Accreditation and Professional Recognition Expand This program is conditionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). The Master of Professional Psychology is a Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) accredited program and sits within level 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Admission Criteria Expand Applicants must have successfully completed an APAC-accredited fourth year course in psychology and be eligible to hold provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Applicants must be willing to undertake a Victorian Police Check and Working with Children Check. International students must provide evidence of meeting certain English language requirements. For more information, please click here. The following documentation is also required: Most recent academic transcripts. A current curriculum vitae. A 500-word personal statement outlining why you wish to study this course at Cairnmillar. Proof of residency/citizenship (e.g., passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate). Two academic and one professional reference using the online HODSPA reference system. A guide on how to use the system is available here. Short-listed applicants will be invited to attend an admissions interview with members of Cairnmillar’s academic faculty. This provides applicants with the opportunity to discuss any questions they have about the course of study.
Career Opportunities Expand Excellent career opportunities are available in educational and developmental settings, private practice, forensic and organisational psychology, community health centres, schools, rehabilitation providers, human resources, and community health agencies. Completion of the Master of Professional Psychology one year program enables graduates to complete the AHPRA 5+1 Internship year, which in turn leads to registration as a psychologist with Psychology Board of Australia. Cairnmillar offers the 6th year in the Master of Professional Psychology Practice internship program. This 5+1 program at Cairnmillar is currently unique. For information about the difference between Cairnmillar’s MPP and MPPP courses, please click here.
Course Duration and Structure Expand This program consists of 100 credit points. Students undertake a total of seven units of study consisting of four coursework units (50 credit points), two placement units (37.5 credit points) and one research unit (12.5 credit points). Year One MPP502 Foundations in Psychological Assessment & Psychopathology MPP501 Professional Practice Issues MPP561 Practicum & Supervised Placement 1 MPP503 Advanced Skills in Psychological Assessment & Psychopathology MPP562 Practicum & Supervised Placement 2 MPP504 Psychological Treatment Models MPP550 Applied Research for the Practicing Psychologist
Fees and Scholarships Expand *Estimation only. Annual tuition fee review and possible increases applies, see: cairnmillar.org.au/course-fees For information on tuition and what scholarships might apply to this course, please visit the Fees and Scholarships pages.
Graduate Learning Outcomes Expand Students who satisfactorily complete this course will be able to demonstrate skill and knowledge in the following areas: Knowledge of the discipline Demonstrate core professional psychology principles across a range of settings Assess and diagnose a variety of client presentations with reference to the DSM-5 Interpret current literature and research regarding psychological issues and disorders, to formulate appropriate assessments and interventions. Ethical, legal & professional matters Demonstrate knowledge of the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics as well as relevant legislation that informs current professional practice Apply ethical principles in simulation and in professional practice. Psychological Assessment and Measurement Develop knowledge of a broad range of assessment measures and understand the theoretical frameworks and psychometric properties that support their empirical validation, and knowledge of appropriateness to assessing particular presentations and disorders Demonstrate an ability to administer, score, interpret and write up specific assessment batteries. Intervention strategies Demonstrate an understanding of a select range of empirically validated interventions suitable for use with adults and children Demonstrate application of this understanding through ethical application of treatments in simulation and placement practicum, including their evaluation. Research and evaluation Demonstrate an understanding of the application of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research designs in professional psychological practice Conduct a high-quality needs analysis in treatment or psychosocial support settings and recommend an implementable solution. Communication and Interpersonal Relationships Demonstrate effective and efficient written and oral communication skills Relate appropriately to clients and professionals across academic and clinical settings. Working within a Cross Cultural Context Develop an understanding of culturally sensitive psychological practice, and demonstrate competence in working with clients from diverse backgrounds where placement settings allow. Practice across the Lifespan Develop knowledge of age appropriate psychological assessments and interventions, and where possible apply this in placement settings. Reflective practice Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of reflective self-practice and the ability to implement constructive feedback in order to improve clinical practice.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Expand Students applying for this program may enter a process in which they may be granted credit or partial credit towards the qualification in recognition of previous experience where an equivalence of earlier learning can be established. Credit transfer for an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) course, is only applicable for recently completed APAC accredited postgraduate programs. Credit or partial credit is not granted in recognition of knowledge or skills gained through work or life experience. The granting of credit for placements on the basis of previous experience gained as a registered psychologist is not permitted by APAC. Cairnmillar’s RPL policy can be viewed here.