Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course is offered by the Faculty of Education. The course provides advanced study of the discipline, advanced research training and an introduction to psychological practice through studies in developmental psychology, psychological assessment and intervention and ethical and professional issues in psychological practice. The content of the course is designed both for persons wishing to undertake supervised psychological practice upon completion of the course and for those wishing to pursue more advanced postgraduate training at masters or doctoral level.

The Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology is appropriate both for persons wishing to undertake supervised psychological practice upon completion of the course as well as for those interested in pursuing advanced postgraduate training at masters or doctoral level. The objectives of this course are to:

• provide students with advanced research training whereby they will conduct an individual research project under supervision of a member of the academic staff
• develop research skills appropriate both for further study and for consumers of psychological research, and
• provide students with an orientation to psychological practice through the study of a number of applied topics using the scientist practitioner model.

Credit will only be awarded for successful completion of units undertaken as part of a fourth year in psychology approved by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Assessment

Assessment involves both assignments and examinations. Assignments cover a variety of formats including essays, reports, presentations, assessment reports, research proposals, and reviews of methodology of published articles. A major course requirement is the compilation of a literature review and a report of an individual research project.

The course comprises four core units and a research project. The sequence in which components are undertaken may be varied in consultation with the coordinator and within timetabling constraints, according to the experience, interests and career plans and enrolment status of individual students.

It is not advisable for a student to attempt the research project before undertaking the research and design component. Research supervision opportunities will be provided by staff of the Faculty of Education.

Core units

All units are 6 points unless otherwise indicated.

Students complete:

• EDF4600 Contemporary issues in developmental psychology
• EDF4601 Ethics and professional issues
• EDF4602 Psychological assessment
• EDF4603 Behaviour change interventions for practitioners
• EDF4604 Research project (includes statistics and research design)(24 points)

Successful graduates may continue on to one of the Master of Psychology courses or other higher degrees by research.

Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology

Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology (Internal)