weeks, with a two-week break between terms. This shorter structure delivers a deeper, immersive learning experience for students centred on greater interactivity and connection with real-world applications. 
  • Students will develop their practical skills by observing and participating in role play and other activities at the two one-week residentials at the Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour campus.
  • Students will apply their knowledge and skills from coursework to professional psychological practice in real-world settings by completing a compulsory 300-hour placement.
  • During your placement, you will be supervised by an experienced Board approved psychologist supervisor.
  • Placement settings are diverse and are generally 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:

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.

Southern Cross University offers a comprehensive psychology training program, 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.

A woman smiling at the camera

"The course provided me with foundational knowledge and skills, supported by passionate and knowledgeable teachers. I feel fortunate to have been connected with a placement site in my local region, where I completed my internship and gained employment in private practice."

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.

Learn more

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 a compulsory 300 hour 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
OnlineTerm  1

Career Outcomes

The Master of Professional Psychology is an accredited fifth-year degree on the '5+1' pathway to general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

After graduating from the Master of Professional Psychology program and completing a one-year internship and the National Psychology Exam, graduates will be eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

As a psychologist with general registration, career opportunities include but are not limited to community, mental health and forensic services; private practice; public, non-government and not-for-profit organisations; recruitment and primary, secondary and tertiary education.    

 

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:

  1. 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
  2. be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia; and
  3. submit a maximum 400 word response to “What attributes will you bring to the psychology profession?” or similar; and
  4. provide two referee reports (this could be either one Academic and one Professional reference, or two Professional References, depending on your circumstances) 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. 

Applicants must meet the English language requirement (IELTS 7 or equivalent) set by the Psychology Board of Australia.  Applicants who have overseas qualifications will need to be 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:

  1. Provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia; and
  2. National Police Certificate; and
  3. 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

CategoryScore
Overall Score or equivalent7.0
Reading7.0
Writing7.0
Listening7.0
Speaking7.0

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 Access and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Access 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.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

PSYC5002Culture, Communication and Professional Practice
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term1
N/A
PSYC5003Research Methods for Psychology Practitioners
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term1
N/A
PSYC6001Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology: Adults
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term2
N/A
PSYC6002Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology: Children and Adolescents
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term2
N/A
PSYC6003Psychological Interventions: Adults
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term3
N/A
PSYC6004Psychological Interventions: Children and Adolescents
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term3
N/A
PSYC6007Professional Psychology Practicum
Tri Term2
24
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Tri Term2
N/A
Enrolment informationThis unit includes two one-week compulsory residentials at SCU Coffs Harbour campus. Students are unable to progress to placement without successfully completing the residentials. Students who cannot attend the residentials should not enrol in this unit. This unit contains work integrated learning consisting of a 300-hour supervised placement in a professional psychology workplace. Students must meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements. Please note: Full COVID-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers.


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
PSYC5002Culture, Communication and Professional Practice
PSYC5003Research Methods for Psychology Practitioners
PSYC6002Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology: Children and Adolescents
PSYC6001Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology: Adults
PSYC6004Psychological Interventions: Children and Adolescents
PSYC6003Psychological Interventions: Adults
PSYC6007Professional Psychology Practicum

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.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

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.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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Choose where you want to study

Online

Notice: applications for this course will open 1 September 2023 and close 20 October 2023. Please note: due to the high-demand for this course, only applications with all necessary documentation uploaded at application will be considered. If you are still completing your honours degree this year, a transcript showing all grades to date is required at application and the final academic transcript will need to be supplied once completed.

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.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway