Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework in psychological assessment and intervention with applied placements and a substantial practice-focused capstone. Core areas typically covered include clinical assessment and formulation, evidence-based psychological interventions (for example cognitive behavioural and brief therapies), developmental and adult psychopathology, psychometric assessment and measurement, ethics and professional practice, and research methods.

• Assessment and diagnosis: structured and semi‑structured clinical interviews, psychometric instruments, case formulation and differential diagnosis.
• Intervention and therapy: theory and practice of cognitive behavioural approaches, short‑term therapies, crisis intervention and working with diverse client groups.
• Specialist contexts: child and adolescent issues, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological considerations, health and chronic illness, forensic and correctional settings.
• Professional practice: ethics, law, record keeping, multidisciplinary teamwork, cultural competence and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Research and capstone project: applied research methods, critical appraisal of evidence and a supervised research or practice project demonstrating integration of theory and applied skills.
• Practicum placements: multiple supervised clinical placements in a range of settings with formal supervision and competency assessment.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an accredited undergraduate sequence in psychology (for example an Australian honours degree or an equivalent APAC‑recognised qualification) that meets the academic prerequisites for postgraduate professional training. ACU assesses academic suitability, and may consider applicants with alternative but relevant academic backgrounds together with substantial professional experience.

Additional requirements commonly include satisfactory completion of police and working with children checks where placements demand them, evidence of current immunisations as required by placement providers, and meeting ACU's English language proficiency standards for international applicants. Applicants may also be required to participate in interview or selection processes to determine readiness for intensive clinical training.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Professional Psychology are prepared for a range of roles in clinical and community settings. The programme provides the academic preparation required for entry to professional registration pathways overseen by the national psychology registration authorities when combined with the requisite supervised practice or internship.

• Clinical and counselling psychologist roles in public and private health services (pending completion of required post‑graduate supervised practice).
• Positions in community mental health teams, non‑government organisations, schools and disability services.
• Employment as psychological practitioners in corrections, aged care, primary health and workplace wellbeing units.
• Opportunities in assessment and case formulation roles, research assistantships and policy or program development in mental health services.
• Pathways to further postgraduate study, including specialist clinical training or research doctorates.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises professional readiness through close integration of coursework, supervised clinical placements and supportive clinical supervision. The university maintains partnerships with hospitals, community mental health services, schools and NGO providers across its campuses, helping students gain diverse placement experiences. Teaching is delivered by clinically experienced academics and practising clinicians, and students have access to clinical skills facilities and supervision resources.

ACU's programme is designed to align with national accreditation and registration frameworks for psychology, and the university offers student support services, career development assistance and a commitment to ethical, culturally sensitive practice informed by professional standards. Multiple campus locations make clinical placement networks widely accessible to students across Australia.