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Monash University

Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) and Doctor of Philosophy Preliminary

Course code: 3735 ~ Course abbreviation: MPsych(Ed&Dev)/PhDPrelim ~ 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) and Doctor of Philosophy

Course code: 3736 ~ Course abbreviation: MPsych(Ed&Dev)/PhD ~ 4* years full-time, 8# years part-time

    *Includes one year full-time Preliminary course, code 3735
    #Includes two years part-time Preliminary course, code 3735

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton)

Off-campus (Clayton)

Course description

The Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/PhD is a four year full time course combining the coursework and placement requirements of the APAC accredited Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental) degree with the thesis requirements of the PhD program, with research undertaken in one of the areas listed below. This course has been designed to meet the requirements of the APS College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists and APAC accreditation is being sought for the combined program. Students will initially enter the program through the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/PhD Preliminary. Candidature will be probationary with full admission to the program granted in the last three months of the second year of full time study, or equivalent for part time study if performance on all components, including research confirmation proceedings, is satisfactory.

Course Objectives

The course aims to develop graduates as independent specialist professionals with a commitment to life long learning of the theoretical, research, assessment, and therapeutic skills involved in educational and developmental psychology. It aims to develop the ability to think critically and analytically about the processes involved in educational and developmental psychology. Within the context of sound ethical principals, competencies applicable across the lifespan will be developed through collaborative participation in coursework lectures and workshops, research, and practicum placements across a variety of settings under the supervision of experienced specialist practitioners. Competencies include high professional standards in: the administration and interpretation of a comprehensive range of psychological, educational and developmental tests and assessments; in planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based interventions with individuals, groups and systemically; and in the capacity for effective consultation and collaboration across a diverse range of organisational contexts including educational, health and welfare, care facilities, business and corporate. In undertaking the PhD research thesis, students will develop as scientist-practitioners, carrying out reviews and scientific investigations which make original and substantive contributions relevant to educational and developmental psychology.

Entry requirements

Admission to candidature for the combined Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental) and Doctor of Philosophy degree requires:

  • ~ a degree with first class honours (H1), which also qualifies as a four year APAC-approved degree with a major in psychology; or
  • ~ completion of the first year of the Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental) with a HD average in two units (one of which must be the research project unit) and a minimum overall average of D; or
  • ~ an equivalent from an Australian or recognised overseas university, as determined by the Faculty of Education Board and APS; and
  • ~ demonstrated suitability for work as a professional psychologist, determined by two satisfactory referee reports and, for shortlisted applicants, a satisfactory interview.

Special requirements

Prior to commencing their placement, students must obtain probationary registration with the Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria and satisfactory Victorian Government Working with Children Check http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren.

Course Structure

Full time, this is a four year course in which students commence by enrolling for year 1 in the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/PhD Preliminary. This encompasses completion of the initial 48 points of the combined degree consisting of the three course work units plus the research project unit where students commence preparation of their thesis research proposal. The first practicum unit may also be taken in the first year.

Upon satisfactory completion of the first 48 points students will enrol in the research intensive component of the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/PhD. In year two candidates complete the practicum units, further develop and present their research proposal, finalise ethical clearance, and progress the research proposal toward confirmation that takes place in the last three months of the year. Enrolment for the final two years is dependent on students satisfying the confirmation process. On completion of the course, students submit a PhD thesis of between 80,000 and 100,000 words, which is examined according to the Monash Research Graduate School requirements for PhD studies.

Part time students are enrolled pro-rata completing the first 48 points of work over two years, and on confirmation are enrolled to complete any remaining practicum units and focus on their research from Years 3 to 8.

Students applying for off campus study must be able to ensure regular interactive communication with their supervisor and be able to undertake the equivalent of 15 days of full-time study within the university each year they are enrolled in the PhD thesis, although this requirement may be relaxed in later years depending on the candidate's progress.

Course requirements

Advanced Coursework units

  • ~ EDF6511 Cognitive, personality and educational assessment
  • ~ EDF6512 Intervention across the lifespan and research implications
  • ~ EDF6504 Anxiety disorders and counselling skills

Research project unit

  • ~ EDF6510 Exceptionality: assessment, intervention and research

Practicum units

  • ~ EDF6507 Clinical placement in psychology 1
  • ~ EDF6508 Clinical placement in psychology 2
  • ~ EDF6509 Clinical placement in psychology 3

Research areas

Details of the research interests of staff can be found on their respective web pages; contact the Research Degrees Office for further information. A wide variety of thesis topics related to educational and developmental psychology across the lifespan are possible, subject to available supervision. These include:

  • ~ abilities
  • ~ adjustment
  • ~ anxiety
  • ~ assessment
  • ~ attachment
  • ~ attitudes
  • ~ autism spectrum disorders
  • ~ behavioural difficulties
  • ~ cognition
  • ~ cognitive and behavioural
  • ~ coping
  • ~ counselling
  • ~ disabilities
  • ~ exceptionality
  • ~ giftedness
  • ~ habits and addictions
  • ~ human development
  • ~ inclusion
  • ~ individual differences
  • ~ learning disorders
  • ~ management
  • ~ motivation
  • ~ parenting
  • ~ personality
  • ~ psychopathology
  • ~ psychotherapy
  • ~ sleep
  • ~ social
  • ~ stress
  • ~ teaching and learning styles
  • ~ test construction
  • ~ trauma
  • ~ well being.

Contact details

Telephone: +61 3 9905 2877 or +61 3 9905 1295; Research Degrees Office: +61 3 990 52821

Course adviser

Dr John Roodenburg