The aim of the Master of Psychology (Health) degree is to provide training across the continuum that defines health psychology. This includes the promotion and maintenance of physical and mental health; the prevention and treatment of illness; the identification of the causes and correlates of health, illness and related dysfunction; improvement of the health care system, and health policy formation.
The degree prepares graduates to practise as health psychologists in a range of settings including hospitals and clinics, community health centres, disability services, alcohol and drug agencies, workers compensation systems, rehabilitation agencies, health education organisations, cancer councils, schools and private practice.
The Master of Psychology (Health) is a four-year, part-time program, delivered in the off-campus learning mode with three components:
The thesis will be expected to provide a significant contribution to knowledge and/or practice in the field of health psychology and to demonstrate the capacity of the student to carry out independent research. The thesis takes the form of a literature review (4000-5000 words) and a research article (5000-7000 words).
Three placements in a range of clinical and health promotion settings will be undertaken under the supervision of appropriately qualified psychologists. These placements will generally be completed within the semester teaching period and the timing will be as follows:
Applicants must have completed four years of an Australian Psychological Society-accredited course in psychology. As the Master of Psychology (Health) utilises the scientist-practitioner model, selection for the course will be rigorous with the goal of selecting highly motivated top-class students. The same standards of academic excellence which apply to acceptance for research masters study will be applied to this program. Students should possess a minimum of an upper second class honours degree or a distinction grade in a postgraduate diploma in psychology or equivalent. Suitability to the role of a professional working in the public arena will be assessed by referees' reports, and interview (if necessary).
The off-campus learning method of delivery will require access to a personal
computer (ideally a Pentium 111), with a minimum memory capacity of 32 MB RAM
and a CD-ROM drive to complete assignments and conduct analyses necessary for a
research thesis. The student must also have access to the internet.
Students must be registered as a probationary psychologist at beginning of the
course to qualify for legal registration as a psychologist in Victoria at the
completion of the program.
Inquiries should be directed to the administrative officer (postgraduate studies), School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine on telephone (03) 9903 1482. Email mpsychhealth.enquiries@med.monash.edu.au, website http://www.med.monash.edu.au/psych/.
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