Admission Criteria Expand Applicants must have successfully completed an (APAC) accredited fourth year course in psychology, and be eligible to hold provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Upon commencing the course, students must provide a copy of a current Police Check and a Working with Children Check. International students must have an IELTS score of 7.00 with a minimum in each band of 7. For entry into the course, students are required to submit an application through the Apply Now page, with certified or original scanned copies of the following supporting documentation: Most recent academic transcripts A current curriculum vitae A 500 word personal statement outlining what factors have contributed to the application Proof of residency/citizenship (e.g. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate) Two academic and one professional reference using the online HODSPA reference system. A guide on how to use the system is available here. Successful applications will be invited to attend an interview with members of the School Teaching Faculty, providing students the opportunity to discuss any questions they have about the proposed course of study.
Career Opportunities Expand On successful completion of the degree, graduates will have completed extensive supervised field placements, undertaken individual and group supervision, developed proficient skills across the eight competencies, and have acquired the professional skills to meet the requirements for the ‘5+1 internship model’ for generalist registration as a psychologist. Graduation from the Master of Professional Psychology (MPP) one year program allows application to complete the AHPRA 5+1 Internship year, which in turn leads to registration as a psychologist with Psychology Board of Australia. Graduates who have completed both qualifications will be able to graduate with both masters degrees, either individually or concurrently. Cairnmillar offers the 6th Internship year in the Master of Professional Psychology Practice (MPPP) program. This 5+1 Double Masters program at Cairnmillar is currently unique. For information about the difference between Cairnmillar’s MPP and MPPP courses, please click here. Excellent career opportunities are available in educational and developmental setting, private practice, forensic and organisational psychology, community health centres, schools, rehabilitation providers, human resources, and community health agencies.
Course Duration and Structure Expand This one year (5th year) full time program consists of 100 credit points. Students undertake a total of eight units of study consisting of five coursework (62.5 credit points or 62.5%), two placement units (25 credit points or 25%) and one research unit (12.5 credit points or 12.5%). Year One MPP502 Foundations in Psychological Assessment & Psychopathology MPP501 Professional Practice Issues MPP561 Practicum & Supervised Placement 1 MPP503 Advanced Skills in Psychological Assessment & Psychopathology MPP562 Practicum & Supervised Placement 2 MPP504 Psychological Treatment Models MPP550 Research Project/Needs Analysis
Graduate Learning Outcomes Expand Knowledge of the discipline Demonstrate core professional psychology principles across a range of settings Assess and diagnose a variety of client presentations with reference to DSM-5 Interpret current literature and research regarding psychological issues and disorders, to formulate appropriate assessments and interventions. Ethical, legal & professional matters Demonstrate knowledge of the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics as well as relevant legislation that informs current professional practice Apply ethical principles in simulation and in professional practice. Psychological Assessment and Measurement Develop knowledge of a broad range of assessment measures and understand the theoretical frameworks and psychometric properties that support their empirical validation, and knowledge of appropriateness to assessing particular presentations and disorders Demonstrate an ability to administer, score, interpret and write up specific assessment batteries. Intervention strategies Demonstrate an understanding of a select range of empirically validated interventions suitable for use with adults and children Demonstrate application of this understanding through ethical application of treatments in simulation and placement practicum, including their evaluation. Research and evaluation Demonstrate an understanding of the application of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods in professional psychological practice Conduct a high quality needs analysis in a psychological treatment or psychosocial support setting, and recommend an implementable solution. Communication and Interpersonal Relationships Demonstrate effective and efficient written and oral communication skills Relate appropriately to clients and professionals across academic and clinical settings. Working within a Cross Cultural Context Develop an understanding of culturally sensitive psychological practice, and demonstrate competence in working with clients from diverse backgrounds where placement settings allow. Practice across the Lifespan Develop knowledge of age appropriate psychological assessments and interventions, and where possible apply this in placement settings. Reflective practice Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of reflective self-practice and the ability to implement constructive feedback in order to improve clinical practice.
Professional Recognition Expand On completion of the course, graduates will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare them for a final year of supervised practice, the Psychology Board of Australia ‘5+1 internship model’ for general registration with AHPRA, and may wish to enrol in the Master of Professional Psychology Practice.
Recognition of Prior Learning Expand Students applying for this program may enter into a process in which they may be granted credit or partial credit towards the qualification in recognition of previous experience where an equivalence of earlier learning can be established. Credit transfer for an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) course, is only applicable for recently completed APAC accredited postgraduate programs. Credit or partial credit is not granted in recognition of knowledge or skills gained through work or life experience. The granting of credit for placements on the basis of previous experience gained as a registered psychologist is not permitted by APAC.