Master of Professional Psychology (MC-PROPSYC) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Knowledge

• Display broad knowledge of common client presentations seen across the lifespan
• Understand theoretical principles and research underlying psychological practice in preparation for undertaking the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) internship program leading to full registration as a Psychologist.

Skills

• Understand the principles of behaviour change when working with clients with mental health issues
• Administer and interpret a comprehensive range of psychological tests and assessments
• Integrate, interpret, and synthesise 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.

Applications of skills and knowledge

• Use interviewing skills and evidence‐based principles to develop psychotherapeutic relationships with a wide range of clients from diverse groups and with various presenting issues
• Demonstrate the ability to consult and collaborate with colleagues, including those from other professions across the range of setting in which psychologists work
• Apply 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
• Conduct and interpret research relevant to professional psychological practice
• Apply the principles of behaviour change when working with clients with mental health issues
• 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.

The course provides comprehensive training in all aspects of professional psychology practice. On completion of this course the students should have developed:

• Critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills
• The ability to integrate theory and practice and to apply this in novel situations
• An openness to new ideas
• Planning and time management skills
• The ability to communicate their knowledge in both oral and written form
• The ability to behave in a professionally appropriate manner.

Academic distinction

• Have an in-depth knowledge of professional psychology conceptual foundations and practice, including identification and treatment of a range of mental health conditions that present across the lifespan
• Be able to think critically and creatively with strong reasoning skills
• Be able to apply psychological knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems relating to mental health and illness, human behaviour, and behaviour change
• Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.

 Active citizenship

• Be engaged with contemporary local, national, global issues
• Have a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment
• Have an awareness of the social and cultural diversity in communities and the capacity to work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds
• Have an understanding of, and deep respect for, Indigenous knowledge, culture and values
• Be 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

• Be motivated and organized with an ability to set goals and manage time and priorities
• Be able to work effectively both independently and in groups
• Have 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
• Have empathy and concern for the welfare of others and have developed skills in managing their own well-being
• Have the ability to respond constructively to appraisal, performance review or assessment
• Have the ability to manage uncertainty.