Postgraduate - Course3736 - Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/Doctor of Philosophy

This course combines the coursework and placement requirements of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) degree with the thesis requirements of the PhD program, with research undertaken in one of the areas listed below. 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.

The course aims to develop graduates as independent specialist professionals with a commitment to lifelong 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 principles, 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. 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.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes. For more information refer to http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• think critically and analytically about the processes involved in educational and developmental psychology
• administer and interpret a comprehensive range of psychological, educational and developmental tests and assessments
• plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions with individuals, groups and systemically
• effectively consult and collaborate across a diverse range of organisational contexts including educational, health and welfare, care facilities, business and corporate
• behave in ethically appropriate ways in their psychological practice in accordance with the requirements of the profession.
• demonstrate high level skills in mandatory competencies associated with a specialist Educational and Developmental Psychology practitioner
• reflect on their own personal functioning within a therapeutic relationship
• demonstrate knowledge of appropriate research methodologies for the study of human behaviour and of psychological practice
• perform appropriately designed research studies of aspects of human behaviour and of psychological practice.

Provisional registration and Working with Children Check

On commencing the program and prior to commencing their placement, students must submit proof of provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and a satisfactory Victorian government Working with Children Check (details available at http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren/).

Clinical practice units

This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision.

Where a student's skill or knowledge is found to be inadequate, access to the clinical component of the unit will be denied. A student may be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the head of school.

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all uniform and accessories, travel and accommodation expenses incurred during clinical placement and will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

Graduates qualify for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and meet most requirements for membership of the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society.

This course consists of advanced coursework, supervised practica and a research thesis. Note: Coursework units are only offered in alternate years.

Students commence by enrolling for year one in the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental). 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 in 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. Visit http://www.monash.edu.au/migr for details.

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 three to eight.

Advanced coursework units

• EDF6504 Developmental psychology and counselling
• EDF6511 Cognitive, personality and educational assessment
• EDF6512 Clinical interventions in educational and developmental psychology

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 faculty's Research Degrees Office at http://www.education.monash.edu.au/research/degrees/research-degrees-office.html 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.

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