Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/Doctor of Philosophy

Course information for - 2025 entry Are you an

This course is only available to students already undertaking ACU’s Master of Psychology (Clinical) or ACU’s Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental). If you are a current student and interested in transferring to the combined Master of Psychology / Doctor of Philosophy course, please contact your course coordinator for further details.

Offered at 2 locations Location

Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fees (first year)*: $32751 Fee-paying
Start dates: Semester 1 intake: Not available
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available

Approval to study an Individual unit within these degrees must be sought from the Course Coordinator.

Overview

The Master of Psychology/Doctor of Philosophy combines professional training within educational and developmental psychology with a research Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). You will gain experience in the delivery of psychological services through practicums, study subjects such as Psychological Assessment, Professional Practice in Psychology, and Therapeutic Skills, and complete a doctoral thesis concurrently. In the educational and developmental stream, you will specialise in learning difficulties, applied educational psychology and applied developmental psychology.

ACU strongly encourages students to be fully vaccinated. With our industry and community placement partners requiring vaccination, and with public health orders regularly changing - students can avoid interruption to their studies, placement and graduation requirements by becoming fully vaccinated.

Professional experience

Students must complete 1000 hours of practicum placement in clinical settings with at least 400 hours of face-to-face client contact.

Professional recognition

This course is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.

Careers

Graduates will be well-prepared for work as practitioner psychologists or skilled researchers in a range of institutions and agencies providing psychological and mental health services.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

For students who are transferring to the concurrent degrees in 2023 after completing Year 1 as part of the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) in 2022.

Year 1Semester 1

Specified UnitsPSYC621Professional Practice in Psychology10 cp
Specified UnitsPSYC638Therapeutic Skills10 cp
Specified UnitsPSYC630Psychological Assessment10 cp
Specified UnitsPSYC622Practicum Skills10 cp

Year 1Semester 2

Specified UnitsPSYC623Psychopathology
(Pre: PSYC621 & PSYC630)
10 cp
Specialisation Units: Educational and Developmental StreamPSYC645Learning Difficulties: Assessment and Intervention
(Pre: PSYC621 & PSYC630)
10 cp
Practicum UnitsPSYC613Practicum A
(Pre: PSYC621 & PSYC622 & PSYC630 & PSYC638)
10 cp
Specified UnitsPSYC624Evidence-Based Practice for Psychologists10 cp

Year 2Semester 1

Year 2Semester 2

Year 2Research Terms A, B, C & D

Year 3Semester 1

Year 3Semester 2

Year 3Research Terms A, B, C & D

Year 4Research Terms A, B, C & D

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Masters/Doctorate – AQF Level 9/10

Additional course information

PhD component of course

Students already enrolled in the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) who have completed Year 1 with a Distinction average across all subjects and were admitted to the Master with a minimum of Second Class Honours – Division A (HIIA) or equivalent may be eligible to transfer to the combined degree. Admission into this course is subject to supervision and resource availability.

Applicants must first contact the School of Behavioural and Health Sciences to explore potential research areas, identify a potential PhD supervisor and write a brief research proposal. Upon successful completion of the first year of studies, candidates may then apply to Candidature Services for admission to the PhD program.

Candidates should apply to the Candidature Services Office for admission to the PhD component: Application forms for the PhD component are available from the Candidature Research Services website, under 'How to Apply' or by email to res.cand@acu.edu.au

ACU Funded Research Higher Degree

ACU funds Research Higher Degree students for their term of study.

Note: funding does not refer to coursework components of the concurrent MPsych/PhD degrees. Students must pay Library Fees. Some students may be eligible for RTS places. Continuation of Candidature is dependent upon the candidate adhering to Research Higher Degree Regulations and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. This is monitored twice annually with the completion of a mandatory Academic Progress Report whereby the candidate and Principal/Co-Supervisors agree on the student's progress.

Entry requirements

Admission into this course is subject to supervision and resource availability. Students already enrolled in the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) who have completed Year 1 with a Distinction average across all subjects and were admitted to the Master with a minimum of Second Class Honours – Division A (HIIA) or equivalent may be eligible to transfer to the combined degree.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$32751 Fee-paying

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Deferment

No deferment available.