Master of Professional Psychology (CRICOS course code 111728C) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by James Cook University over 1 year. This AQF Level 9 program is designed for graduates seeking to become registered psychologists, combining advanced coursework with a substantial supervised placement. Delivered at JCU's Townsville campus, the course prepares students for the 5+1 internship pathway and is listed on the official CRICOS register — your guarantee of quality as an international student. As part of Australia's 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, James Cook University is a public government-owned institution with a strong reputation in tropical health and behavioural science. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, and data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). HeadStart Academy is a free resource — no commission, no referral fees — here to help you navigate your study journey in Australia.
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This course falls under the field of Society and Culture (09), specialising in Behavioural Science (0907) and Psychology (090701). At the Masters Degree (Coursework) level, students build on undergraduate foundations in psychology, developing advanced skills in assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and ethical practice. The curriculum typically covers topics such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychopathology, psychological assessment, and professional ethics. Graduates are prepared to meet the requirements for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and to progress through the 5+1 internship pathway toward general registration. While specific unit details are set by the provider, the CRICOS registration confirms the course meets national standards for international students.
The Master of Professional Psychology is a single qualification program (no dual award) delivered full-time over 1 year (52 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. This is a coursework degree with an embedded work component — not a research degree. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to meet Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The program does not include foundation studies; students are expected to have completed an accredited undergraduate psychology sequence.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Professional Psychology is A$46,111 per year, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$46,111. Please note: Course fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change — always confirm directly with the provider before applying. Additional costs not included in this figure are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., accommodation in Townsville averages A$150–A$250 per week for rent, plus groceries and transport), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). For current fees, visit James Cook University's website at www.jcu.edu.au.
International students typically need an IELTS overall score between 6.5 and 7.0 (with no band below 6.0–6.5) or an equivalent English language test result. Applicants must hold an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)-accredited three-year undergraduate psychology sequence and a fourth-year honours degree in psychology (or equivalent) with a minimum credit average. Some providers also require relevant work or research experience. Entry is competitive and subject to an interview or written application. Foundation or pathway options may be available through the provider's other programs — refer to James Cook University for details. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee admission; you must meet the institution's entry requirements and visa conditions.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 13 weeks (approximately 300 hours total, though exact weekly hours are not specified on the CRICOS register). This work-integrated learning takes the form of a supervised clinical placement, where students apply psychological theory in real-world settings under the guidance of registered psychologists. Placements are typically arranged through the university and may take place in community health centres, hospitals, or private practices. International students must ensure their Student visa allows for any unpaid or paid placement hours — note that work rights are limited to 48 hours per fortnight during term, but placements that are a compulsory part of the course are not counted under those limits if they are unpaid.
The Master of Professional Psychology is delivered at James Cook University's Townsville campus in Queensland. Townsville is a major regional city with a population of around 180,000, offering a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne. The city has a vibrant student community, with JCU being one of several CRICOS-registered providers in the area. Public transport includes buses that connect the campus to the city centre, and the campus itself is well-equipped with modern facilities. Queensland is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, and Townsville offers a tropical lifestyle with access to the Great Barrier Reef and national parks. When choosing a location, consider climate, proximity to placement sites, and personal preferences.
To study this course in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: evidence of enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (such as the Confirmation of Enrolment), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English language proficiency. As a postgraduate student, you are generally allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks — subject to visa conditions. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring your tuition fees are safeguarded.
Follow these steps to apply for the Master of Professional Psychology at James Cook University:
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy's free database to filter by course level (Masters Degree), field (Behavioural Science), and location (Townsville). Verify that James Cook University (CRICOS 00117J) is registered to deliver this course (CRICOS 111728C).
**Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Visit James Cook University's website to check specific entry requirements, including English language test scores (IELTS 6.5–7.0), academic transcripts, and any required supporting documents. Note application deadlines (usually several months before the semester start). Submit your application online through the university's international admissions portal.
**Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** — If accepted, JCU will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements. Consider consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for visa assistance.
Ready to take the next step? Use HeadStart Academy's free tool to compare psychology courses across Australia and apply to CRICOS-registered providers.
Master of Professional Psychology is a CRICOS-registered programme at James Cook University. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.