Master of Psychology (MPsych)

• Introduction to course
  • Clayton campus
• Objectives - MPsych(Counselling) program
• Objectives - MPsych (Child and Educational) program
• Admission requirements
• Credit provision

Introduction to course

Clayton campus

Course code: 0158

Contact: Dr Philip Greenway or Associate Professor Neville King

The Master of Psychology degree is awarded within the Faculty of Education. The faculty offers two programs for the degree, in counselling psychology and child and educational psychology.

Students should note that completion of the Master of Psychology is prima facie a qualification for membership of the Australian Psychological Society and eligibility for employment as a psychologist in the State of Victoria. In addition, each of the two programs presently offered by the Faculty of Education satisfies the academic training requirements for membership of relevant colleges of the Australian Psychological Society (ie College of Counselling Psychologists, College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists) and eligibility for employment as a specialist psychologist in the State of Victoria. In general, a further two years of supervised practice is necessary for full membership of these colleges and full eligibility for employment as a specialist psychologist.

Objectives - MPsych(Counselling) program

The major objectives of the Master of Psychology (Counselling) program are to provide students with knowledge and understanding to:

• develop an advanced knowledge of counselling theories;
• train students in counselling techniques, both in a systematic way and in professional settings;
• develop a theoretical and practical knowledge of assessing people with regard to their cognitive skills, their personality characteristics, their potential psychopathology and their vocational interests and potential;
• develop research skills relevant to counselling in all its theoretical and applied aspects;
• acquire a knowledge of the local human service systems, especially in the area of community psychology, for which counselling has relevance;
• develop an understanding of the professional and ethical issues which are relevant to counselling;
• develop some insight in students into their own way of experiencing and understanding.

Objectives - MPsych (Child and Educational) program

The major objectives of the Master of Psychology (Child and Educational) program are to provide students with knowledge and understanding to:

• develop an advanced knowledge of educational and developmental problems from a life-span perspective, together with an understanding of major theoretical approaches;
• develop advanced knowledge and skills for assessment, counselling and intervention in the specialist field of educational and developmental psychology;
• develop research skills relevant to educational and developmental psychology (consistent with the philosophy of the `scientist-practitioner');
• develop an advanced knowledge of local human service systems in the specialist field of educational and developmental psychology;
• develop an understanding of professional/legal issues relevant to the specialist field of educational and developmental psychology.

Admission requirements

For all of the various programs in the MPsych, the admission requirements are the same: four years approved study in psychology. Because the number of applicants usually exceeds available places, selection will be based on academic merit and personal suitability. Intending applicants should ensure that they possess such qualifications. Referees' reports may be required.

Credit provision

There is no provision for formal credit or recognition of prior learning. All subjects must be completed in these programs.