COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Professional Psychology at Australian National University is a 96-unit accredited postgraduate program designed to prepare students for professional psychology practice through a structured combination of coursework, research, and supervised practical training. The program is divided into two stages of 48 units each. The first stage focuses on pre-provisional registration training and includes foundational studies in professional psychology, research methods and statistics, psychological assessment, psychological interventions, and the broader social, cultural, and professional contexts of psychological practice. Students also complete a substantial research project, typically undertaken across the first year, which develops their ability to conduct, analyse, and apply psychological research. Upon meeting the requirements for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, students progress to the second stage of the degree. This advanced component includes specialised training in psychological assessment, intervention techniques, ethics and professional practice, evidence-based psychology, and advanced applications in professional settings. Students also undertake preparation for professional placements and complete a supervised professional psychology placement in their final semester, providing practical experience with clients and real-world psychological services. The capstone courses focus on integrating evidence-based practice and professional competencies. Students who do not satisfy provisional registration requirements may graduate with the Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology. Overall, the program develops advanced assessment, intervention, research, communication, and ethical practice skills, preparing graduates for supervised professional psychology pathways and future registration as psychologists.