Course

Master of Psychology (Forensic Psychology)

Approved Abbreviation: MPsy(ForPsy)

Western Sydney University Course Code: 1547.3

The Master of Psychology (Forensic) is a fee-paying professional masters degree designed to develop competent Forensic Psychologists who will become specialist practioners. All students complete specified coursework, a research project and thesis, and 1000 hours of supervised professional experience in forensic and other settings. Graduates of this award will be eligible for full registration with the NSW Psychologists Registration Board, full membership of the Australian Psychological Society and associate membership of the APS College of Forensic Psychologists.

Study Mode
Two years full-time or four years part-time.

Advanced standing

Assessments of advanced standing will be subject to UWS's credit transfer regulations. All applicants will have their transcripts assessed to ensure they have at least the equivalent of a four-year psychology bachelor's degree in the AQF framework, and for specified credit for any fifth or sixth year psychology or equivalent units. No specified credit will be given for the thesis and supervised placement components completed prior to eligibility for Associated membership with the NSW Psychologists Registration Board. Applicants who have met placement standards requirements will be invited to make an application for advanced standing under the set criteria outlined by the APS and Registration Board.

Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Graduates of this award will be eligible for General registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Admission

The major purpose of this award is to permit graduates of accredited degrees to have an opportunity to do an accredited fifth and sixth year sequence. For this reason the award will only be open to graduates having at least the equivalent of an accredited four year psychology bachelor degree within the AQF framework. The School is skilled at evaluating student transcripts. However, the onus will be on applicants with irregular studies to prove they have an accredited four-year psychology degree to gain admission to the program and would typically be required to produce a letter from their former Head of School to this effect.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended sequence

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

101209

Core Skills: Counselling and Ethical Practice

101207

Psychological Assessment 1

101212

Clinical Psychopathology