Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 4

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core coursework units for students in the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Psychology (Clinical). During Professional Psychology Applied Research 1 students will work on a defined research project with relevance to the discipline of psychology more broadly and the practice of psychology more specifically. Students will be matched with at least one academic supervisor to guide them through the process of research and the production of a thesis.  

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate bibliographic skills related to location and selection of literature appropriate to a clinically-relevant research topic. 
• Recognise research design and methodology as a way of thinking, problem-solving, and approaching substantive clinically-relevant research questions. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of the nature and types of various clinically-relevant research paradigms. 
• Differentiate among a range of methodological techniques appropriate to specific research questions. 
• Display awareness of the ethical processes of research institutions and capacity to apply ethical practices to their research. 

• Apply conceptual skills in the formulation of a research proposal. 

Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 6

Corequisites: PSYC5572 Professional Psychology: Applied Research 1 

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core coursework units for students in the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Psychology (Clinical). Professional Psychology: Core Skills and Ethics will focus on practices and skills and their application to professional psychology practice, such as case conceptualisation, diagnosis, risk assessment and management, treatment planning, monitoring treatment effectiveness, record keeping, supervision, self-care and reflective practice. Students will build skills relevant to effective interviewing when working with diverse groups and communities and will learn ways in which to incorporate and adapt knowledge and skills across digital modalities. Students will also learn pre-professional competencies pertaining to the scientist practitioner model and working as an ethical, reflective and culturally responsive practitioner. Students will critically apply their knowledge of these areas to professional psychology practice, develop and reflect upon professional level competencies, and identify a professional development plan to ensure their practice ensures the protection of the public. Students will explore systems relevant to professional psychological practice and will develop knowledge and skills to work and communicate effectively in interdisciplinary settings.   

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

• Explain and appropriately apply essential practices and skills in professional psychology practice  
• Critically apply knowledge and skills to develop psychological formulations appropriate to stage of development
• Demonstrate sensitivity to human diversity and incorporate cultural, social and developmental considerations  
• Communicate effectively applying appropriate professional standards  
• Reflect on the essential practices and skills in professional psychology and the competencies required to practice them safely and effectively  
• Critically and safely apply advanced and integrated knowledge of psychology, scientific method, and ethical, legal and professional codes and frameworks to professional psychology practice
• Identify and reflect critically on ethical dilemmas and conduct including personal vulnerabilities and how they can be managed with reference to the APS code of conduct and appropriate legislative frameworks 

Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 6

Prerequisites: PSYC5562, PSYC5572 

Corequisites: PSYC5562, PSYC5572 

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core coursework units for students in the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Psychology (Clinical). During Professional Psychology Practice 1 students will attend a 3-day intensive following which they will engage in weekly class and group supervision, individual supervision and a range of simulated applied practice activities and observations designed to develop and consolidate foundational applied skills in professional psychology practice, such as conducting semi-structured interviews, risk assessment, formulating simulated cases, and practicing the application of psychotherapy skills.  

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

• Develop effective therapeutic relationships and demonstrate effective use of counselling/psychotherapy skills appropriate to stage of development 

• Conduct culturally responsive clinical/risk/MSE/psychological assessment/s appropriate to stage of development 

• Utilisation of a science practitioner and evidence-based approach to applied psychological practice. Conceptualize, plan and implement appropriate psychological intervention/s including both monitoring/evaluation processes. Demonstrate knowledge of diagnosis and utilization of primary diagnostic frameworks as appropriate. 

• Behave consistently with the ethical and legal requirements and professional codes of conduct relevant to professional psychology practice 

• Work effectively in a supervisory relationship/s and with colleagues using reflective practice, interpersonal skills and self-awareness. Accurately evaluate competence/performance and demonstrate ability to reflect on progress towards goals, self-correcting where necessary 

• Demonstrate organised & disciplined practice: Professionalism in areas of being organised, disciplined, and timely approach to work, including competing tasks on time.   

Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 6

Prerequisites: PSYC5442, PSYC5452 

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core coursework units for students in the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Psychology (Clinical). Assessing psychological problems will provide students with advanced knowledge and foundational professional skills in planning and conducting assessments to enable evidence-based psychological formulations and diagnosis of commonly presenting mental health and psychological problems across the lifespan. This will include common presentations among pre-school and school aged children and adults using cognitive, adaptive and achievement assessments.  The unit will train students to administer both child and adult IQ tests in detail, as well as tests of academic achievement and other commonly used neurocognitive and psychological tests. Test interpretation and report writing and also key features of this unit. 

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of fundamental principles and methods of psychological assessment and of the theoretical and empirical foundations of psychological assessment;
2. Critically analyse and justify the selection of an assessment instrument appropriate to the individual, the setting, and the purpose of the assessment with reference to empirical findings;
3. Critically apply knowledge and skills to administer, score, interpret and communicate information about psychological assessments;
4. Demonstrate advanced skills in the provision of culturally responsive psychological assessment relevant to individuals, groups and communities.  
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural and historical context within which tools are developed and their associated limitations of use and interpretation when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    
6. Demonstrate advanced professional communication skills to work with other professionals to synthesise knowledge required for the conduct of an assessment, and to sensitively communicate the results of assessments to a range of audiences.   

Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 6

Prerequisites: PSYC5562, PSYC5572 

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core coursework units for students in the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Psychology (Clinical). Intervening with psychological problems will introduce students to the advanced knowledge and foundational professional skills in the delivery of evidence-based psychological interventions, including the principles, procedures, and applications of cognitive behavioural therapy. 

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced skills in the application of psychological knowledge, incorporating the synthesis of information from multiple sources to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions.  
2. Demonstrate advanced skills in applying evidence based and scientific methods to inform interventions, across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.    
3. Implement appropriate, empirically supported interventions, and monitor clients’ progress and intervention outcomes 
4. Demonstrate advanced communication skills when working with individuals, groups and communities.    
5. Demonstrate competencies in the delivery of CBT therapeutic approach.  
6. Demonstrate awareness of the significant impact of colonisation, trauma and loss across generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples, and skills to appropriately assess and work within a trauma-informed approach using recovery focused methods.    
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the age and health related concerns of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and capabilities to engage and build respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.    

Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 5

Prerequisites: PSYC5622

Corequisites: PSYC5592

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core coursework units for students in the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Psychology (Clinical). During Professional Psychology Practice 2 students will attend a workshop intensive following which they will engage in weekly class/group supervision, individual supervision and a range of applied practice with client consumers at the ACAP Psychology clinic, such as psychometric assessments, group therapy and individual therapy cases with adults and young people. 

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. Critically apply discipline knowledge and applied skill for safe and culturally sensitive professional psychological practice with diverse individuals, groups and communities across the lifespan  
2. Safely conduct and communicate results of psychological assessments that are culturally responsive, including administering, scoring and interpreting standardised psychological tests.  
3. Develop effective therapeutic relationships and demonstrate effective use of counselling/psychotherapy skills appropriate to stage of development 
4. Utilization of a science practitioner and evidence-based approach to psychological treatment. Conceptualize, research, plan and implement appropriate psychological interventions including both monitoring and evaluation. Demonstrate knowledge and utilisation of primary diagnostic frameworks as appropriate.
5. Behave consistently with the ethical and legal requirements and professional codes of conduct relevant to professional psychology practice to protect public safety 
6. Work effectively in a supervisory relationship/s and with colleagues using reflective practice, interpersonal skills and self-awareness. Accurately evaluate competence/performance and demonstrate ability to reflect on progress towards goals, self-correcting where necessary
7. Demonstrate organised & disciplined practice: Professionalism in areas of being organised, disciplined, and timely approach to work, including competing tasks on time.

Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 6

Prerequisites: PSYC5622

Corequisites: PSYC5632

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core coursework units for students in the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Psychology (Clinical). This unit primarily supports the student in conducting and reporting on a service-related research project for both a professional and a stakeholder audience. In addition, we explore specific research skills relevant to integrating the scientist practitioner approach to professional practice.

Learning Outcomes:

Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 4

Pre-requisites: PSYC5562 Professional Psychology: Core Skills and Ethics

PSYC5582 Professional Psychology: Assessing Psychological Problems or PSYC5592 Professional Psychology: Intervening with Psychological Problems

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core coursework units for students in the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Psychology (Clinical). This unit introduces students to key theory and practice relevant to working across the lifespan. Students will develop skills to help them work with people across different developmental stages including learning about the systems that people engage with across the lifespan, key transitions as well as risk and protective factors at different stages of the life span. The unit will also look at the diverse needs of people at different life stages including in the context of disability and cultural factors.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. Ability to identify and demonstrate understanding of the causes and theoretical explanations as to the development and maintenance of major psychological disorders, including the influence of culture, and across the lifespan (eg., including childhood, adolescence, adulthood and older adulthood).
2. Ability to identify the clinical features of major psychological disorders across each of the lifespan phases, including the influence of culture.
3. Understand the differences and the systematic challenges to be able to work competently with clients from diverse backgrounds.
4. Integrate, interpret and synthesise assessment information with knowledge to develop culturally responsive and empirically supported case conceptualisations, diagnoses, and interventions for diverse populations and across the lifespan.
5. Develop a broad understanding of the appropriate treatment modalities across the lifespan, and the ability to identify appropriate referral pathways.
6. Develop an understanding of how to work with the relevant systems and other professionals engaged during different phases of development.

Level: 500 level core
Credit points: 5

Prerequisites: PSYC5622, PSYC5632

Unit Description:

This unit is a core practicum unit for students in the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Psychology(Clinical). PSYC5492 Professional Psychology Practice 3 will provide students with an opportunity to advance and consolidate clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis and intervention in professional psychology practice.

Learning Outcomes:

Level: 600 level core
Credit points: 6

Unit Description:

This unit introduces students to the competencies required of clinical psychologists and the foundational knowledge and skill base required to demonstrate these, including the scientist practitioner model as it applies to clinical psychology, case formulation, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. It considers a range of contemporary theories of complex psychological disorders, including developmental, systems, and biopsychological models, as well as the social determinants of health, and how these contribute to the assessment and management of individuals with complex psychological disorders. 

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to independently locate and use relevant and reliable sources of information, including the research and practice literature, and apply it to the practice of clinical psychology.  

• Demonstrate advanced and integrated critical understanding of influential psychological theories of complex psychological problems, including social determinants, and developmental, systems and biopsychological models of health.  

• Demonstrate the ability to design evidence-based treatment plans based upon case formulations of complex psychological problems. 

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understand of ethical, legal and professional issues in relation to complex psychological disorders. 

• Apply advanced knowledge of key cultural groups (including First Nations Australians) and culturally competent practices to the assessment and management of people with complex psychological problems 

• Apply principles of effective communication practice across contexts and different modalities, such as technology-mediated psychological practice 

Level: 600 level core
Credit points: 12

Prerequisites: PSYC6172 Clinical Psychology: Core Skills and Professional Issues

Unit Description:

The main objectives of PSYC6152 Clinical Psychology Practice 1 and PSYC6162 Clinical Psychology Practice 2 are to assist students in working towards the required placement, supervision, research and clinical skills development for competency in psychological assessment and intervention, applying evidence-based research to practice, as well as to enhance each student’s developing identity as a clinical psychologist.

In the two units PSYC6152 Clinical Psychology Practice 1 and PSYC6162 Clinical Psychology Practice 2 students will undertake external placements with a total of 750 hours in settings where services are offered to clients with severe or complex psychological disorders. In each unit, students will complete at least 375 service hours. Students should refer to the Psychology External Placements Handbook for further detail on the breakdown of hours within each placement.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. Conduct psychological practice in an ethical, culturally sensitive, and professional manner with clients with severe and / or complex psychological problems
2. Apply advanced knowledge of a range of psychological theories and associated evidence to developing differential diagnoses, case formulations and treatment plans for the assessment and management of clients with severe and / or complex psychological problems
3. Participate effectively as a member of the team supporting clients with severe and / or complex psychological problems
4. Participate effectively in supervision, demonstrating advanced reflective practice skills to enhance learning and practice
5. Demonstrate advanced understanding and application of the psychological and related literature to inform the response to a practice related question in the placement setting

Level: 600 level core
Credit points: 6

Prerequisites: PSYC6172 Clinical Psychology: Core Skills and Professional Issues

Unit Description:

This unit is one of the core coursework units for students in the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Psychology (Clinical). This unit introduces students to key theory and practice relevant to working with diverse groups and populations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples. Students will develop their skills towards becoming a culturally safe mental health care practitioner by engaging in in depth self awareness, reflection and development. This unit will thereby engage students in culturally safe case formulation and treatment planning in common areas of presentation among diverse groups. This unit contains a focus on supporting diverse groups using a range of modalities and approaches.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. Apply advanced and integrated knowledge of psychology to safe and ethical psychological practice in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways    
2. Apply advanced and integrated knowledge of research methods and ethics to develop appropriate strategies to answer questions arising from practice 
3. Employ culturally responsive, valid, and reliable psychological assessments and sensitively communicate findings to a range of audiences 
4. Integrate, interpret and synthesise assessment information with their knowledge to develop culturally responsive and empirically supported case conceptualisations, diagnoses, and interventions for diverse clients 
5. Expertly apply personal and professional judgment to safely and appropriately initiate a sustainable career and contribution to the practice of professional psychology 

Level: 600 level core
Credit points: 6

Prerequisites: PSYC6172 Clinical Psychology: Core Skills and Professional Issues

PSYC6182 Clinical Psychology: Working in a Cross-Cultural Context

Unit Description:

This unit will focus on developing skills in the delivery of evidence-based interventions with complex psychological problems. In particular there will be a focus on the appropriate selection of an intervention approach and its tailoring to the individual based upon a case formulation that considers important contextual factors and comorbidity. 

Learning Outcomes:

Level: 600 level core
Credit points: 6

Prerequisites: PSYC6172 Clinical Psychology: Core Skills and Professional Issues

Corequisites: PSYC6172 Clinical Psychology: Core Skills and Professional Issues

Unit Description:

This unit will focus on key practices and philosophies that underpin clinical psychology. This includes providing a culturally safe environment, including awareness of trauma in both assessment and intervention, strengths and recovery based approaches, monitoring and evaluating treatment effectiveness, and adjusting practice to suit different modalities. Finally, the implications for managing difficulties in treatment will be explored. These ideas will be applied in the context of working with specific clinical populations.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. Apply advanced knowledge of practices such as trauma informed care, strengths and recovery based approaches to the assessment and management of people with complex psychological problems
2. Apply advanced knowledge of effective practices for monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes of clinical psychology practice, and approaches to managing common difficulties in work with individuals with complex psychological problems
3. Understand principles of effective practice when working with a variety of complex clinical presentations

Level: 600 level core
Credit points: 12

Prerequisites:PSYC6152 Clinical Psychology Practice 1
PSYC6172 Clinical Psychology: Core Skills and Professional Issues

Unit Description:

The main objectives of PSYC6152 Clinical Psychology Practice 1 and PSYC6162 Clinical Psychology Practice 2 are to assist students in working towards the required placement, supervision, research and clinical skills development for competency in psychological assessment and intervention, applying evidence-based research to practice, as well as to enhance each student’s developing identity as a clinical psychologist.

In the two units PSYC6152 Clinical Psychology Practice 1 and PSYC6162 Clinical Psychology Practice 2 students will undertake external placements with a total of 750 hours in settings where services are offered to clients with severe or complex psychological disorders. In each unit, students will complete at least 375 service hours. Students should refer to the Psychology External Placements Handbook for further detail on the breakdown of hours within each placement.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit the student should be able to:

a. Conduct psychological practice in an ethical, culturally sensitive, and professional manner with clients with severe and / or complex psychological problems

b. Apply advanced knowledge of a range of psychological theories and associated evidence to developing differential diagnoses, case formulations and treatment plans for the assessment and management of clients with severe and / or complex psychological problems

c. Participate effectively as a member of the team supporting clients with severe and / or complex psychological problems

d. Participate effectively in supervision, demonstrating advanced reflective practice skills to enhance learning and practice

e. Demonstrate advanced understanding and application of the psychological and related literature to inform the response to a practice related question in the placement setting