New Master of Professional Psychology opens doors for more students
An innovative new Master of Professional Psychology will be offered at Federation University Australia – giving more students the opportunity to learn where they live, including in remote and regional communities.
The newly accredited program will be delivered with synchronous online classes, with residential intensive learning workshops held twice a semester at the Berwick campus.
In addition to their regular coursework, the program will enable students to undertake placement in their own communities.
Head of Psychology Professor Rachel Grieve said the new flexible model opens up the qualification to a wide range of students, including those juggling work and family, or living regionally.
“This is a game changer in terms of accessibility,” she said.
“For a whole lot of students attaining professional accreditation has been out of reach. This model changes that.”
Associate Professor Megan Jenkins, Head of Clinical Services and Programs, said the establishment of the new course would help address the urgent need for more mental health professionals in rural and regional communities.
“Psychology workforce shortages in regional areas are critical, and access to training has been one of the major barriers,” she said.
“Many students seeking professional registration need to leave their communities to study – and for a variety of reasons, they don’t come back.”
“This new offering will support students who want to stay in their own communities – but importantly, students who want to give back to their communities.”
The National Mental Health Workforce Strategy 2022-23 found a 32 percent shortfall in mental health workers when compared to the 2019 National Mental Health Services Planning Framework (NMHSPF) target, with the shortfall expected to grow to 42 percent by 2030 if current shortages are not addressed.
These shortfalls where further exacerbated in regional and rural communities – despite these communities experiencing unique mental health challenges including social isolation, less financial security and higher rates of suicide.
The Master of Professional Psychology is a key step in registering as a general psychologist.
After completing the one-year master’s, graduates undertake a final year of supervised practice before becoming eligible for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.
The course has already received strong interest, with just a few places remaining for the Spring semester. Applications are also open now for Semester 1, 2026.
For more information on the course and application process, contact m.jenkins@federation.edu.au