Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

Professional Training Courses

The Department of Psychology, Psychological Sciences offers professional training courses in the following areas:

2012 Application form can be downloaded from here

Course Objectives

The purpose of the professional training programs is to train students in professional areas of the discipline of psychology. Each program is designed to provide:

(i) a grounding in the theoretical, conceptual and empirical foundations of psychology and in the skills relevant to the various areas of professional practice;

(ii) supervised practical experience; and

(iii) research training in the area of professional specialisation.

Accreditation

All Masters programs serve as approved fifth and sixth year for membership of the relevant college of the Australian Psychological Society.

Admission Requirements

Eligible applicants for the professional training programs must normally possess a degree including an accredited four-year sequence in psychology (or its equivalent) of at least H2A (or Distinction) standard in the fourth year of study. Normally this qualification should have been completed within 10 years prior to applying to the Masters. Admission also depends on supervision and resource availability.

Selection criteria


Selection into professional programs is based on academic performance and a selection interview.

A weighted average is calculated for each applicant using results from third- and fourth-level psychology subjects. The average of third-level subjects accounts for a third of the overall weighted average.

This can be expressed as follows:  (average of 3rd-year + average of 4th-year + average of 4th-year) divided by 3 = Weighted Average.

All results are converted to the University of Melbourne scale where an H1 is equivalent to the range 80% - 100%.

Applicants are then ranked according to their weighted average and the top ranked applicants are shortlisted for a selection interview. Ultimate selection into the course is dependent on the applicant’s performance in the interview, which is designed to assess their suitability for clinical practice.

It should be noted that students are only considered for selection if the weighted average of all third- and fourth-year psychology subjects is at least 75% (when converted to the University of Melbourne scale).

 

Applications

Applications close October 31 in the year prior to study.

International applicants should refer to the information provided in the 'International Postgraduate Prospectus' available from the International Centre web site. International applicants are required to provide with their application, three referee reports and a brief personal statement for each of the course streams for which they apply (as for local applicants).

Fees

Please see the University Fees pages for the most up-to-date information.

Fees are calculated according to individual course load. Full-time enrolment is normally 100 points per year, and half-time enrolment is normally 50 points per year. Fees are paid twice per year as part of the confirmation of each semester's enrolment. Students may apply to pay semester fees in two equal instalments (ie. four instalments for the year).

Please note that course fees are revised annually.

Commencement

The programs commence at the beginning of the academic year. There is no mid-year entry.

Deferral is available only in exceptional circumstances. In these rare cases, deferral will only be granted for a place in the course, not necessarily a HECS-funded place. Students will incur the course fees applicable for the actual year of commencement.

Applicants who have not been granted a deferral and are unable to commence their studies at the beginning of the academic year may re-apply for entry another year. Applicants should be aware that re-selection cannot be guaranteed.

Candidature

Professional courses are normally offered on a full-time basis. The option of half-time enrolment may be available to students with exceptional circumstances (ie. health or family issues). The decision to allow a student to alter their enrolment from a full-time position to a half-time position will be at the discretion of the Department on a case-by-case basis. Initial candidature will be on a probationary basis for a period of 12 months of full-time study (or 24 months half-time). Confirmation will be contingent on successful completion of placement, coursework and thesis requirements in the first full year of study.

Course Duration

Course Structure

The Master of Psychology program involves coursework, placement and a minor thesis (6,000 - 10,000 words).

For a detailed course outline of each course:

Course Outline

During the first year of the course, students complete a number of subjects designed to provide an introduction to the relevant area and to train them in the basic professional skills in preparation for placements appropriate to their particular specialisation. Students also complete their first professional placement. In addition, students commence work on an empirical thesis in the first year of study, which is submitted for examination in the final year of the course.

During the second year of study, students complete a series of advanced subjects. In addition, students participate in a series of practical training placements, which provide exposure to a variety of models of professional practice, and practical involvement with clients in a wide variety of situations. Students are expected to display increasing levels of responsibility and competence as they proceed through the sequence of placements. Students are also expected to maintain high standards throughout the course.

Contact Hours

Contact hours vary slightly from stream to stream. However, as a general guide, a 12.5 credit points subject involves three contact hours per week for 12 semester weeks. Wherever possible, classes are scheduled across one to two days, with the remaining weekdays left free for work on the thesis and placement.

It should be noted that these courses are higher degree professional training programs and placement and research components of these courses require a commitment throughout the year (ie. outside of University semesters).

Class Format

Teaching in some of the core subjects (ie. those undertaken by all streams) may be in a lecture format. However, the majority of specialist classes are taught in a seminar format, with emphasis on practical and experiential learning.

Assessment

Assessment may vary slightly for individual subjects. However, as a general guide, a 12.5 credit points subject usually involves 4,000 words of written assessment, which may take the form of an essay or examination.

top of page