Master of Professional Psychology

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) (https://www.psychologycouncil.org.au/) as a generalist fifth year of study and prepares selected psychology graduates in advanced psychotherapeutic skills required for general registration as a psychologist. On completion of the course you will have acquired the necessary skills to prepare for a final year of supervised practice in the field for general registration under the '5+1 internship model' for registration.

The course develops graduates as independent specialist professionals with a professional commitment to applying the theoretical, research, assessment and therapeutic skills involved in psychology. It develops the ability to think critically and analytically about the processes involved in psychology. Guided by sound ethical principles, your competencies develop through your collaborative participation in coursework, workshops and clinical placement activities 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://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

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

Special English requirements

The Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA)Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) (http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/) requires that any applicant, whether domestic or international, who has completed secondary or tertiary studies in a language other than English must supply an IELTS and gain test results that meet English language requirements for provisional registration as a psychologist before commencing the course.

Clinical placements

This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placement activities. 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.monash.edu/education/current-students/professional-experience/clinical-placements).

A minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. Registration requirements are determined by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA)Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) (http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/), consistent with the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. You can read more about the pathways to registration on the Australian Psychological Society (APS)Australian Psychological Society (APS) (https://www.psychology.org.au/) website.

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) (https://www.psychologycouncil.org.au/) and meets the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) (https://www.ahpra.gov.au/) requirements for a generalist fifth year in psychology.

If your application for the course is successful, you must then apply for and obtain provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia before commencing your study, and maintain such registration throughout your period of enrolment.

Graduates of the course are eligible to undertake a Psychology Board of Australia approved one-year internship in a setting of their choice.

The Psychology Board of Australia requires applicants for general registration who have completed the 5+1 internship pathway to sit the National Psychology examination.

On successful completion of a Psychology Board of Australia approved one-year internship and successful completion of the National Psychology examination graduates will be eligible for full membership of the Australian Psychological Society.

The course is structured in two parts, Part A. Applied academic studies in psychology and Part B. Clinical placement in psychology.

Part A. Applied academic studies in psychology (48 points)

These studies will advance your knowledge and skill development for psychology practice. Guided by sound ethical principles, and through collaborative participation in coursework lectures and workshops, you develop both expert knowledge of psychology across the lifespan and advance your critical thinking skills for professional practice.

Part B. Clinical placement in psychology (0 points)

These studies involve 300 hours of clinical placements where you have the opportunity to develop your practice under supervision. This experience will occur partly through clinical activities in the Faculty's onsite clinic. Some off-campus clinical placement activities may also be required.

The course comprises 48 points of study, structured into two parts, Part A. Applied academic studies in psychology and Part B. Clinical placement in psychology. The latter includes 300 hours of supervised clinical placement. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each applicable unit.

You must successfully maintain and complete a practice log and e-journal as part of your course requirements. Both must be submitted to be eligible for course completion.

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-d6008.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Part A. Applied academic studies in psychology (48 points)

Students complete:

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

Part B. Clinical placement in psychology (0 points)

Students complete:

• EDF5517 Clinical placement in psychology (0 points)

Eligible graduates may proceed to further training and study required for professional qualifications in psychology.