Master of Professional Psychology
The Master of Professional Psychology provides graduates with the core competencies required to pursue registration as a general psychologist.
Limited availability
Places in this course are limited and entry is competitive. Apply early for the best chance of securing your place.
Course essentials
Entry requirements
Credit
Study mode
On campus
Duration
Start dates
26 July 2027
Locations
Mt Helen (on campus)
Course overview
The Master of Professional Psychology consists of coursework (including a major case study) and practical placement. The program develops specialised knowledge and skills for the professional practice of psychology including ethical and legal practice assessment and interventions across the lifespan. The structure provides for the application of learning experiences across these areas. Practicum experiences throughout the program facilitate the practical application of knowledge and develop core skills for psychological practice. Practical training is provided at FedUni Community Psychology Services and external agencies. You will be required to undertake at least 300 hours of practicum experience.
Selection Process
Shortlisting Criteria
Initial shortlisting for interview is based on a holistic assessment of the application, including the following considerations:
- Relevant experience: Demonstrated work or volunteer experience in human services, welfare, mental health, or closely related fields.
- Referee reports: Referees’ assessments of the applicant’s suitability for postgraduate psychology training.
- Workforce need and potential contribution: Applicants who demonstrate the potential to contribute to addressing identified workforce shortages in psychology, including through their areas of interest, experience, or intended career pathways.
- Rural and regional representation: Applicants who are based in, or have a demonstrated connection to, rural or regional communities.
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants: The program is committed to supporting participation and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Please note:
Applicants are not required to meet all of the above criteria. Selection decisions are made holistically, taking into account applicants’ academic background, experience, referee input, and alignment with program values, equity priorities, and workforce needs.
- The highest ranked applicants will be invited to interview, and offers made in descending order of merit.
- Final offers of admission are determined based on the above criteria, in combination with performance at interview and the broader assessment process, which evaluates applicants’ overall suitability for postgraduate training and for the psychology profession.
- Applicants who have completed, or are currently completing, the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) (HY8) at Federation University will be offered an interview the first time they apply for the program, provided they submit a complete application.
If an applicant from this cohort is not successful in receiving an offer following their initial application, any subsequent applications will be considered competitively alongside the broader applicant pool and in accordance with the standard selection criteria.
Applicants will be ranked based on their assessed suitability for postgraduate training in psychology and consideration of the selection criteria. Offers of admission will be made in rank order based on this overall assessment.
Offers will be made to applicants until the available places within the program are filled or the list of applicants deemed suitable is exhausted. Individual feedback on applications or interviews will not be provided.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Psychology
Course co-ordinator
Megan Jenkins
Career paths
Graduates of the Master of Professional Psychology are eligible to apply for provisional registration as a general psychologist, and pursue a one year internship leading to general registration as a psychologist. General psychologists work in a range of settings including public and private practice.
Professional recognition
The Master of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
The available fee places for this course are listed below. Entry for this course is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs). Your tuition fees will be determined by the place you are offered.
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample structure section above links to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Full fee-paying places are not subsidised by the Australian Government. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. Your fee will depend on your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
The amount is based on the course annual fee for 1 EFTSL (120 credit points).
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Berwick (flexible)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Semester 2, 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Berwick (flexible)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.
- Flexible delivery means you'll be doing some of your classes online and some, like labs, on campus.
Contact hours
Varied 12-22 contact hours per week
Work integrated learning
Students are required to complete 315 hours of placement under the supervision of a registered psychologist with Board-approved supervisor status to meet accreditation requirements. Placements are not paid due to industry standards. Placements may occur with an external placement partner or in a Federation University internal clinic.
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Psychological Assessment15 credit pointsPSYCM7003
- Adult Psychopathology15 credit pointsPSYCM7015
- Clinical Intervention15 credit pointsPSYCM7017
- Professional Practice: Stage 115 credit pointsPSYCM7011
- Child and Adolescent Psychopathology15 credit pointsPSYCM7016
- Diversity and Inter-Professional Practice15 credit pointsPSYCM7018
- Research for Practice15 credit pointsPSYCM7020
- Professional Practice: Stage 215 credit pointsPSYCM7012
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Completion of an APAC accredited fourth year degree in psychology (Honours or Graduate Diploma) with a credit average within the last 10 years.
Satisfies the personal qualities assessment via referee reports and interview.
Federation University students who have completed the Bachelor of Psychlogical Science (Honours) may be given preference.
English language requirements
Academic IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with no individual band less than 7.0 (or equivalent)
Extra requirements
To be eligible for selection all applicants must complete:
Federation University online application
- Arrange the completion of 1 academic referee and 1 professional referee report and;
- Attach copies of academic transcripts for undergraduate and fourth year courses.
If you’re only applying for this course, do it via direct application.
Ready to fill out your application?
You'll need this code:
Direct application
Federation University code
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- YM9