Master of Professional Psychology (M7Q)

Overview  2021

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Years, up to a maximum of 3 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

This course may not be available to international students. Please see the International Online Course Guide (PDF 809KB) for courses that are offered to international students

Please note: (1) You are currently on the page for 2021 - the 2022 version of the course will be published in August. (2) The closing time and date for the receipt of applications for admission to the Master of Professional Psychology degree in 2022 is 11:59pm on 30 September 2021. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

The Master of Professional Psychology is the fifth year of a 5+1 internship program comprising coursework, research training and practical placements. The course provides preparation for progression to a one-year Psychology Board of Australia approved internship program through the development of professional skills, in tandem with theoretical and empirical knowledge, in line with the scientist-practitioner model. Research training, including the ability to critically assess and apply research findings to inform evidence-based professional practice, is also provided.

On successful completion of the Master of Professional Psychology, graduates will be eligible to undertake a sixth year (the +1 year) of practical training. The one-year supervised practice internship which leads to general registration as a psychologist is arranged and developed independently and must be approved by the Psychology Board of Australia.

The key learning outcomes for the course are:

  • advanced knowledge of values and ethics in psychology and the ability to apply that knowledge in professional practice
  • advanced knowledge and skills in psychological assessment and skills in the ethical use of psychological tests;
  • achievement of competence in APAC core capabilities and attributes for Standard 5.1.12 (APAC Accreditation Standards, June 2010)
  • ability to critically assess and apply research findings to inform evidence-based professional practice
  • knowledge of the current version of the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce

Career outcomes

Graduates who subsequently successfully complete a one-year Psychology Board of Australia approved internship program will be eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.

Professional Recognition

This course has been designed to meet the current standards for accreditation by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and is accredited without conditions.

Course structure

Semester 1

This unit aims to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to conduct a competent psychological assessment. Relevant clinical and theoretical literature will be reviewed, with an emphasis given to the practical skills needed to evaluate, administer, score and…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

KHA713 studies the development, organisation and content of mental disorders. In general an experimental-clinical approach is taken, and intern psychologists are expected to become familiar with current research in the area. Consideration will be given to the diagnostic features of…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit will introduce students to cognitive behavioural therapy and the basic therapeutic techniques necessary to undertake their first placement. Additional Information: The unit will introduce students to the use of evidence based interventions. The interventions include stimulus control, cognitive…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit aims to provide an overview of the most commonly encountered behavioural, emotional, social and developmental childhood and adolescent clinical disorders. Topics may include attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety and mood disorders, learning and intellectual…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Professional Practicum 1 will provide students with an opportunity to observe and practice the application of psychology within a structured and supervised setting. The practicum will promote a scientist-practitioner model of the professional psychologist through simulated learning activities. In this…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit considers practical and ethical issues in clinical psychological practice. Students are introduced to key ethical codes and legislation and to a model for ethical decision-making through practice-based examples. Key practice issues including guidelines of professional and ethical conduct,…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit introduces students to a variety of research methodologies and statistics related to clinical psychology. These will include single case designs, program planning and evaluation to inform clinical practice and meta-analysis. A critical review of an area of clinical…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Semester 2

This unit contains two major components. The first provides an introduction to psychopharmacology and the underlying physiological systems that are involved in psychopathological disturbances. This component of the unit will also introduce students to pharmacological interventions currently used in Australia…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit aims to provide students with advanced training in the administration andinterpretation of clinical assessment instruments. An evidence-based approach to bestpractice in psychological assessment will be emphasised. Topics will focus on assessingspecific diagnostic problems.In this unit, you will learn…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit will take a disorder specific approach and teach students evidence-basedtreatment for a variety of common mental health conditions. The emphasis in this unitwill be on understanding the theoretical basis and outcome literature, as well asdemonstrating specific evidence-based treatment…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit considers the practical issues relevant to the experience of clinical psychology practice. Lectures will outline key theoretical models and evidence-based treatments for specific adult psychological disorders. Classroom discussion and exercises will provide an opportunity to develop key cognitive…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Professional Practicum 2 is the second practicum unit for this course. This unit will provide you with an opportunity to observe and practice the application of psychology in a structured and supervised setting/s. The practicum will promote a scientist-practitioner model…

Credit Points: 18.75

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit introduces advanced issues in psychological practice ranging from treating adult clients with complex trauma, couple therapy, working in forensic settings, working with clients from diverse backgrounds, sexuality and gender, and preparing for professional practice and clinical endorsement. Students…

Credit Points: 6.25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Entry requirements

Please note: The closing time and date for the receipt of applications for admission to the Master of Professional Psychology degree in 2021 is 11:59pm on 31 October 2020. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

Further information regarding the application and selection process can be found in the 2021 Postgraduate Psychology FAQs (PDF 238KB)

The minimum academic requirement for entry to the course is successful completion of a four year APAC-Accredited sequence in psychology (AQF Level 8) within the last 10 years, together with eligibility for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as a provisional psychologist.

To be eligible for entry to the course applicants must have attained either a 2B Honours degree or a Distinction minimum average across their psychology subjects in years 3 and 4 of their APAC accredited undergraduate training.

International applicants will need to have achieved a GPA equivalent to a Distinction average in their Honours year or fourth year of undergraduate study together with a minimum IELTS score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking). Further information on the English Language Skills Registration Standard of the Psychology Board of Australia (1 July 2015) is available at APHRA.

Those applicants who have not completed a four year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology must have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and provide the assessment report from the Australian Psychological Society with their application. For information on how to do this and the fees associated with this service refer to the APS. The assessment report must state that the applicant's qualifications are comparable to a four year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology.

All applicants must satisfy the School of Psychological Sciences that they are suitable candidates for professional training in psychology. Selection will be based on referee reports, academic merit, relevant experience, and a structured interview by a selection panel. Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview in November.

Professional Experience Placement Requirements

SAFETY IN PRACTICE COMPLIANCE

All students enrolling in Faculty of Health programs which include a professional experience placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements compliance documentation.

The Faculty, in accordance with Safety in Practice Compliance and Risk Assessment Procedure (PDF 659.0KB), assesses student compliance with Safety in Practice Requirements, which include:

  • national criminal history;
  • working with children registration;
  • medical, physical and psychological capacity to safely undertake the Faculty of Health Mandatory Functional Requirements; and
  • infectious disease and immunisation status.

National criminal history and medical, physical and psychological disclosures can inhibit student eligibility to participate in courses. Students must submit the Safety in Practice Requirements compliance documentation to enable risk assessment to be completed before:

  • semester one census date annually; or
  • in case of late enrolment, prior to beginning study.

The exceptions are the Working with Children Registration and Immunisation Record Card check, which must be completed 4 weeks prior to first PEP.

Applications for entry to the course will be assessed on the basis of academic qualifications, academic merit, and personal suitability for professional training.

The minimum academic requirement for entry to the course is successful completion of an APAC-Accredited AQF Level 8 program of study in psychology within the last 10 years, together with eligibility for registration with the PBA as a provisional psychologist. To be eligible for entry to the course applicants must have attained an average of 70% across their psychology subjects in years 3 and 4 of their APAC accredited undergraduate training. International applicants will need to have achieved a GPA equivalent to a Distinction average in their Honours year or fourth year of undergraduate study together with a minimum IELTS score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).

An assessment of personal suitability for professional training will be made on the basis of an interview with a selection panel, relevant experience and at least two confidential academic referee reports.

Successful applicants will also need to meet the Faculty of Health requirements for students undertaking Professional Experience Placements (PEPs) as part of their course to meet the 'capacity to practice safely' pre-PEP conditions determined by legislative, University policy and professional body requirements. [http://www.utas.edu.au/health/professional-experience-placement/safety-in-practice-kit].

Passes in subjects or units in other courses (completed or otherwise) in this University or another approved tertiary institution (or other approved professional examining body) may be credited towards the degree. The College will specify what further studies a candidate who has received Advanced Standing shall be required to complete in order to qualify for the degree of Master of Professional Psychology.

Entry to the course requires successful completion of an APAC accredited 4-year program in psychology or a separate APAC accredited fourth year in psychology.

On completion of the course graduates may have eligibility to apply for entry to a masters extended program in an area of specialist practice, such as clinical psychology.

On successful completion of the Master of Professional Psychology, graduates will be eligible to undertake a sixth year (the +1 year) of practical training. The one-year supervised practice internship which leads to general registration as a psychologist is arranged and developed independently and must be approved by the Psychology Board of Australia. In order to apply for General Registration as a psychologist, students will need to have completed both their MProfPsych and their one year internship. They must also remain provisionally registered from year 5 until they obtain general registration.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Domestic students enrolled in certain postgraduate coursework programs may not be eligible for student payments through Youth Allowance and Austudy. Visit the Department of Social Services website to find out more about eligibility for Centrelink support and the list of eligible courses

International students

International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.

Scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

Domestic
1300 363 864
International
+61 3 6226 6200
Email
Course.Info@utas.edu.au
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