Master of Professional Psychology

Course summary for international students

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Master of Professional Psychology
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Online	No
Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026	$43,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Level	Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
CRICOS code	111856F Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course code	H744
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Build advanced skills in psychological assessment, ethics and therapeutic interventions with the Master of Professional Psychology. This fifth-year, APAC-accredited psychology course prepares you for a final year of supervised practice that leads to general registration as a psychologist.

If you want to elevate your understanding of human behaviour to an expert level, why not do it at a university that’s ranked #1 in Victoria for education experiences in postgraduate psychology?

The Master of Professional Psychology is all about preparing you for the next stage of your career. If your aim is to progress to the one-year internship that leads to registration as a psychologist, you will graduate with professional practice skills that allow you to thrive in your chosen setting. If registration isn’t your goal and you’re ready to explore new, more challenging roles in the workforce right away, the specialised knowledge you will develop throughout the course set you up to make a positive impact in people’s lives from day one.

Haven’t mapped out your path beyond graduation? This course exposes you to the many different roles, topics and challenges that exist within psychology, allowing you to sample different career options before making your choice.

Key areas of study include:

psychology across the lifespan
working with diverse populations
ethics in professional psychology
psychological intervention strategies such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches
the application of different psychological assessment methods such as personality, intelligence and ability tests.

All of these skills are ingrained through practical experience. Take your learning beyond textbooks to participate in demonstrations, role-play, individualised feedback and collaboration sessions that give you a chance to apply your skills to authentic scenarios. These techniques are a step up from those learned at the undergraduate level and allow you to apply more complex interventions to a broader range of psychological symptoms.

Your studies will be enriched further by professional practicums that consist of three key activities: workshops, placement and supervision. Practicums are another opportunity to apply the principles learned in the classroom in real-life settings. Learn on your feet, build relationships and problem-solve under the guidance of established professionals.

Combine this extensive practical experience with a strong focus on applied research to graduate as a well-rounded professional. Learn how to apply research to your decision-making, become confident at critically analysing research and discover what it takes to conduct your own.

Entry into the Master of Professional Psychology is competitive. That’s because Deakin is ranked #2 in Victoria for psychology^{^}, and leads all Victorian universities for education experience, learning resources and support services. If you want to join a high-achieving group of students with a shared passion for exploring the human mind and helping others, the Master of Professional Psychology is the course to take your career forward.

Learn more about your career options in psychology.

^2025 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

Professional recognition

The Master of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a 5^th year postgraduate program of study for the purpose of eligibility to apply for general registration as a psychologist under the 5+1 internship pathway with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). Graduates from this course are eligible to apply for the +1 year of supervised practice and, following completion of this program, will be eligible to become a registered psychologist.

Fees and charges

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.

Career opportunities

This course is a pathway into the one-year internship that leads to general registration as a psychologist. Once you’re registered, you will have the qualifications and experience needed to practise psychology in areas such as:

mental health settings
schools
rehabilitation settings
disability
aged care
return to work
forensic settings
private practice

Not looking to become a registered psychologist? You’ll still have a broad and exciting range of career opportunities to explore when you graduate from this course. Your deep understanding of advanced psychological assessment methods combined with your client-centred approach to practice will equip you for roles in:

community welfare and case management
human resources
education
mental health rehabilitation
drug and alcohol services
public health
youth and family support.

Learn more about psychology pathways and career outcomes

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Displays broad knowledge of common client presentations across the lifespan and understanding of the theoretical principles and research evidence underlying psychological practice in preparation for the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) internship program, ensuring safe and effective practice aligned with the competencies for full registration as a psychologist.
Communication	Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills and expertise appropriate to professional settings and tailored to clients, carers, colleagues and multi-disciplinary teams.
Digital literacy	Ethically use appropriate digital technologies to collect, evaluate and integrate information to support assessment, formulation and treatment plans, monitor outcomes and communicate these with clients, carers and relevant professionals.
Critical thinking	Critically evaluate, interpret and synthesise research findings to inform assessments, formulations, and interventions and tailor these to the needs of clients/carers and context.
Problem solving	Demonstrate foundation knowledge and skills of evidence-based intervention and management approaches drawn from theoretical frameworks, and tailor approaches to meet the needs of diverse client presentations.
Self-management	Engage in ethical, reflective and professional practice adhering to codes and, legal and regulatory standards, recognising competency limits and scope of practice, and demonstrating accountability, ongoing supervision and professional judgment that supports professional functioning and performance.
Teamwork	Develop, maintain and manage respectful, ethical and professional relationships with multidisciplinary team members and relevant others in order to collaborate effectively in the best interests of the client and the profession.
Global citizenship	Demonstrate, report and apply ethical, legal and professional principles as a provisional psychologist within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts whilst demonstrating reflexivity and culturally responsive practice with a commitment to decolonising psychology practice through meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and cultural perspectives.

Course rules

To complete the Master of Professional Psychology, you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
8 credit points of core units

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Note:

Students are required to complete and pass both Practicum units. Failure of placement is grounds for exclusion

Course structure

Core units

Level 1 - Trimester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

HPY722

Practice and Ethics in Professional Psychology

HPY723

Psychological Assessment in Practice

HPY724

Psychological Interview and Intervention Strategies

HPY725

Professional Practicum A

Level 1 - Trimester 2

HPY726

Psychological Practice Across the Lifespan

HPY727

Working with Diverse Populations

HPY728

Applied Methods for Professional Practice

HPY729

Professional Practicum B

Admission criteria

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

Academic requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:

completion of a four year tertiary program* with a psychology major from an APAC accredited program with a minimum of a Honours 2B average or equivalent. Applicants who have completed a four-year program in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained recency of Level 2 Pre-Professional Competencies: and
eligibility for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia

*Either an honours program or the combination of a three year undergraduate degree including a psychology major and an approved postgraduate program. If you are applying with an international qualification this must be assessed as equivalent by the Australian Psychological Society.

International applicants will need to have their qualifications assessed by APS to determine if these are comparable to an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) sequence of study in psychology. Further information regarding international qualification assessment can be found at the the Australian Psychological Society.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Non-academic requirements

You will be required to provide two referee reports with your application. Two academic referees are preferred but where a second academic referee cannot be sought by an applicant, a professional referee may be suitable if they are in the position to respond to the criteria assessed in the referee reports. Information on how to obtain and share references can be found at the Psychology Reference Portal.

Preferred referees include 4th year supervisors and course directors from your university, however we will also consider other academic referees with working relationships within the area of psychology. You are not required to include referee information through the Deakin University direct application portal.

Applicants are required to refer to the checklist in the apply now section.

Note: From 2027 all applicants will be required to complete Casper as part of their application- to learn more about the Casper test and how we use this in our admissions process please read more here Casper-Psychology

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

Pathways

H744 is a stand-alone, post graduate course that has no direct pathway to another Deakin course. Nearly 100% of graduates transition directly to full-time work. A small number of students with research aptitude and interest enrol in the PhD program.

Credit for prior learning - general

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Normal University regulation and guidelines pertain to students applying for Recognition of prior learning within this program. In all cases credit will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis with maximum credit granted being consistent with university policy.

Credit for coursework can be approved only if it is strictly equivalent to coursework in the current course and was successfully completed in an APAC accredited course within the previous ten years. Credit for placement experience completed as part of their current employment can only be given if it is of direct relevance to the course, would ordinarily be undertaken by a qualified psychologist, and if supervision fulfils all of the usual requirements of course placements. Credit cannot be provided for previous employment experience prior to entry into the course as it is not integrated into the overall learning undertaken during the course.

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Workload

As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include online lectures, practicals, face-to-face intensives, placements and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Work experience

Placement program

Placements are designed to equip students with a range of professional skills and an awareness of professional issues in psychological practice. You will have placements in at least two different settings. Your placement program will be determined jointly by you, the placement coordinators, and the practitioners supervising the placements. Contracts will be drawn up which will clearly specify the skills to be taught and the responsibilities of the student and placement supervisor.Placement supervisors are registered psychologists and board approved supervisors with the Psychology Board of Australia. Each placement requires the full complement of days to be completed. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.

Participation requirements

All students, whether full-time or part-time, will be required to attend a number of compulsory workshops and weekend intensives throughout the course. In addition, students will be expected to attend at least 80% of blackboard collaborate sessions for their Units across the year. Students should expect to commit 10-12 hours of study per week per unit. Requirements for placements will vary depending upon where a student completes their practicum.

At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.

If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.

Mandatory student checks

Department of Human Services policy - Police Record Check and Working With Children Check

Under the regulations of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009, Master of Psychology students are required to be provisionally registered from the commencement of enrolment and for the duration of enrolment in their degree. This is a mandatory requirement. Students should apply online for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as soon as they have been accepted into the degree. Alternatively, a paper form is available on the Board’s website (see Application for provisional registration - APRO-76).

In accordance with the Department of Justice 2007, Working with Children Act 2005, amended 2017, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical placement and this will impede progress in the course.

In accordance with Department of Human Services policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course.

Students may also be required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.