Master of Applied Psychology
Course code: MC-AP
February
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
Access Melbourne is available
February
AUD $62,976 (2026 indicative first year fee)
IELTS 6.5: with no band less than 6.0
Course structure
Overview
The degree requires the completion of 150 points. Students will complete 125 points of compulsory subjects and with an emphasis throughout the course on the development of practical skills in applied contexts, the program will culminate in the completion of:
- a 25 point Internship which will place students in relevant workplaces; or
- a 25 point Research Project.
Students will participate in a dedicated program of lectures, seminars and tutorials and will enjoy a strong cohort experience.
Profile
Winona Johnson
Winona Johnson, Quantitative Research Design at Forethought
After completing my undergraduate studies in psychology, I knew I did not want to go down a clinical pathway, however felt unsure of what my next steps would be. After finding the Master of Applied Psychology, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. Through the course, I developed and refined my knowledge of human behaviour and decision making. Subsequently, I learned to practically apply my knowledge and skills to larger scale social and business problems.
The course structure enables you to explore many areas such as government, marketing, research, and health, and to then pursue the areas you are most interested in. The best part is that the skills and knowledge gained are so broadly applicable, so it is up to you where you take them.
Overall, the MAP was incredibly engaging and inspiring, from the content, to the lecturers and guest speakers, and even down to the cohort I studied alongside. The course opened so many doors for me. I quickly found my skillset was in high demand, and the job options were endless. I am now working in the market research industry, designing quantitative research that subsequently allows businesses to make evidence-based decisions.
Explore this course
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this degree.
Students must complete 125 points of compulsory subjects.
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Advanced Design and Data Analysis · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides an introduction to multivariate data analysis in the behavioural and social sciences, including the nature, rationale and application of a number of widely used multivariate data analysis models. For each model, issues covered include the nature of the model and its assumptions; situations in which the model might be applied; diagnostics for model adequacy; estimation and inference; interpretation; the use of statistical software for model-fitting. Models will be selected from multiple regression; logistic regression; an introduction to path analysis and structural equation modelling; multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis; multilevel models; principal components analysis and factor analysis; models for multivariate categorical data; cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. The first two lectures/tutorials of the subject will be taught on one day (six hours) in Orientation Week, thereby allowing students time to work on assessment tasks at the beginning of the semester. |
| Advanced Social Psychology · 12.5 pts |
This subject will cover classic and contemporary social psychology, including topics such as group behaviour, intergroup processes, self-regulation, morality, goals, and social exclusion. We will explore emerging perspectives, cutting edge research, and controversies in the field. Across all topics we will also consider their practical implications in society with real-world examples of how these areas of research impact human behaviour. |
| Psychology of Advertising · 12.5 pts |
This subject will explore the psychological theories that relate to the development of advertising and communication messages. We will read and discuss classic and emerging articles from psychology that help us gain an understanding of how to craft effective advertising messages. We will explore the psychological processes in consumer decision-making and how and why persuasion attempts are effective. Psychological constructs covered include attitudes, decision-making, implicit persuasion, compliance, cognitive dissonance, and ethics. |
| Attitude and Behaviour Change · 12.5 pts |
This subject focuses on the nature and structure of attitudes. We will examine how attitudes are formed, when and how they can be changed, and whether attitudes predict behaviour. We will explore emerging issues of implicit attitudes and the debates around implicit attitude measurement. We will also examine how attitude and behaviour change research impacts real world situations such as prejudice and discrimination, consumer behaviour, and social issues such as smoking, healthy eating and exercise initiatives. |
| Applied Research Methods · 12.5 pts |
This is a compulsory subject in the Master of Applied Psychology. Research is a critical business activity across all industries in the government, commercial and not for profit sectors. Researchers in applied settings need to be able to undertake and interpret a broad range of research to provide the robust evidence required to inform the decision making of those responsible for shaping products, services and communications. This subject will introduce students to research in applied settings – including the designs and methods commonly used to answer clients’ needs. It will cover research design, ethics, data collection, analysis and reporting. Students will learn how to design, undertake and evaluate applied research to meet the needs of decision makers in applied settings. |
| Principles of consulting · 12.5 pts |
As agents of change, consultants play a key role in developing and disseminating solutions to complex societal and organisational problems. Principles of Consulting provides a systematic exploration of core consulting themes, frameworks, and skills while focussing on specific real-world problems through the application of psychological theories and research methods. The subject combines didactic teaching to increase student’s understanding of commonly used tools and methods in consulting with case-based practice to design and purpose evidence-based interventions grounded in psychological research. With soft skills being an essential quality of capable consultants, students will work collaboratively in teams to refine their written communication and oral presentation skills. This is a compulsory subject in the Master of Applied Psychology. |
| Qualitative Research in Public Health · 12.5 pts |
This is a compulsory subject in the Master of Public Health. Qualitative research plays an important role in public health as it can explain how people experience a particular health issue or why they perform a health-related behavior, taking into account specific social, political and economic contexts. Public health practitioners need to be able to undertake and interpret a range of published research (including qualitative research) in order to gather evidence for practice, identify gaps in evidence and evaluate current practice. |
| Thinking, Judgement and Decision Making · 12.5 pts |
The science of judgment and decision-making is an important emerging area of study incorporating elements of psychology and behavioural economic theory. This includes the cognitive basis of decision-making, preference formation, belief updating, and related cognitive processes, using methods from psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and economics. We will explore the biases and heuristics that can lead to bad decisions, the mechanisms of individual and group decision-making, and how we can make better decisions. We will examine “nudges” (e.g., choice architecture to encourage positive decisions), unconscious impacts on decision-making, and the latest in behavioural science to inform our understanding of judgment and decision-making. All of these theories will be discussed in relation to real-world decision scenarios. |
| Influence and Persuasion · 12.5 pts |
This subject will explore the psychological theories of influence and persuasion, including recent developments in persuasion that occurs outside our conscious awareness. We will discuss how to apply these theories in order to be more persuasive and influential in work environments, communication design, and advertising. These influence strategies will help you become a more confident decision-maker. We will explore influence in a range of scenarios at the individual and group level in real-world applications of the theories. |
Choose one of the following marketing subjects
Students complete one of:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Consumers and Consumption · 12.5 pts |
This subject examines the factors affecting the purchase, usage and disposal of products and services. Topics include the introduction and application of customer behaviour concepts to marketing decision making; consumer behaviour models of information processing; the identification of psychological variables which influence customer decision making; social and cultural factors affecting consumer behaviour; and an introduction to a variety of consumer-related market research techniques. |
| Marketing Management · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides an introduction to the basic concepts, principles and activities of marketing and how to manage an organisation's marketing effort. Some of the principal topics include value-based marketing, market research, selecting target markets, product and brand management, marketing communications (advertising and promotions, as well as personal selling), management of distribution channels, pricing decisions and marketing ethics. Students are also introduced to the nature of buyer behaviour, including decision-making patterns, purchase behaviours, and customer satisfaction. |
Students must complete 25 points of Capstone requirements (PSYC90106 Research Project OR PSYC90107 Internship).
Prerequisites
Complete the following subjects prior to undertaking the Group Research Project or Internship:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Applied Research Methods · 12.5 pts |
This is a compulsory subject in the Master of Applied Psychology. Research is a critical business activity across all industries in the government, commercial and not for profit sectors. Researchers in applied settings need to be able to undertake and interpret a broad range of research to provide the robust evidence required to inform the decision making of those responsible for shaping products, services and communications. This subject will introduce students to research in applied settings – including the designs and methods commonly used to answer clients’ needs. It will cover research design, ethics, data collection, analysis and reporting. Students will learn how to design, undertake and evaluate applied research to meet the needs of decision makers in applied settings. |
| Advanced Design and Data Analysis · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides an introduction to multivariate data analysis in the behavioural and social sciences, including the nature, rationale and application of a number of widely used multivariate data analysis models. For each model, issues covered include the nature of the model and its assumptions; situations in which the model might be applied; diagnostics for model adequacy; estimation and inference; interpretation; the use of statistical software for model-fitting. Models will be selected from multiple regression; logistic regression; an introduction to path analysis and structural equation modelling; multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis; multilevel models; principal components analysis and factor analysis; models for multivariate categorical data; cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. The first two lectures/tutorials of the subject will be taught on one day (six hours) in Orientation Week, thereby allowing students time to work on assessment tasks at the beginning of the semester. |
Capstone options
Complete one of the following:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Research Project · 25 pts |
The research project is a Capstone option in the Master of Applied Psychology. This subject enables participants to draw on the expertise developed throughout the MAP program and apply it to a topic relevant to their coursework topics. The project is team-based to mirror the practical experience of those working in a range of fields such as marketing, public policy, consumer/social research, communications/advertising, business consulting, and many others. The project will be developed and overseen by both a professional and academic mentor. The syndicate group will work in consultation with their practice and academic mentors to develop a project brief, undertake analysis, and prepare a professional report. |
| Internship · 25 pts |
This subject will allow select Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) students to take part in an industry internship. The internship will allow students to experience real-world application of their coursework topics. The organizations offering placement positions include advertising agencies, communication/PR agencies, research agencies, large corporate firms, and government departments. Tasks will vary as a function of industry/organization, but may include literature reviews, design of communications, evaluation of communications, data analysis, and research. Entry to the internship positions will be competitive with selection based on a mix of previous grades from other MAP subjects and stated suitability for the position. MAP students must complete either this internship subject or the research project subject (PSYCH90106) |