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Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)/Doctor of Philosophy (080CN)
Doctorate by ResearchYear: 2019 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Coordinator
Professor Michael Saling
Contact
Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
Overview
Award title | Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)/Doctor of Philosophy |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2019 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 037232A |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Research |
AQF level | 10 |
Duration | 4 years full-time, or equivalent part-time |
The clinical neuropsychology program at the University of Melbourne commenced in the 1970s and aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for competent practice in relation to a variety of diagnostic problems and management issues. The acquisition of professional skills at a sophisticated level is the ultimate goal of the program. The program enjoys an excellent reputation as one of the premier clinical neuropsychology programs in the country and produces graduates with a detailed understanding of the affective, behavioural and cognitive manifestations of diseases of the central nervous system, particularly those affecting the brain, in adults and children. Graduates acquire competence in various approaches to the study of brain disease, including basic and applied clinical sciences, and are expected to acquire an understanding of culturally responsive, objective assessment of the many behavioural features of brain diseases that can present across the lifespan.
The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), providing the required sequence of subjects for graduates wishing to attain generalist registration as a psychologist in Australia as well as competency in knowledge and skills relevant to the clinical neuropsychology specialisation.
The course is comprised of coursework subjects, practical experience through clinical placements and a major research thesis in an area relevant to clinical psychology. All subjects are compulsory. The academic members of the teaching staff are actively involved in the practice of clinical neuropsychology (including supervision of clinical trainees) in a teaching hospital, and are therefore well positioned to bring to the teaching situation a high level of clinical and research expertise.
Students undertake clinical placements in a wide variety of services that cover acute care neurology and neurosurgery, psychiatry, geriatrics, rehabilitation, and paediatrics. The placement experience enjoyed by our students is one of the most extensive in the world.
Links to further information
http://mdhs-study.unimelb.edu.au/degrees/master-of-psychology-doctor-of-philosophy/overview
Entry requirements
- In order to be considered for entry to the Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) component, applicants must:
- Have completed an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited four-year undergraduate sequence in psychology, namely a three-year major in psychology as part of an undergraduate degree plus a fourth year Honours specialisation in psychology or equivalent, with a weighted average mark of at least H2A (75%) or equivalent in the last 10 years. The weighted average is calculated one third from third year psychology subjects and two thirds from fourth year psychology subjects; and
- Provide a personal statement of no more than 500 words; and
- Arrange for two referee reports to be submitted online; and
- Attend a selection interview (short-listed applicants only).
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
- In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- prior academic performance; and
- suitability for clinical training as determined by the interview, personal statement and referee reports.
- The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
- Applicants are required to satisfy the university's English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7 is required.
Notes:
- Selection into the two Master of Psychology courses associated with a PhD place in Psychology requires the approval of the intended PhD supervisor, the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, and the Melbourne School of Graduate Research.
- Direct entry into the combined Masters/PhD program is available to international applicants only. Applicants must meet the Faculty's entry requirements for the PhD.
- Local applicants must enrol in the Masters program (Clinical Psychology or Clinical Neuropsychology) and then apply to articulate to the combined PhD program towards the end of their first year in the Masters program. Applicants must meet the Faculty's entry requirements for the PhD.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
PhD
All candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least six months full-time (12 months part-time) advanced study and research at the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.
Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.
The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the first six months of candidature. During this time the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:
- to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
- to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a research higher degree awarded by the University
- to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout candidature.
Professional accreditation
Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and recognised by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Intended learning outcomes
Graduates should demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to work as clinical neuropsychologists.
Knowledge:
- Graduates will acquire advanced knowledge of the clinical neurosciences that apply to the practice of clinical neuropsychology and an understanding how these apply to the investigation of cerebral disease and injury.
Skills:
- Graduates will be able to evaluate and diagnose neuropsychological disorders with reference to internationally accepted consensus criteria and taxonomies.
- Graduates will be able to employ advanced communication skills in reporting to and consulting with referral sources.
- Graduates will be able to implement psychological interventions tailored to the needs of the individual and evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of interventions.
- Graduates will be able to utilise appropriate referral pathways to further clinical care.
- Graduates should demonstrate the ability to undertake a substantial piece of original research in clinical psychology and complete a research thesis which makes a distinct contribution to knowledge.
Application of skills
Graduates should demonstrate knowledge of the range of settings in which clinical neuropsychologists work and will have skills and knowledge that enables them to engage in competent and reflective practice in a variety of neuropsychological settings. They will demonstrate the ability to consult and collaborate with colleagues, including those from other professions. They should also demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles and reasoning in psychological research and practice, particularly with reference to the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics and NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
Generic skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management and planning
- Written and spoken communication skills
- Analysis and critical thinking
Graduate attributes
The Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)/Doctor of Philosophy prepares graduates who are distinguished by their breadth and depth of psychological knowledge, research and inquiry skills, and their ability to apply these to identify and provide treatment for diseases of the central nervous system, particularly those affecting the brain, that can occur across the lifespan. Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)/Doctor of Philosophy graduates demonstrate:
Academic distinction
- Advanced psychological knowledge related to practice in clinical neuropsychology, including identification and treatment of a range of neurological and central nervous system diseases that present across the lifespan.
- Critical, creative thinking with strong reasoning skills. They can apply psychological knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems relating to mental health and illness, human behaviour, and behavioural change.
- Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
- They are adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.
Active citizenship
- A high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment.
- An awareness of the social and cultural diversity in communities and can work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
- In particular, they have an understanding of and deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values.
- They are equipped to be active, well-informed citizens who make substantial contributions to society, and have the potential to become leaders in their professions and communities.
Integrity and self-awareness
- Self-direction, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities.
- The ability to work effectively both independently and in groups.
- Skills in self-assessment, reflective thinking and self-awareness; placing great importance on their personal and professional integrity, and on the willingness to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes.
- Empathy and concern for the welfare of others and have developed skills in managing their own well-being.
Course structure
This course consists of the coursework and placement components of the Master of Psychology (Neuropsychology) together with a full PhD research thesis in Psychology.
Coursework consists of 13 classroom-based subjects taken over the first three years of this four-year course (see below).
PhD: A range of University policies and procedures apply to students enrolled in Higher Degrees by Research. Students should familiarise themselves with these policies. Refer to the policy library
Subject options
In order to satisfy the requirements of the combined Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)/PhD, students must complete the following subjects:
First-year subjects:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC90003 | Research Proposal | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
PSYC90039 | Clinical Neuropsychology Placement 1 | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PSYC90032 | Adult Neuropsychological Disorders | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PSYC90006 | Basic Interventions | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90029 | Graduate Research Methods | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90030 | Principles of Psychological Assessment | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90031 | Adult Psychopathology | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90007 | Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90082 | Clinical Skills in Neuropsychology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90083 | Cognitive Neuroscience and Disorders | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90084 | Neuroanatomy for Neuropsychologists | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90008 | Ethics and Professional Issues | March (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
Second-year subjects:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC80004 | PhD Research | Time-based Research (On Campus - Parkville) |
0 |
PSYC90079 | Neuropsychology Placement 2A | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
18.75 |
PSYC90033 | Neuropsychological Rehabilitation | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
Third-year subjects:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC80004 | PhD Research | Time-based Research (On Campus - Parkville) |
0 |
PSYC90080 | Neuropsychology Placement 2B | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
18.75 |
PSYC90042 | Child Neuropsychological Disorders | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90010 | Mental Health Issues Across the Lifespan | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
Fourth-year subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC80004 | PhD Research | Time-based Research (On Campus - Parkville) |
0 |
Last updated: 4 June 2022