Master of Applied Psychology (Professional)

If you’re working towards becoming a registered psychologist and have completed your fourth year, this course provides you with the next step required in the 5+1 pathway.

You’ll undertake coursework, practicums, and research to gain knowledge of psychological practice. Gain work-ready skills in assessment (e.g. Mental State Exam, WAIS) and intervention (e.g. CBT, family-based interventions) all based on the latest psychological approaches and research findings in a supportive learning environment.

Develop the personal and professional skills you need in practice by completing two practicums, including simulated practical experiences and an internship at an external workplace.

This course provides a pathway into the Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) based on performance and availability of places. There are also placement streams (including school and disability settings) providing industry-based learning experiences.

Entry to this course is very competitive and requires a recognised and accredited undergraduate psychology degree, plus either Honours in Psychology (with at least 2A Honours), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (with a distinction average), or a 4-year Bachelor of Psychology with evidence of relevant experience in the field.

3 reasons to study a Master of Applied Psychology (Professional) at Murdoch

1. Learn from leading academics and experienced clinicians who are committed to helping you succeed in your studies.
2. Gain professional experience with real people.
3. Establish a network of valuable industry contacts through your practical placement that will open up employment opportunities when you graduate.

What you'll learn

• Suicide prevention
• Assessment for adults and children
• Intervention with children and adults
• Counselling skills

Your future career

Job prospects for professional psychologists are very good and employment growth is expected to be strong. Upon graduation from this course, students will be highly employable in a wide variety of areas including private practice (once you have met registration requirements) and working in various public and private sector agencies.

You could work in the following areas: health, community development, justice, education, and disabilities. Careers could include:

• School Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist (if you gain entry after completing the Masters of Applied Psychology Professional)
• Paediatric assessment services
• Disability sector work
• Alcohol and drug counselling

Pathway information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants
Murdoch University aspires to be the first choice for First Nations peoples. We wholeheartedly welcome and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to consider applying for our psychology programs. Across our psychology courses, places are reserved for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. While these applicants must meet the specified criteria for each course to gain admission, they will not go through the competitive selection process. These places are reserved under an exemption to the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, which is applied to promote equality and aligns with Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP) guidelines for creating equity pathways for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. If you would like more information, please contact Charles Young at charles.young@murdoch.edu.au.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited as a Level 3 course by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Professional recognition

Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for registration with the  Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).