Master of Professional Psychology - 2019

Postgraduate - Course

Commencement year

This course entry applies to students commencing this course in 2019 and should be read in conjunction with information provided in the 'Faculty information' section of this Handbook by the Faculty of Education.

Other commencement years for this course: 2018, 2017 and 2016

Unit codes that are not linked to their entry in the Handbook are not available for study in the current year.

Course code

D6008

Credit points

48

Abbreviated title

MProfPsych

CRICOS code

079583G

Managing faculty

Education

Admission and fees

Australia

Course progression map

D6008 (pdf)

Course type

Specialist
Master by coursework

Standard duration

1 year FT, 2 years PT

You have a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 4 years to complete this course including any periods of intermission and suspension, and must be continuously enrolled throughout.

Mode and location

On-campus (Clayton)

Award

Master of Professional Psychology

Description

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 and assessment skills required for general registration as a psychologist. On completion of the course you will have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge 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 professionals with a 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 professional experience activities under the supervision of experienced practitioners.

Outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9 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 a range of evidence-based interventions with diverse groups across the lifespan
  3. use interviewing skills and evidence-based principles to develop psychotherapeutic relationships with a wide range of clients from diverse groups and with various presenting issues
  4. communicate and collaborate with other mental health and allied health professionals in a range of organisational contexts
  5. practice ethically and professionally in a variety of settings.

Special requirements

Mandatory provisional registration

Upon commencing the course and before commencing professional experience, you must submit proof of provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA)Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) (http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/). This registration must be maintained throughout the course.

English language 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 IELTS, TEOFL or PTE test results that meet English language requirements for provisional registration as a psychologist before commencing the course.

Professional experience

This course requires that you undertake professional experience activities. These provide an opportunity for you to develop your practice under supervision.

Before participating in professional experience, you must:

  • submit proof of provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
  • meet specific security clearances that apply in the state/territory where the professional experience is being undertaken
  • complete professional experience orientation provided by the faculty.

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://www.monash.edu/education/current-students/policies-and-procedures/professional-experience-intervention-and-support-policy).

Professional experience expenses

You are responsible for all uniform, equipment, travel, accommodation and any other expenses incurred during professional experience and will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

Professional recognition

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 apply for and obtain provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia before commencing your study, and maintain 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.

Structure

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

Part A. Applied academic studies in psychology (36 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. Professional experience in psychology (12 points)

This part of the course involves 300 hours of professional experience where you have the opportunity to learn about what is involved in practising as a psychologist and develop foundational skills for practice under supervision. This supervised professional experience will occur primarily through activities undertaken within coursework units and the outreach program of the faculty's clinic. Some off-campus professional experience activities may also be undertaken.

Requirements

The course comprises 48 points of study, structured into two parts, Part A. Applied academic studies in psychology and Part B. Professional experience in psychology. The latter includes 300 hours of supervised professional experience activities. Attendance is mandatory for the professional experience component within each unit.

You must successfully maintain and complete a practice log and competency 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/2019handbooks/maps/map-d6008.pdf) provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Applied academic studies in psychology (36 points)

You must complete:

  • EDF5561 Clinical case formulation
  • EDF5562 Ethics for professional practice
  • EDF5563 Cognitive assessment
  • EDF5564 Research applications for practitioners
  • EDF5565 Psychopathology and personality
  • EDF5566 Evidence-based interventions: cognitive-behaviour therapies

Part B. Professional experience in psychology (12 points)

You must complete:

  • EDF5567 Contemporary psychological practice
  • EDF5568 Professional experience in psychology