Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Be the driving force behind happier, healthier, more productive workplaces with the Master of Psychology (Organisational) – the only organisational psychology course delivered in Victoria. Gain extensive workplace experience through professional placements, and graduate ready to apply for registration as a general psychologist.
Want specialised psychology skills that are in high demand across almost every type of organisation?
Organisational psychologists have a unique opportunity to improve the lives of people, both inside and outside the workplace. With a deep understanding of human behaviour, relationships, leadership and change management, organisational psychologists have a key role to play in creating work environments that staff thrive in. The importance of organisational psychologists also extends beyond employee wellbeing. Their ability to improve individual and team performance, resolve conflicts using evidence-based principles, build team unity and create effective strategies for recruitment and retention makes them highly valued by employers.
Sound like a profession you’d love to be a part of? The Master of Psychology (Organisational) will give you the tools and training to transition into this rapidly growing field with confidence, so you can start making a positive difference from day one.
The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and is the final stop in your study journey to becoming a registered psychologist. Upon graduation, you will have the skills, experience and professional recognition needed to apply to the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) for general registration. The course also provides a pathway to further training in an area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA. An endorsement demonstrates a registered psychologist’s high-level knowledge and qualifications in a specialised area, like organisational psychology, and can open the door to more advanced roles.
Draw on everything you’ve learned so far in your studies while adding layers of specialised knowledge to become an expert in the field of organisational psychology. Some of the key areas you will study include:
- psychological assessments in organisations
- applied methods for organisational analysis
- facilitation, training and evaluation in organisations
- change management
- occupational health and wellbeing
- leadership coaching
- intervention strategies and skills.
All study areas are informed by the latest evidence-based theory and delivered by passionate teachers who are leaders in the field. With a curriculum that’s grounded in established knowledge, emerging research and scientific rigour, you will graduate with a degree that’s relevant today and into the future.
The course includes placement opportunities that allow you to apply your skills in the real world, and work alongside established psychologists with a wealth of knowledge to pass down. The professional relationships you build throughout placements can be incredibly beneficial to your career. In fact, students often secure ongoing employment with their placement organisation after graduating.
Entry into the Master of Psychology (Organisational) is competitive. That’s because Deakin is ranked in the top 1% worldwide for psychology^, and leads all Victorian universities for education experience, learning resources and support services*. If you want to join a high-achieving group of students with a shared passion for exploring the human mind and helping others, the Master of Psychology (Organisational) is the course to take your career forward.
^Student Experience Survey 2017, 2018
*Compared university comparison tool compared.edu.au/compare/study-areas
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Psychology (Organisational)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H752
- CRICOS code?
- 088717B Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Psychology (Organisational) students must attain 16 credit points covering three inter-related strands: theory, research and practice. All units are core (these are compulsory). The course has a strong emphasis on a practical problem-solving approach within a structure of organisational psychology units. Students will complete a minimum of 4 credit points each trimester over two years for full-time study or part-time equivalent.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 1000 hours (approximately 133 days) of professional work experience within an approved organisational setting.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Students are also expected to attend School Research Colloquia.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Income support
Domestic students enrolled in this postgraduate coursework program may be eligible for student income support through Youth Allowance and Austudy.
Further information can be found at Deakin University's Fees website.
Mandatory student checks
In accordance with Department of Human Services policy, all students are required to undertake a National Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course.
In accordance with the Department of Justice 2007, Working with Children Act 2005, amended 2017, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical placement and this will impede progress in the course.
Students may also be required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
Under the regulations of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009, Master of Psychology students are required to be provisionally registered from the commencement of enrolment and for the duration of enrolment in their degree. This is a mandatory requirement. Students should apply online for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as soon as they have been accepted into the degree. Alternatively, a paper form is available on the Board’s website (see Application for provisional registration - APRO-76
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals, placements and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Students are required to complete a minimum of 1000 hours (approximately 133 days) of professional work experience within an approved organisational setting.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
The placement program is designed to provide you with exposure to varying organisational problems and experiences. The placements are designed to equip you with a range of professional skills and develop an awareness of professional issues in applied settings. You will be exposed to the workings of different organisations and industries and the types of issues that arise in an organisational psychology setting. You will be involved in placements in different sectors including manufacturing, retail, finance, public service and consultancies. Contracts will be drawn up that will clearly specify the skills to be mastered, your responsibilities and the responsibilities of the placement supervisor/s. Each placement requires the full complement of days to be completed. Unsatisfactory progress in any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- completion of a four year tertiary program* with a psychology major from an APAC accredited program with a minimum of a Honours 2A average or equivalent. Applicants who have completed a four-year program in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained recency of Level 2 Pre-Professional Competencies: and
- eligibility for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia
International applicants will need to have their qualifications assessed by APS to determine if the applicants qualifications are comparable to an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) sequence of study in psychology. Further information regarding international qualification assessment can be found at the Australian Psychological Society.
*Either an honours program or the combination of a three year undergraduate degree including a psychology major and an approved postgraduate program. If you are applying with an international qualification this must be assessed as equivalent by the Australian Psychological Society.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
You will be required to provide two referee reports with your application. Two academic referees are preferred but where a second academic referee cannot be sought by an applicant, a professional referee may be suitable if they are in the position to respond to the criteria assessed in the referee reports. Information on how to obtain and share references can be found at the Psychology Reference Portal.
Preferred referees include 4th year supervisors and course directors from your university, however we will also consider other academic referees with working relationships within the area of psychology. You are not required to include referee information through the Deakin University direct application portal.
Please note that the Psychology Reference Portal will be temporarily closed from 28 June, 5:00 PM, until 1 August, 9:00 AM AEST. Please ensure that you have nominated Deakin as a Higher Education Provider (HEP) for any existing references before 28 June, 5:00 PM. The new subscription period will open 1 August 2024. It appears that references from the previous subscription period will not be rolled over into the next period.
Applicants are required to refer to the checklist in the apply now section.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
For information on the application process and closing dates, see checklist (PDF, 151.7KB) and how to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
H752 is a post graduate course that has no immediate pathway to another Deakin course. Nearly 100% of graduates transition directly to full-time work. A small number of students with the research aptitude and interest enrol in the PhD program.
While not often applied for, Recognition of prior learning is available to applicants already possessing equivalent units from an APAC accredited Master of Psychology (Organisational) or equivalent degree, completed no more than ten years previously, and preferably within the last five years. Whether or not credit is granted will be determined by the equivalency of the content of the completed unit, as well as the equivalence of the applicant’s performance to students who enrol in the Masters program in the usual manner. Students will not be granted credit for previous research experience, including completion of a Masters level thesis or a research higher degree.
Normally such applicants will be required to complete placements and all additional units needed to make the coursework component comparable with that of a Deakin Master of Psychology (Organisational) student. All students are required to complete at least eighteen months of full-time study and a minimum of fifty per cent of the total course content, including the thesis. Applications for advanced standing can be made in writing addressed to the course chair, and including a completed Recognition of prior learning application form, following enrolment and preferably prior to commencement of studies.
Careers
Career outcomes
Upon successfully completing the course, you will become eligible to apply for registration as a general psychologist. Once you’re registered, you will have the qualifications and experience needed to practise in all areas of organisational psychology, from workplace counselling and human resource management to psychological assessment and consultancy.
The added benefit of general registration is that it opens up many different career options outside of organisational psychology.
The course also provides a pathway to further training in an area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA. An endorsement demonstrates a registered psychologist’s high-level knowledge and qualifications in a specialised area, such as organisational psychology, and can open the door to more advanced roles.
Of course, a rewarding and long-lasting career in psychology awaits even if you’re not interested in pursuing general registration or endorsement. Learn more about psychology pathways and career outcomes.
Professional recognition
The Master of Psychology (Organisational) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a general psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), as well as membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
If you are seeking membership of the College of Organisational Psychologists or endorsement by the PsyBA as an organisational psychologist, further training in an approved registrar program is required. Visit psychology.org.au for more details.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply an advanced and integrated theoretical and practical knowledge of the principles underlying organisational psychology in order to inform solutions to organisational issues. |
| Communication | Meaningfully communicate complex knowledge and ideas to clients, health professionals and other stakeholders that demonstrates sound judgement, adaptability and responsibility in various contexts. |
| Digital literacy | Apply advanced skills to select appropriate digital tools to find, use and disseminate information. |
| Critical thinking | Identify, analyse, critically evaluate and synthesise complex information, problems, ideas, concepts and theories in the field of organisational psychology. |
| Problem solving | Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts to compare and contrast multiple approaches in problem solving; to select the appropriate methodology and use initiative to solve a range of diverse problems within the field of organisational psychology. |
| Self-management | Display high level of self-management through reflection, continual improvement and learning, and seeking appropriate supervision that reinforces the importance of responsibility and accountability for professional development. |
| Teamwork | Identify, establish and maintain collaborative professional relationships, demonstrating professionalism, responsibility and accountability, with a wide range of diverse client groups and other professionals. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate awareness, responsiveness and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political backgrounds in order to enhance professional and ethical practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. |