Pursue a career as a community psychologist and learn how to empower communities so they become more resilient. Conduct research in real-world settings with a focus on community development. You are supported by academic staff with experience in:

• conducting research projects
• presenting papers at international conferences
• publishing academic journal articles and books

This degree satisfies the requirements for registration as a psychologist in Victoria, and the requirements for membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

The program has accreditation from the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) as a fifth and sixth year in psychology, and approval by the APS College of Community Psychologists.

Full college membership is available to graduates who also complete a minimum of one year of full-time equivalent supervised practice.

If you are applying for a graduate program in Psychology at VU, you must complete a Referee Report

The Advice to applicants in Psychology  will advise you which referee report/s you need to submit.

• Location:
  Footscray Park
• College:
  College of Arts
• Study mode:
  Full Time and Part Time
• Delivery mode:
  On campus
• Course code:
  AZPX
• Duration:
  3 years
• This information is for Australian residents.
  Click here to search for courses available to non-residents

How to apply

This course could lead to a career in:

• health psychologist
• community psychologist
• policy maker

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

The aim of this professional doctorate is to enable students to develop as researchers and extend their skill base in applied psychology to make a significant contribution to knowledge and practice.

This course is offered on a full-time basis over three years or part-time for six years. This period includes the conversion from the Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology).

• Practicum 4

  Unit code

  APM6075

  Credits

  16

• Advanced Reading Unit

  Unit code

  APM6080

  Credits

  8

• Doctoral Thesis (Research)

  Unit code

  APM6090

  Credits

  24

• Advanced Reading Unit B

  Unit code

  APM6076

  Credits

  8

• Practicum 5

  Unit code

  APM6085

  Credits

  16

• Doctoral Thesis (Research)

  Unit code

  APM6090

  Credits

  24

• International: To qualify for admission to the course, an applicant must have successfully completed the first year of AMPC Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) and demonstrated a capacity for carrying out research at the professional doctorate level. Once admitted, the student will convert to enrolment in the Doctor of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology). Please note: enrolment in this course is via internal transfer from the Master program only.
• Mature: To qualify for admission to the course, an applicant must have successfully completed the first year of AMPC Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) and demonstrated a capacity for carrying out research at the professional doctorate level. Once admitted, the student will convert to enrolment in the Doctor of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology). Please note: enrolment in this course is via internal transfer from the Master program only.