Open the door to your career as a psychologist.
This one-year postgraduate program prepares you for independent work in psychology, with a focus on practical experience and skills.
This program is offered at USC Thompson Institute
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
This one-year postgraduate program prepares you for independent work in psychology, with a focus on practical experience and skills.
In this program you will:
- Advance your existing knowledge of psychological assessment with a focus on the selection, administration and interpretation of major psychological tests
- Extend your knowledge of appropriate treatments for psychological disorders and how to deliver psychological services ethically and within legal requirements
- Develop skills in writing different kinds of psychological reports
The Master of Professional Psychology is taught at the Thompson Institute. A hub for mental health research, teaching and clinical services, this world-class facility is located at Birtinya, minutes from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The Institute’s focus is to address mental health issues in the community, particularly those affecting our youth, adolescents and older community members.
Career opportunities
You are well on your way to becoming a psychologist with general registration, and you can use this qualification to work in private and public health sectors and in non-government organisations.
Admission requirements
The entry requirements for admission to the Master of Professional Psychology are:
- Successful completion of an APAC accredited four-year degree or fourth year in Psychology with Honours Class 2 Division I from a recognised higher education institution in the last 10 years.
- Applicants must be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
The Master of Professional Psychology offers a limited number of places.
Accreditation
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) has accredited the Master of Professional Psychology.
How to apply
To apply for the Master of Professional Psychology, submit the completed application form to USC. You must also request two referees (one academic and one professional) provide USC with reports using the online Psychology Reference system. For more information visit Application forms.
Applications for Semester 1, 2022 close on 24 September 2021.
Program structure
Program Structure
Required courses (8) 96 units
PSY700 Practicum Placement 2
PSY701 Research Project 1
PSY702 Ethical Professional Practice of Psychology
PSY704 Clinical Psychological Practice 3
PSY705 Practicum Placement 3
PSY713 Research Project 2
PSY716 Clinical Health Psychology and Psychopharmacology
PSY754 Research Project 3
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 96
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 96 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- This program consists of two required components, as follows:
- 75 percent coursework (6 courses)
- 25 percent practica and skills training (2 courses).
- Students will undertake a minimum of 300 hours of practicum placement in total across the 2 professional skills courses.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student visa.