Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental Psychology)

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• utilise advanced knowledge and skills for the safe and effective delivery of professional psychological practice in accordance with APAC Level 4 professional competencies for educational and developmental psychology.
• perform advanced standardised psychological testing and assessments to evaluate and interpret aspects of functioning in educational and developmental psychology practice.
• identify psychological disorders using a recognised taxonomy, implement evidence-based interventions, and monitor outcomes in a range of settings.
• identify and manage risk in educational and other settings.
• apply advanced interpersonal skills to practise effectively within diverse socioecological contexts and adapt practice to complement the unique needs of particular client groups.
• work effectively and collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams for the purpose of case conceptualisation, treatment planning and integrated client services.
• Conduct and evaluate research and effectively communicate findings to a range of stakeholders in educational and other settings.
• utilise ethical principles and decision-making in all aspects of educational and developmental psychological practice.

Career opportunities

Educational and Developmental Psychology is concerned with wellbeing across the lifespan, in particular, the development and learning of people throughout their lives. Educational and Developmental Psychologists may work with individuals, couples, families, groups, organisations, or with systems. Graduate outcomes for students include private practice and/or employment as psychologists in a range of settings, including in schools and other educational settings, as well as in settings that support people with issues related to whole of lifespan developmental needs.

Professional recognition

Psychologist Registration

Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental Psychology)  is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). On completion of this course, you will be eligible for registration as a psychologist and to enter the registrar program for endorsement as an educational and developmental psychologist.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental Psychology), students must complete 200 credit points comprising:

• ten core units (125 credit points) 
• three placement units (75 credit points).

Volume of learning

The Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental Psychology) consists of a total of 200 credit points. A standard annual full-time load comprises 100 credit points and a part time annual load comprises 50 credit points.

The volume of learning of the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental Psychology) is typically two-years full time.

This course requires students to complete 1000 hours of mandatory placement.

Research Statement

This course covers research principles and methods within all units as students are trained in the science-practitioner model of psychological service delivery and will be taught to critically analyse and apply evidence as well as evaluate outcomes. PSY80137 Psychological Research and Evaluation A and PSY80138 Psychological Research and Evaluation B are two specific units (12.5cp each) dedicated to substantial research knowledge, research principles and methods and the application of research where students are required to critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature, investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology, and communicate psychological evidence to a non-psychology audience. Research methods are assessed via a research plan, literature review presentation, reflective research journal, and a final thesis/manuscript. These assessments require students to develop a viable and ethical research project, and to identify suitable research methodology that can be applied to their research project. In addition, students are required to collect, analyse, and interpret research data, and to effectively communicate their research findings to a wider audience. 

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental Psychology) is 50 credit points (normally 4 units).