M5013 - Graduate Diploma in Psychology - 2017

This course offers graduates a major in psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), permitting them to undertake the further training needed to obtain professional qualifications. Full accreditation is typically granted after the first cohort of graduates complete.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework Level 8 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework Level 8 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

1. summarise and differentiate between core psychology topic areas in terms of their theoretical background, conceptualisation, and prediction of patterns in behaviour, psychological functioning and mental health. Core topic areas include: sensation and perception; learning and memory; personality and intelligence; abnormal psychology; social psychology; developmental psychology; biological psychology; history and philosophy of psychology.
2. outline and critique the theoretical background to, construction of, administration of, and interpretation of psychological tests and assessment procedures
3. undertake scientific research, that includes critical analysis of current literature, along with evaluation and synthesis of complex research problems to advance our understanding of psychology
4. take an independent role in the development and execution of rigorous new research utilising advanced statistical skills and methodology, providing solutions to complex problems
5. demonstrate clear communication and IT skills in the articulation of knowledge and research outcomes
6. disseminate new knowledge in a professional manner, to a variety of audiences
7. critically apply legislation relating to research, and professional responsibilities in the practice of psychology and explain the role of ethics in maintaining the integrity, accountability and cohesiveness of the profession
8. evaluate and synthesise psychological principles in their application to personal, social, organisational, technological and global issues
9. critically reflect upon the practise of psychology and identify ongoing professional development needs especially in relation to new research.

This course offers graduates a major in psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), permitting them to undertake the further training needed to obtain professional qualifications.

The course consists of nine core units and one elective unit. You must complete both foundational units (PSY4111and PSY4122) before proceeding to the intermediate units (PSY4131 and PSY4051). Once both intermediate units are complete, you are able to progress onto the advanced level units.

This course enables you to gain an introduction to psychology as a behavioural science including training in research techniques and research design and analysis. As you progress through the course, you will cover topics such as developmental and biological psychology, abnormal psychology, principles and processes of test development, test administration and test interpretation. The course also covers cognitive psychology, social psychology and personality. You will gain a strong foundation in professional ethics for psychologists, including advanced knowledge of the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of practising psychologists.

The course comprises 10 units (60 points).

Units are 6 points, unless otherwise stated.

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2017handbooks/maps/map-m5013.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Students complete:

• PSY4111 Psychology 1A
• PSY4122 Psychology 1B
• PSY4051 Research design and analysis
• PSY4131 Developmental and biological psychology
• PSY4032 Abnormal psychology
• PSY4041 Psychological testing, and ethics
• PSY4062 Research methods and theory
• PSY4081 Perception and cognition
• PSY4151 Personality and social psychology

and one elective unit from the following:

• PSY4140 Introduction to counselling
• PSY4170 Neuroscience of cognition and behaviour

M5003 Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced and and D5002 Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology are fourth-year honours options offered to students who have completed an APAC-accredited psychology major within an accredited course. Admission to this fourth year is determined by academic merit. The minimum requirement for entry into honours is a distinction average (70 per cent) in the following advanced units:

• PSY4032 Abnormal psychology
• PSY4041 Psychological testing and ethics
• PSY4062 Research methods and theory
• PSY4081 Perception and cognition

The honours courses have limited intake however, and in practice the cut-off is generally in the 75-80 per cent range.

Similar admission requirements are specified for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology Advanced and the Graduate Diploma in Professional Psychology. Their admission requirements can be found on the Study.MonashStudy.Monash (https://www.study.monash/courses) web site.