Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Master of Psychology

Effective from 01-JAN-2018 : Code I69

This coursework Masters prepares students for professional practice in clinical psychology, in particular, the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders. In addition to completing a research thesis, students complete coursework and professional placements in clinical psychology.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Clinical or professional work placement Requirement

Students are required to complete professional placements in clinical psychology.

Duty of care

Students are required to have a Police Clearance check, a Working with Children check, as well as any appropriate immunisations. Additionally, OSH agreements, insurance policies, and risk assessments are required for all placements.

Attendance requirements

Placements typically occur over two days per week and may go beyond the designated semester period. This may impact on the students capacity to gain additional employment. Placement attendance is mandatory and students may not have leave during a placement without established reasons.

Application process

Students requiring placement must make themselves known to the clinic staff.

Professional practice rules

Students are required to meet both the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority ( APHRA) psychology guidelines on Areas of Practice Endorsement and the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation requirements.

Implications of failing

Students should be aware that if they fail the practicum units and their performance suggests they are unsuitable to clinical practice, their candidature will be terminated.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply and evaluate research methods to advance knowledge of clinical psychology practice, as this relates to ones' own practice and to contribute to the body of knowledge of the field.
2. Apply evidence-based practice, including research evidence, to a range of psychological disorders.
3. Apply professional communication skills with clients, professional colleagues and external agencies.
4. Apply the principles of ethical, professional and legal practice to the role of a trainee Clinical Psychologist.
5. Articulate a critical understanding of the theoretical and evidence base for the selection, administration and interpretation of psychological tests.
6. Conduct evidence-based psychological therapies for a range of psychological disorders with both adults and children, at a level required of trainee Clinical Psychologists.
7. Conduct psychological assessment by formal testing, including the selection of tests, their administration and interpretation and the communication of test results in written reports and orally.
8. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of State, Federal and Territory Acts and Regulations; Australian Psychological Society and Psychology Board of Australia Codes of Conduct and related publications as these relate to the practice of Clinical Psychology.
9. Demonstrate an awareness of cross cultural issues and ability to apply cultural competence to all aspects of working as a Clinical Psychologist.
10. Demonstrate independent learning and a continual development of clinical psychology skills through a commitment to maintain knowledge of the latest research and critically reflecting on ones' own practice.
11. Demonstrate knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to make decisions based upon their full environmental, social, cultural and economic implications.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Registration

Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Psychology Board of Australia. Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.

Membership

Students can apply for membership with Psychology Board of Australia. Graduates are eligible for membership with Psychology Board of Australia.

Admission requirements

• Into a 120 credit point Masters Degree, a Bachelor Honours degree in the same discipline; or
• Into a 180 credit point Masters Degree, a Bachelor degree in the same discipline; or
• Into a 180 credit point Masters Degree, a Bachelor Honours degree; or
• Into a 240 credit point Masters Degree, a Bachelor degree; or
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years appropriate professional experience.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to have an Honours degree (First or Upper Second class) in an accredited fourth year course in psychology, with equivalents considered, and to submit a CV, a covering letter and two references (submitted independently of the students application) to meet the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation requirements. Short-listed candidates will participate in a selection interview, either face-to-face or via teleconference. It is desirable that all applicants have work experience, as admission into the program is competitive.

Students must attain an Academic IELTS with an overall band minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 6.5).

For equivalent language test requirements refer to ECU English Standards Policy.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 2 Years
• Part Time: 4 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time

Non standard timetable requirements

Students may be required to undertake coursework and placements outside of the normal semester timetable.

Course Coordinator

Dr Lynn Elaine PRIDDIS

Course Structure

Note: PSY5330 is timetabled as a full-year unit.