Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course offers graduates a major in psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), permitting them to undertake the further training needed to obtain professional qualifications.

On completion of this course students will:

• acquire a basic understanding of psychology as an empirical science
• be able to select and use the appropriate statistical analyses and research design methods required to prepare psychological laboratory reports
• be able to demonstrate the computer skills required for the use and understanding of the computer packages associated with the statistical and multimedia content of the course
• will be exposed to the diversity of topic areas covered within the discipline of psychology (ie history and philosophy of psychology, sensation and perception, learning and memory, personality and intelligence, abnormal psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, biological psychology, organisational psychology)
• will understand the theoretical background to, construction of, administration of, and interpretation of psychological tests and assessment procedures
• will have an understanding of the ethical and professional responsibilities required to pursue a career in psychology.

Course progression requirements

Students are normally expected to pass all units at a given year level before proceeding to the next year level. The minimum time for completion in this manner is three years.

The course consists of nine core units and one elective unit.

First year

• PSY1011 Psychology 1A
• PSY1022 Psychology 1B

Second year

• PSY2031 Developmental and biological psychology
• PSY2042 Cognitive and social psychology
• PSY2051 Research design and analysis

Third year

• PSY3032 Abnormal psychology
• PSY3041 Psychological testing, theories of ability and ethics
• PSY3051 Perception and personality
• PSY3062 Research methods and theory

Elective units*

At least one elective unit from the following:

Second year

• PSY2112 Organisational psychology

Third year

• PSY3100 Advanced psychobiology: brain and behaviour
• PSY3120 Introduction to counselling
• PSY3130 Health psychology
• PSY3150 Contemporary social psychology
• PSY3160 Psychology of language
• PSY3170 Decision making in professional settings
• PSY3180 Human neuropsychology: developmental and neurodegenerative disorders
• PSY3190 Addiction studies
• PSY3210 Advanced leadership
• PSY3230 Psychological foundations of the law

* Electives offered may vary from year to year.

Graduate Diploma in Psychology