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Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) (527CN)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2020 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Principal Coordinator
Jacqueline Anderson
Overview
Award title | Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) |
---|---|
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 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 research thesis in an area relevant to clinical neuropsychology. 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://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, a 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).
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
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).
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.
- 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 (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 will be able to investigate substantive scientific questions relevant to the field of clinical neuropsychology.
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
- Written and spoken communication skills
- Analysis and critical thinking
- Time management and planning
Graduate attributes
The Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) 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) 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 coursework, placement and a minor research thesis (equivalent to 10,000 words).
Coursework consists of 13 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 (Clnincal Neuropsychology), 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 |
PSYC90084 | Neuroanatomy for Neuropsychologists | Semester 1 (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 |
PSYC90008 | Ethics and Professional Issues | March (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
Second-year subjects:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC90079 | Neuropsychology Placement 2A | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
18.75 |
PSYC90080 | Neuropsychology Placement 2B | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
18.75 |
PSYC90010 | Mental Health Issues Across the Lifespan | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90042 | Child Neuropsychological Disorders | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
PSYC90033 | Neuropsychological Rehabilitation | Semester 2 (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: 18 May 2021