Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

VU course code: AMAL | CRICOS: 113430E | Level of study: Postgraduate

Duration

2 years full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

In person

Fees

Fee type for this course: Full fee

Location

Footscray Park

Applications closed

Overview

Prepare for a career as a Clinical Psychologist with a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at Victoria University.

The Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at VU provides an accredited pathway to clinical psychology endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as a fully registered psychologist. During your study, you will:

learn advanced theory and psychological practice skills
engage in practical classes and fieldwork placements
complete a minor masters research thesis.

With a unique emphasis on both cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic therapeutic practice, this course will maximise your opportunities to apply a range of assessment, formulation and therapeutic techniques in clinical field placements at agencies across Melbourne and at the VU Psychology Clinic. For strong career outcomes, you will have opportunities to:

practise both face-to-face and using telehealth
facilitate group psychotherapy programs
apply for a placement at our Orygen outpost where you will gain experience in providing early-interventions for youth mental health.

Applications & closing dates

Due to limited places and a high volume of applications, it is important applicants apply early. Round 1 closes on 25 October 2024. Further applications after the closure of Round 1 may be considered at the discretion of the College.

A reminder that applicants need to arrange two referee reports (one personal and one academic) via the Psychology Reference Portal.

Applicants also need to provide a resume/CV with their application and complete the supplementary form available as part of the application process. See 'How to apply' for more information.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Appraise the contribution, demands and responsibilities psychologists uphold in the delivery of comprehensive collaborative care;

Critically analyse psychological problems from diverse perspectives and levels, incorporating cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;

Formulate and evaluate evidence-based and effective intervention plans for clients with psychological difficulties across the lifespan;

Critically review evidence-based literature to identify and apply best practice guidelines for psychological assessment and intervention;

Exhibit advanced interpersonal and interprofessional communication skills to debate and elucidate complex ideas and to engage in a culturally responsive manner with diverse individuals and multiple stakeholders;

Investigate and execute a substantial research based project that contributes to the professional evidence base of clinical psychology;

Critically evaluate core ethical and professional conduct issues that practising psychologists are likely to encounter and exhibit high standards of social and ethical responsibility; and

Formulate diagnostic conceptualisations of severe, chronic and/or complex mental health presentations to determine the most appropriate interventions and manage both risk and client rights.
: Based on the scientist-practitioner model of advanced psychology training, this postgraduate psychology course combines practical classes and supervised practice to help you acquire and apply the following skills:
psychological and cognitive assessment, case formulation and diagnosis of a range of complex mental health, neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive issues
advanced ethical decision-making to provide person-centred and recovery-oriented psychological services across interprofessional practice settings
culturally sensitive practice to assist your work in diverse communities
evidence-based interventions, including cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic therapy, to support the wellbeing of young people, adults, older adults, groups and families.
The course adopts a lifespan framework, training graduates in a wide range of assessment and therapeutic techniques with children, young people, adults and older people, with a particular emphasis on both cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic perspectives. The approach embraces a reflexive and scientist-practitioner perspective, providing evidence-based interventions for enabling well-being and human flourishing.
: Over three practicum units, you will participate in a range of fieldwork placements, including the opportunity to apply for a placement at our Orygen outpost specialising in youth mental health.
At VU Psychology Clinic you will provide psychological services under close supervision to a culturally diverse community seeking support for a range of mental health issues.
At each placement, you will be supported under the direct supervision of experienced psychologists (with appropriate endorsement from the Psychology Board of Australia).
Our academic, clinic and supervision staff bring a wealth of real-world experience from the private and public mental health sectors, and all academic staff are active in research that advances the practice of psychology.
: Study this course via our award-winning VU Block Model®, where you complete one subject at a time over four weeks, rather than juggling several at once.
Learning in workshop-style classes, you’ll develop strong connections with your peers and practical skills for your future career.
You’ll also get fast feedback on your assignments, helping you to improve quickly as you progress through your course.
Learn more about the VU Block Model®

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course. We call this a ‘pathway’.

For PhD applicants, we offer a related ‘Integrated PhD’ which allows you to establish relevant skills before beginning your research.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) students will be required to complete:

192 credit points of Core studies.

Units

Fees & scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

The Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) provides an accredited pathway to registration as a psychologist. After graduating, you can apply for two years of supervised practice in clinical psychology through the ‘registrar program’, after which you will become eligible to apply for endorsement in the area of Clinical Psychology with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

Graduates of the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at VU go on to have rewarding careers that match their passions and interests in the following areas:

private, public and non-profit mental health services
hospitals and interprofessional settings
youth mental health and school settings
rehabilitation and disability services
policy, advocacy and program development
research and evaluation
child protection, forensic services and related areas.

Graduates qualify for registration as a psychologist in Victoria and membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Professional accreditation/Industry recognition

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

VU stories

Healing and inspiring minds

Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

"All the internal and external placements were so beneficial. They included close monitoring and supervision, which really helped me to improve my skills in assessment and treatment."

Alana's story