Master of Professional Psychology

On successful completion of the program students will have:

• Demonstrated successful (prior or concurrent) achievement of Pre-Professional Competencies.
• Applied evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid ways.
• Employed professional communication skills with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
• Performed appropriate standardised psychological testing, as part of broader assessment, to assess and interpret aspects of functioning.
• Identified psychological disorders using a recognised taxonomy.
• Conducted professional interviews and assessments and synthesised information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions.
• Monitored outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation, including health and health concerns, family and support networks, and organisational, cultural or community contexts, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client within their wider context.
• Interpreted and communicated findings in oral and written formats, including formal psychological reports.
• Implemented appropriate, empirically supported interventions at an advanced level, and monitored clients' progress and intervention outcomes.
• Demonstrated respect for the skills and contribution of other professionals.
• Worked effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicated and collaborated effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
• Operated within the boundaries of their professional competence, consulted with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and referred on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate.
• Rigorously applied professional practice policies and procedures, including as they relate to referral management and record-keeping, across a range of workplace settings and with recognition of different organisational cultures and practices.
• Engaged in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, andtaking appropriate actions as a result.
• Evaluated the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
• Critically evaluated contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
• Investigated a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.

Admission requirements

English Language Requirements

Additional selection criteria

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.

The Master of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and, together with a subsequent year of supervised practice, is a pathway to becoming a registered, practicing Psychologist in Australia.

There are two placements required in the program.  Each placements will be 20 days (a total of 300 hours) duration.

It is possible you could be placed outside of the Hunter region for one of your placements. At times rural practice placements are also available during semester breaks. You will need to discuss this with the Placement Coordinator. Please be aware travel and accommodation costs are self-funded by you. However, student rates for accommodation may be available in some areas. Please follow this link for further information.

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council

Students who have completed PSYC6405 cannot enrol in PSYC6505.

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.