EDF5568 - Professional experience in psychology - 2019

The aim of the unit is to introduce and prepare students for professional work as a psychologist. Students are supported in completing some of the required number of hours for their fifth year of psychology training. Professional experience hours are completed through various activities including skills training in class, professional development seminars, and approved professional experience activities through the university's clinic. Although some field professional experience activities may be undertaken, the emphasis in the fifth year of psychology training is preparation for practice. Professional readiness includes demonstrated competence in interviewing and assessment skills, capacity for accurate self-assessment of current level of professional development against the eight core competencies outlined by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), awareness of the nature of psychological practice, and ability to work under supervision. In this unit, students' development is supported by professional experience staff and/or supervisors.

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. accurately log professional experience activities
2. undertake self-reflections and accurate self-assessment of their initial developing professional competencies
3. demonstrate satisfactory progress towards the Level 3 professional competencies outlined by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, as determined by University professional experience staff and/or supervisors.

100 hours of professional experience activities across the semester.

This unit is graded pass grade only (PGO).

Student must achieve a pass for both of these elements:

Mid-semester review including skills video portfolio, logbook and competency journal

End-of-semester review including skills video portfolio, logbook and competency journal, placement reports where applicable.

Minimum total expected workload equals 12/144 hours per week/semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2 hour workshop per week
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • 10 hours of independent study per week
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • 100 hours of supervised professional experience activities across the semester.

See also Unit timetable information