Postgraduate - CourseMaster of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a fifth and sixth-year sequence in psychology and prepares graduates to practise as educational and developmental psychologists in schools, hospitals, clinics and private practices. The course develops 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 develops the ability to think critically and analytically about the processes involved in educational and developmental psychology. Within the context of sound ethical principles, competencies across the lifespan are 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 a minor research thesis, students develop as scientist-practitioners, carrying out reviews and scientific investigations relevant to the theory and practice of educational and developmental psychology.

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://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

(1.) think critically and analytically about the processes involved in educational and developmental psychology

(2.) administer and interpret a wide range of psychological, educational and developmental tests and assessments

(3.) plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions with individuals, groups and systemically

(4.) effectively consult and collaborate across a diverse range of organisational contexts including educational, health and welfare, care facilities, business and corporate

(5.) behave in ethically appropriate ways in their psychological practice according to the requirements of the profession

(6.) demonstrate high level skills in mandatory competencies associated with a specialist educational and developmental psychology practitioner

(7.) reflect on their own personal functioning within a therepeutic relationship

(8.) demonstrate knowledge of appropriate research methodologies for the study of human behaviour and of psychological practice.

Students who have studied psychology at an equivalent level may be eligible for credit for prior studies.credit for prior studies. (http://monash.edu/education/future-students/apply/credit/)

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 have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. For advice on professional experience intervention, support and unsatisfactory progress refer to the Professional experience intervention and support policyProfessional experience intervention and support policy (http://monash.edu/education/current-students/policies-and-procedures/professional-experience-intervention-and-support-policy/).

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

Upon commencing the course and before 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 is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Graduates meet the academic requirements for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of AustraliaPsychology Board of Australia (http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/). From 30 June 2016, applicants for general registration who have completed an APAC-accredited master's, doctorate or combined master's/PhD will be required to sit the National Psychology examination.

With a further two years of supervised practice in educational and developmental psychology graduates are currently eligible for endorsement as Educational and Developmental Psychologists with the Psychology Board of Australia. Graduates also qualify for membership of the Australian Psychological SocietyAustralian Psychological Society (http://www.psychology.org.au/community/about/), and meet most requirements for membership of the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists of the Australian Psychological SocietyCollege of Educational and Developmental Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society (http://www.groups.psychology.org.au/cedp/).

The course comprises advanced coursework, supervised practica and a minor research thesis. Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Coursework

Core units

• EDF6504 Developmental psychology and counselling and research
• EDF6510 Exceptionality: Assessment and intervention
• EDF6511 Cognitive, personality and educational assessment
• EDF6512 Clinical interventions in educational and developmental psychology

Practica and research thesis

In the second year (full-time) or third and fourth years (part-time), students undertake supervised practica and complete a research thesis on a topic relevant to the discipline of educational and developmental psychology.

• EDF6507 Clinical placement in psychology 1 (0 points)
• EDF6508 Clinical placement in psychology 2
• EDF6509 Clinical placement in psychology 3
• EDF6535 Psychology thesis part 1
• EDF6536 Psychology thesis part 2

Refer to the course mapcourse map (http://monash.edu/education/current-students/courses/maps/2015/2015-map-3232-mpsych-ed-dev.pdf) for guidance on how to plan your unit enrolment for each semester of study.

To satisfy entry requirements for doctoral studies (PhD), applicants need to have completed research at either master's or honours level. Master of Psychology by coursework candidates who wish to proceed to a doctoral course must achieve a mark of 70 per cent (distinction) or higher for the research thesis and a weighted average mark of 70 per cent (distinction) or higher in the coursework units. Students enrolled in the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) who achieve a weighted average mark of 80 per cent (high distinction) in two of the core units (one of which must be the research project unit) and a minimum overall weighted average of mark of 70 per cent (distinction) over all four core units will be eligible to apply for articulation to the combined course 3736 Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/Doctor of Philosophy.

Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)