Professional Psychology

The Master of Professional Psychology at Deakin University is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to prepare students for a career as a professional psychologist. This accredited program provides a strong foundation in psychological theories, research methods, and practical skills essential for working effectively across various settings. Throughout the course, students engage in detailed coursework covering areas such as assessment, intervention, and ethical practice, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary competencies to meet professional standards. The program emphasizes experiential learning through supervised placements, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world environments under the guidance of experienced practitioners. Students will develop critical competencies in client-centered therapy, psychological assessment, and evidence-based interventions, preparing them for registration as a psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The curriculum is structured to foster both theoretical understanding and practical expertise, with a balanced focus on research literacy and applied clinical skills. The program also encourages students to develop strong communication, cultural competence, and ethical reasoning skills, essential for effective practice in diverse communities. Deakin University's state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with health services provide students with access to a wide range of clinical placement opportunities. Upon graduation, students are eligible to undertake the necessary supervised practice years required for full registration, and many go on to work in clinical, community, educational, and organizational settings. The Master of Professional Psychology at Deakin University is committed to producing well-rounded, ethically conscious professionals ready to improve mental health and well-being in Australia and beyond. This program is ideal for individuals passionate about making a meaningful difference in people's lives through evidence-based psychological practice.

On successful completion of this course, graduates will have acquired the required competencies to move to procure your final year of supervised training while in the field to allow them to obtain generalist registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (under the'5+1 internship model' for registration). This class has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) Relative to the Accreditation Standards for Psychology Program. The qualification of students for registration as a general psychologist by the Psychology Board of Australia is subject to fulfilling certain demands of the regulatory body (like the National Psychology Examination). Deakin University makes no representation that most students will meet those requirements.

Entry will be based on performance in conclusion of a 4 year tertiary application in an accredited psychology curriculum that meets national enrollment requirements and eligibility for Associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society. Applicants should have a fourth-year grade of Distinction average (or equivalent) for entrance. The four year tertiary qualification should have been completed within the previous 10 years. Applicants who have international qualifications will need to have these assessed as equivalent by the Australian Psychological Society.

The fees for the Master of Psychology (Clinical) at Deakin University vary depending on the student’s residency status. For domestic students, the indicative annual tuition fee is approximately AUD 11,000 to AUD 12,000 per year. International students are typically charged higher fees, which are approximately AUD 31,000 to AUD 33,000 for the entire program. These fees are indicative and subject to change each academic year.

Deakin University offers several financing options to support students financially throughout their studies. Domestic students may be eligible for government assistance schemes such as HECS-HELP, which allows students to defer payment of their tuition fees until their income reaches a certain threshold after graduation. This scheme significantly reduces the upfront payment burden and provides a flexible way for students to finance their education.

Additionally, students can explore scholarships offered by Deakin University and external organizations that support students pursuing psychology postgraduate studies. Scholarships can partially or fully cover tuition fees, accommodation, or living expenses, and application processes often require demonstrating academic merit, financial need, or specific demographic criteria.

Private loans and financial aid packages are also available for eligible students. Some students choose to work part-time during their studies to supplement their income, and Deakin’s flexible online learning options facilitate this by allowing students to study around their work commitments.

International students, aside from their tuition fees, should budget for additional costs including Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), student visa applications, accommodation, books, and living expenses. The university provides resources and financial advice to help international students plan their finances effectively.

Deakin University also encourages early financial planning and provides comprehensive guidance on fee payment deadlines, payment plans, and financial assistance options. For ongoing support, students can access financial counseling services offered by the university to help manage their funds and plan their educational expenses effectively.

In summary, the financing of studies in the Professional Psychology program at Deakin University involves a mixture of government schemes, scholarships, private loans, working opportunities, and careful personal financial planning. The university’s aim is to make postgraduate psychology education accessible and affordable by providing diverse funding avenues and support services for both domestic and international students.

The Professional Psychology program at Deakin University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories, research methods, and practical skills necessary for a career in psychology. This accredited program prepares graduates for registration as psychologists, equipping them with the knowledge to work effectively in various settings such as clinical, community, organizational, and health psychology. The curriculum typically includes core subjects covering areas like developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, counseling, assessment, and intervention strategies. Students also gain hands-on experience through supervised placements, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, developing essential professional competencies. Deakin's approach emphasizes evidence-based practices and encourages engagement with contemporary issues in psychology, including mental health, well-being, and human behavior. The program often incorporates modern learning technologies and research opportunities, fostering critical thinking and inquiry. Graduates may pursue careers in mental health services, private practice, research institutes, and policy development, among others. The university maintains strong industry links to ensure the program remains relevant and aligned with professional standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Admission requirements typically include a relevant undergraduate degree and meeting English language proficiency standards. The duration of the program is usually two years for full-time students, with part-time options available. Completing this program is a crucial step toward becoming a registered psychologist in Australia, following the successful completion of supervised practice and the national registration process. Deakin University emphasizes a student-centered learning environment with access to advanced facilities, experienced faculty members, and dedicated support services to enhance students’ educational experience and professional development.