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Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) (527CL)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2020 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Principal Coordinator
Christina Bryant
Overview
Award title | Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2020 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 009681G |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | 9 |
Credit points | 200 credit points |
Duration | 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time |
The clinical psychology program at the University of Melbourne began in the early 1970s. The program enjoys an excellent reputation as one of the premier clinical psychology programs in the country. The program aims to produce graduates with a strong knowledge base in psychopathology, combined with a high level of skill and acumen in culturally responsive assessment and treatment of psychological conditions that can present across the lifespan. Therapeutic skills are taught primarily within a broad cognitive-behavioural framework within didactic, individual and group-based clinical contexts.
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 psychology specialisation.
The course is comprised of coursework subjects, practical experience through clinical placements and a research thesis in an area relevant to clinical psychology. All subjects are compulsory. The academic members of the clinical teaching staff are active in both clinical work and research in a wide variety of clinical domains. Hence, the Program provides the opportunity to access a wide range of clinical placement settings and research programs.
In their first year, all students assess and provide treatment for adult clients referred to the University of Melbourne Psychology Clinic. In addition, all students undertake two second year field placements- one where the focus is on assessment and treatment of children and/or adolescents and the other focussing on clinical work with adults.
Links to further information
http://www.psych.unimelb.edu.au/courses/postgraduate/pt.html
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
- within the last 10 years, 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. The weighted average is calculated one third from third year (Level 3) psychology subjects and two thirds from fourth year (Level 4) psychology subjects; and
- a personal statement of no more than 500 words; and
- two referee reports to be submitted online; and
- attend a selection interview (short-listed applicants only).
For applicants with results from the University of Melbourne for subjects undertaken in Semester 1, Winter Term and/or Semester 2, 2020, the following will apply:
- A Psychology Benchmark will be established based on all psychology subjects completed any time other than Semester 1, Winter Term and Semester 2, 2020.
- Subjects undertaken in Semester 1, Winter Term and/or Semester 2, 2020, for which results are lower than the Psychology Benchmark will be excluded from the entry score calculation.
The above changes do not apply to yearlong subjects undertaken in 2020; such results will be included in the entry score calculation.
In the case that applying this rule results in no eligible Level 3 and Level 4 marks for inclusion, then the Psychology Benchmark will be used as the entry score.
For external applicants, the benchmark will not apply and we will use numerical scores for all available level 3 and level 4 psychology subjects in the selection formula. Pass/fail grades will be excluded from the selection formula. In the case that excluding pass/fail subjects from the selection formula leaves either the Level 3 or Level 4 terms in the formula empty, the entry score will be the non-empty term (i.e., average of eligible Level 3 subjects if no Level 4 marks are eligible for inclusion; average of eligible Level 4 subjects if no Level 3 marks are eligible for inclusion).
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
- The weighted average is calculated one third from third year psychology subjects and two thirds from fourth year psychology subjects.
- 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.
- Applicants must enrol in the Masters programme (Clinical Psychology or Clinical Neuropsychology) and then apply to articulate to the combined PhD programme towards the end of their first year in the Masters programme.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements, Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Professional accreditation
Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council 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 psychologists. These include:
Knowledge
- Graduates should understand and critically evaluate theories and taxonomies of psychological disorders, and integrate knowledge of developmental and biopsychosocial perspectives, including individual and cultural diversity, to understanding mental health across the lifespan.
- Graduates should demonstrate knowledge of psychopharmacology and the biological bases of disorders, including their application to severe mental disorders.
Skills
- Graduates should demonstrate the ability to conduct culturally sensitive assessments of psychological disorders using standardised assessment tools, tests and interviews, as well as information and observations derived from the individual, and other sources relevant to the client, such as family systems.
- Graduates should be able to integrate, interpret, and synthesise clinical psychological assessment data with their knowledge of psychopathology to inform culturally sensitive case formulations, diagnoses and interventions relevant to the presentation of disorders across the lifespan.
Application of skills and knowledge
- Graduates should demonstrate skills in selecting, tailoring and implementing appropriate interventions based on a culturally sensitive formulation. Throughout the course specific reference is made to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within this context. They will devise interventions with individuals, dyads and/or carers/dependents across the lifespan, as appropriate They will consider interventions in a range of modalities, including e-health.
- Graduates should demonstrate knowledge of the range of settings in which clinical psychologists work. 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
- Written and spoken Communication Skills
- Analytic skills
Graduate attributes
The Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) 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 psychological disorders that can occur across the lifespan. Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) graduates demonstrate:
Academic distinction
- Advanced psychological knowledge related to practice in clinical psychology, including identification and treatment of a range of mental health conditions 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 coursework, placement and a minor research thesis (6,000 to 10,000 words).
Coursework consists of 14 classroom-based subjects taken over the two years of the course (see below) and 125 days of Placement (30 days in the first-year and 95 days in the second-year).
Subject options
In order to satisfy the requirements of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) students must complete the following subjects:
First-year subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC90003 | Research Proposal | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
PSYC90012 | Clinical Placement 1 | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PSYC90006 | Basic Interventions | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90009 | Individual and Cultural Diversity | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90023 | Child Psychopathology | 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 |
PSYC90011 | Introduction to Assessment and Diagnosis | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90015 | Advanced Psychopathology | Semester 2 (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 |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC90077 | Clinical Placement 2 | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
18.75 |
PSYC90078 | Clinical Placement 3 | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
18.75 |
PSYC90016 | Biological Psychology & Pharmacotherapy | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90017 | Advanced Psychological Practice | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90010 | Mental Health Issues Across the Lifespan | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90027 | Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90095 | Thesis (Masters/coursework) Part 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
18.75 |
PSYC90096 | Thesis (Masters/coursework) Part 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
18.75 |
Last updated: 24 July 2021