This program opens the door to your career as a psychologist.
This program delivers practical experience and skills training to prepare you for independent work in psychology. You will advance your existing knowledge of psychological assessment with a focus on the selection, administration and interpretation of major psychological tests.
This program is offered at USC Thompson Institute
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
This program delivers practical experience and skills training to prepare you for independent work in psychology. You will advance your existing knowledge of psychological assessment with a focus on the selection, administration and interpretation of major psychological tests.
You will also develop skills in writing different kinds of psychological reports. The program will extend your knowledge of appropriate treatments for psychological disorders and how to deliver psychological services ethically and within legal requirements.
By the end of this program, you will be sufficiently trained to undertake one final year of supervised internship in the field, after which you can apply to for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
The USC postgraduate psychology programs are taught at the Thompson Institute. A hub for mental health research, teaching and clinical services, this world-class facility is located at Birtinya, minutes from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The Institute’s focus is to address mental health issues in the community, particularly those affecting our youth, adolescents and older community members.
Visit Study Psychology for more information.
Career opportunities
You are well on your way to becoming a psychologist with general registration, and you can use this qualification to work in private and public health sectors and in non-government organisations.
Admission requirements
The entry requirements for admission to the Master of Professional Psychology are:
- Successful completion of an APAC accredited four-year degree or fourth year in Psychology with Honours Class 2 Division I from a recognised higher education institution in the last 10 years (OR) psychologists with demonstrated equivalent experience and compliance with the Psychology Board of Australia's continuing professional development requirements.
- Applicants must have general registration or be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
- Attend an interview with psychology staff members.
Accreditation
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) has accredited the Master of Professional Psychology.
Program structure
Program Structure
Required courses (8)
PSY700 Editing for the Communications Professional
PSY701 Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults
PSY702 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
PSY705 Novel Ideas
PSY713 Advanced and Transcultural Counselling
PSY716 Advanced Psychological Assessment and Reporting
PSY750 Clinical Psychological Practice 1
PSY754 Clinical Psychological Practice 2
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 96
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 98 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
- This program consists of two required components, as follows:
- 75 percent coursework (6 courses)
- 25 percent Practica and skills training (2 courses).
- Students will undertake a minimum of 300 hours of practicum placement in total across the 2 professional skills courses.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student visa.