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School of Psychological Science
FAQs
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Professional Programs
MPsych
& DPsych
How long
is the course?
The Master of Psychology coursework degree is 2 years full time (up
to 4 years part-time) and eligible candidates may upgrade to a fee-paying
coursework Doctor of Psychology over 3 years of full-time (up to 6
years part-time).
The Doctor of Psychology research training scheme degree is 3.5 years
full time (up to 7 years part-time)
No part time candidature is available for international candidates
What does
it cost?
The Master of Psychology coursework degree places will
be Commonwealth supported HECS-HELP places
in 2008.
(International candidates must study full-time and pay fees of AUD$19,790
per annum)
The Doctor of Psychology research training scheme degree places are offered
under the Research Training Scheme and therefore provide entitlement to
a HECS exemption for the duration of the course.
How many
credit points are allocated to each degree?
The Master of Psychology coursework degree requires 240 credit points
for completion (120 per year full time).
The Doctor of Psychology research training scheme degree requires
420 credit points for completion (120 per year full time for 3 years
and 60 for semester 1 of year 4).
What
are the closing dates for applications?
For local applicants the closing date is 31 October. For international
applicants the closing date is 30 September.
How do I
get a supervisor? Do I need a supervisor before I apply?
Check this site for a list of academic staff and their research interests
or request a hard copy from the administrative officer. Applicants may
make direct approach to staff to discuss possible supervision after receiving
an offer. Applications may be submitted before discussing supervision,
however a place offered in the program is contingent on availability of
resources and supervision for research projects.
Undergraduate pre-requisites/equivalence
Applicants must have completed a 3-year program in psychology accredited
by the APS (and have attained at least a B average over the 3 years) as
well as an APS accredited fourth year of psychology (either honours/postgraduate
diploma or equivalent). The fourth year result must be at least an upper
H2A or equivalent. NB. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate
qualifications overseas should submit their academic records to the Australian
Psychological Society (APS) to be assessed as equivalent to an Australian
four year sequence (contact APS directly: a fee is charged). www.psychology.org.au
Is a
Postgraduate Diploma equivalent to Honours? What honours result is
required?
The fourth year course (either an honours degree or a postgraduate
diploma) must be accredited by the APS and the result equivalent to
at least H2A to be regarded as a prerequisite for master or doctor
of psychology. The course content must contain a fourth year empirical
research thesis of approximately 15,000 words and count for at least
50% of the work requirements.
Can I
study part-time?
Yes, with permission of the course co-ordinator.
How many
days a week will I have to spend at the university?
Full-time places are just that - 5 days per week, normal office hours
(9am to 5pm). There is flexibility with timing though, for non-seminar
components such as casework, placement and research thesis (where students
can devise a schedule to suit clients and supervisors).
What form
does the thesis take? What is the word limit?
Although bound together, the MPsych coursework thesis contains two parts
which are written as self-contained documents that could stand alone.
The first part is a literature review of up to 5000 words - the second
part is the empirical research report which is in journal article style.
The current word limit 15,000 words. The word limit for a DPsych research
training scheme doctorate thesis is 75,000 words, with a recommended maximum
of 60,000 words.
What
if I can’t get 4 referees? Who can be professional referees?
Can one person be both an academic and a professional referee?
Applicants usually require 2 academic and 2 professional referees.
Academic referees can assess academic suitability for higher degree
candidature based on undergraduate record. Professional referees provide
assessment of the candidate’s suitability for professional training
based on experience in a professional capacity (e.g. evidence of skills
working with people - such as volunteer work). One referee can complete
both an academic and a professional reference if qualified to do so.
Are interviews
held? When will they be? When will I find out if I am to receive an
offer? Can I defer the offer?
Applicants are ranked and short listed for interview. The interview
is used as the final means of selecting candidates for entry. Interviews
are usually held in early November. Offers are usually made early
in December. Offers can be accepted or declined on a written form.
A place cannot be deferred. If an offer is declined the applicant
must apply again for a place in a subsequent year.
Will
there be tutorships or research assistant positions available in the
department? How do I find about them?
The School appoints casual tutors on a yearly basis. Enquiries should
be made to the Head of School.
Upgrades
from Masters to Doctorate
Master of Psychology coursework candidates may apply to upgrade to a Doctor
of Psychology coursework full-fee place after completing the first year
of masters and obtaining at least an average grade of B and demonstrating
sufficient aptitude for professional practice and research. Applications
should be made to the professional programs committee and a research proposal
suitable for a doctoral study submitted for examination.
Can I
apply for a scholarship?
Candidates applying for a research training scheme place in the Doctor
of Psychology may also apply for a scholarship (closing dates: 31st
October for local applicants and 30th September for international
applicants).
Can I
study by distance education?
No. External enrolment is not possible for Master or Doctor of Psychology.
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