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  1. FAQs

Master of Professional Psychology

Explore FAQ 2022 Course Guide Apply Now Professional Development

The Master of Professional Psychology prepares selected psychology graduates, who have successfully completed an APAC accredited fourth year course in psychology and are eligible for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), to meet the core capabilities and attributes required to practice as a psychologist.

The aim of the course is to provide a general education in the professional practice of psychology, as the first year of the ‘5+1 pathway’ to general registration with AHPRA. Graduates are eligible to apply for a 6th year Internship. This fifth year has been designed specifically to meet APAC and PsyBA guidelines for such courses.

The eight competencies cover the knowledge and skills to research, analyse, articulate and synthesise psychology as a systematic body of knowledge. Students learn a range of evidence-based psychotherapies and interventions, ethical and professional practice considerations, and administration and interpretation of a range of psychological assessments. Professional experience is gained through 300 hours of supervised practicum which includes an agency placement, experiential workshops, and simulated learning opportunities.

Location: Face-to-Face - Hawthorn East, Victoria, Australia  Intake: February each year
Delivery: Full Time Only Fees: Fee information can be found here
Duration: 1 Year FEE-Help: Yes 
CRICOS Course Code: 092974F Course Code: PY093
Application Type: Domestic and International

Application Period: Applications for our 2022 entry are now closed. Check out our Single Subjects | The Cairnmillar Institute page to explore other options. Application for 2023 intake will commence in August.

Information Evening: Online, 5.15pm – 7pm Wednesday 8th September 2021. View the recorded version here. 
 

What does this course offer you?

  • First step on the 5+1 pathway to registration as a professional psychologist.
  • Graduates are eligible for direct entry to undertake the 6th year internship.
  • 300 hours of supervised practicum, with real-world experience in industry placements.
  • Robust placement program – three internal clinics and excellent links with industry partners and further employment. 
  • High quality learning experiences with teachers who are experienced practitioners.
  • FEE-HELP available.  

What more does Cairnmillar offer?

We are committed to making your experience at Cairnmillar one that continues to assist you beyond your degree. We aim to provide you with skills beyond what you will gain through the units of study, including:

  • Free leadership training and peer mentoring programs.
  • Professional development opportunities for a reduced price.
  • Academic writing and study skills support.
  • Career advice. 
  • Friendly staff with an open-door approach.

Admission Criteria

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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.

Published: 16th July, 2019

Updated: 22nd May, 2020

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Career Opportunities

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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.

Published: 16th July, 2019

Updated: 1st April, 2021

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Course Duration and Structure

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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

Published: 16th July, 2019

Updated: 4th October, 2021

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Graduate Learning Outcomes

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  1. Knowledge of the discipline
    1. Demonstrate core professional psychology principles across a range of settings
    2. Assess and diagnose a variety of client presentations with reference to DSM-5
    3. Interpret current literature and research regarding psychological issues and disorders, to formulate appropriate assessments and interventions.
  2.  Ethical, legal & professional matters
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics as well as relevant legislation that informs current professional practice
    2. Apply ethical principles in simulation and in professional practice.  
  3. Psychological Assessment and Measurement
    1. 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
    2. Demonstrate an ability to administer, score, interpret and write up specific assessment batteries. 
  4. Intervention strategies
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of a select range of empirically validated interventions suitable for use with adults and children 
    2. Demonstrate application of this understanding through ethical application of treatments in simulation and placement practicum, including their evaluation.
  5. Research and evaluation
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the application of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods in professional psychological practice
    2. Conduct a high quality needs analysis in a psychological treatment or psychosocial support setting, and recommend an implementable solution.
  6. Communication and Interpersonal Relationships
    1. Demonstrate effective and efficient written and oral communication skills
    2. Relate appropriately to clients and professionals across academic and clinical settings. 
  7. Working within a Cross Cultural Context 
    1. Develop an understanding of culturally sensitive psychological practice, and demonstrate competence in working with clients from diverse backgrounds where placement settings allow.  
  8. Practice across the Lifespan
    1. Develop knowledge of age appropriate psychological assessments and interventions, and where possible apply this in placement settings.
  9. Reflective practice
    1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of reflective self-practice and the ability to implement constructive feedback in order to improve clinical practice.  

Published: 16th July, 2019

Updated: 29th March, 2021

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Professional Recognition

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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.

Published: 16th July, 2019

Updated: 27th June, 2020

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Recognition of Prior Learning

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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.

Published: 16th July, 2019

Updated: 17th July, 2019

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The Cairnmillar Institute acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities.