Postgraduate - CourseGraduate Diploma of Professional Psychology

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

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 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.) add to the understanding of psychology through scientific research that includes critically reviewing pertinent literature and identifying research problems, developing and carrying out research utilising methods of analysis commonly encountered in psychology and communicating the findings in a manner consistent with discipline-specific requirements

(2.) understand, describe and discuss the purpose of legislation relating to the research and practice of psychology and how to comply with such legislation and show an appreciation of the role of ethics in maintaining the integrity and cohesiveness of the profession

(3.) demonstrate an understanding of the scientist practitioner model across a range of areas of psychological practice

(4.) critically evaluate, appraise and discuss contemporary issues in psychology and understand the importance of maintaining competence in the field through ongoing professional development.

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

The Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology provides an APAC-accredited fourth-year qualification in psychology. Recognised as the equivalent of an honours degree course, the content is designed for those wishing to pursue advanced postgraduate training at master's or doctoral level, and for those wishing to undertake supervised psychological practice after completing the course. Graduates qualify for associate membership of the Australian Psychological SocietyAustralian Psychological Society (http://www.psychology.org.au/).

The Psychology Board of Australia requires applicants for general registration who have completed the 4+2 internship pathway to sit the National Psychology examination. On successful completion of a Psychology Board of Australia approved two-year supervised internship and successful completion of the National Psychology examination graduates will qualify for full membership of the Australian Psychological Society.

This course consists of four core units, including a research project, and an elective unit. The project comprises a research report and either an integrated thesis or a literature review. Units are 6 points unless otherwise indicated.

Students must complete:

• EDF4600 Contemporary issues in developmental psychology*
• EDF4601 Ethics and professional issues
• EDF4602 Psychological assessment
• EDF4604 Research project** (24 points)

plus one elective unit from:

• EDF4603 Behaviour change interventions for practitioners
• EDF4605 Introduction to counselling psychology

* Other contemporary issue topics may be available. Consult the Student Adviser.

** Includes statistics and research design.

Refer to the course mapcourse map (http://monash.edu/education/current-students/courses/maps/2015/2015-map-d5002-gdprofpsych.pdf) for guidance on how to plan your unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology