Postgraduate - Course4231 - Master of Professional Psychology

This course trains selected psychology graduates in advanced psychotherapeutic skills required for general registration as a psychologist. It develops graduates as independent specialist professionals with a commitment to lifelong learning of the theoretical, research, assessment and therapeutic skills involved in psychology. It aims to develop the ability to think critically and analytically about the processes involved in psychology. Within the context of sound ethical principles, competencies applicable across the lifespan are developed through collaborative participation in coursework lectures and workshops and clinical placement under the supervision of experienced practitioners.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (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:

• administer and interpret a comprehensive range of psychological tests and assessments
• plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions with individuals, groups and in systems
• apply a range of evidence-based psychotherapies
• apply sound practice principles concerning the psychotherapeutic relationship and interventions with individuals, couples, families and groups
• liaise and collaborate with other mental health and allied health professionals in a range of organisational contexts.

Clinical practice units

This course may require students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. In the clinical setting students 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 A student may be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the director of psychology programs.

Clinical expenses

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

Mandatory checks and security clearances

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 CheckWorking with Children Check (http://www.education.monash.edu.au/placements/clearances/).

This course has been designed to meet the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) requirements for a generalist fifth year in psychology. On completion of the course graduates will be eligible to undertake one year of supervised generalist practice in the field for general registration under the 5+1 internship model for registration. APAC accreditation is currently being sought for this new program. Graduates qualify for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (Assoc MAPS). From 1 July 2014 the Psychology Board of Australia requires applicants for general registration to sit the National Psychology Examination.

This course consists of four core 12-point units of professional coursework covering a broad range of practice and a clinical placement of 300 hours.

Students complete:

• EDF5513 Counselling research and approaches
• EDF5514 Applied psychological assessment and psychopathology
• EDF5515 Applied ethics and research practice
• EDF5516 Clinical and therapeutic interventions
• EDF5517 Clinical placement in psychology

Refer to the course mapcourse map (http://monash.edu/education/current-students/courses/maps/2014/2014-map-4231-mprofpsych.pdf) for the Master of Professional Psychology for course progression advice.

Master of Professional Psychology