Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy

This course combines the coursework and placement requirements of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology course with the thesis requirements of the PhD course, with research undertaken in one of the areas listed below. Enrolment will be probationary with full admission to the course 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 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 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 AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 10, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu.au/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. conduct psychological practice ethically 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 therapeutic relationship
8. demonstrate knowledge of appropriate research methodologies for the study of human behaviour and of psychological practice
9. perform appropriately designed research studies of aspects 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 placements in psychology

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

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all uniform, equipment, travel, accommodation and any other 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/).

Australia

Graduates qualify for membership of the Australian Psychological SocietyAustralian Psychological Society (http://www.psychology.org.au/community/about/), meet the academic requirements for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of AustraliaPsychology Board of Australia (http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/) 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/). This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). 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.

This course consists of:

a. applied academic studies in psychology

b. clinical placements in psychology

c. a research thesis.

Students enrol for year one in the Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology. This requires completion of the initial 48 points of the combined degree consisting of four advanced coursework units 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 enrol in the research intensive component in the Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy. In year two candidates complete the practicum units, further develop and present their research proposal, finalise ethical clearance and progress the research proposal towards 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.

Part-time students are enrolled pro-rata, completing the first 48 points of coursework over two years, and on confirmation, are enrolled to complete any remaining practicum units and focus on their research from years three to eight.

Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Coursework component

Advanced coursework units

• EDF5720 Developmental psychology and counselling and research
• EDF5721 Clinical interventions in educational and developmental psychology
• EDF5722 Cognitive, personality and educational assessment
• EDF5723 Exceptionality: Assessment and intervention

Practicum units

• EDF5731 Clinical placement in psychology 1 (0 points)
• EDF5732 Clinical placement in psychology 2
• EDF5733 Clinical placement in psychology 3

Research component

Students must, in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a member/s of the academic staff:

(1.) carry out a program of research on an agreed topic approved by the faculty for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by the relevant department/school.

(2.) submit for assessment a thesis of not more than 80,000 words on the program of research which meets the requirements of the examiners. Submission of the thesis based on or partially based on conjointly published or unpublished workconjointly published or unpublished work (http://www.monash.edu.au/migr/examiners/publication/) may be permitted.

(3.) complete a minimum of 120 hours of additional coursework study and training as directed by their supervisor/s.

In addition to the coursework grades required for admission to the Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology/PhD, students must pass all coursework units, the assessment of which is conducted in accordance with the University's Assessment in Coursework Units PolicyAssessment in Coursework Units Policy (http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/academic/education/assessment/assessment-in-coursework-units-policy.html) and supporting procedures. If a student fails a coursework component of their degree, they can repeat the relevant unit once in a later semester. Students who fail to pass the repeat attempt of the unit may be subject to a termination process under the Graduate Research Termination ProceduresGraduate Research Termination Procedures (http://policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/grad-research-termination-procedures.html).

Students are required to undertake regular progress milestones to support them in conducting research of an appropriate quality, originality and depth as required by their course of study, in accordance with the Graduate Research Progress Management policyGraduate Research Progress Management policy (http://policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/grad-research-progress-mgmt-policy.html) and supporting procedures.

Research areas

A wide variety of thesis topics related to educational and developmental psychology across the lifespan are possible, subject to available supervision. Contact the faculty's Research Degrees OfficeResearch Degrees Office (http://www.monash.edu.au/education/research/degrees/contact/) for further information. Topics include:

• abilities
• adjustment
• anxiety
• assessment
• attachment
• attitudes
• autism spectrum disorders
• behavioural difficulties
• cognition
• cognitive and behavioural psychology
• coping
• counselling
• disabilities
• exceptionality
• giftedness
• habits and addictions
• human development
• inclusion
• individual differences
• learning disorders
• management
• motivation
• parenting
• personality
• psychopathology
• psychotherapy
• sleep
• social psychology
• stress
• teaching and learning styles
• test construction
• trauma
• wellbeing.

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with the following, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award:

• Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology.