Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/Doctor of Philosophy (DR-PHILEDP) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

On completion of the course, graduates should be able to:

• Demonstrate and articulate an understanding of contemporary issues in human development theory, particularly differential development, learning processes and social processes in development
• Demonstrate an awareness of the social and cultural diversity in communities, skill in working collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and cultural responsiveness to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
• Understand exceptional development and approaches to inclusion of clients with exceptional needs
• Use assessment and observation procedures and interpret findings to gain accurate information on the cognitive, social, emotional and personality development of children and adolescents; use professional approaches to interact with others by using skilled interviewing, counselling and assessment across the lifespan
• Compose reports to other professionals, parents, and organizations
• Apply a range of approaches to intervention, development, interactive processes, and assessment to the treatment of children and adolescents with identified learning and mental health problems, and where necessary to make appropriate referrals
• Consult and collaborate with colleagues, including those from other professions, and coordinate programs for meeting developmental needs, in keeping with principles of inter-professional learning and practice
• Evaluate critically and interpret research and theory in this field, and carry out research and program evaluation of their own
• Understand and apply ethical principles and procedures
• Develop a wide range of practical professional skills in appropriate educational settings.

Graduates also demonstrate advanced research skills demonstrating:

• Systematic and critical understanding of the theoretical, conceptual and empirical foundations of professional practice in educational and developmental psychology, and the accompanying skills relevant to professional practice through supervised professional experience
• Critical understanding of a complex area of investigation in professional educational and developmental psychology, and specialised research skills as shown in completing a substantial piece of original research and a research thesis which makes a distinct contribution to knowledge
• Capacity to present research findings to the professional and general community
• Capacity to operate autonomously demonstrating responsible judgement as an exemplary practitioner and researcher in the field of Educational and Developmental Psychology
• Independently design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to new knowledge that rests on originality of approach and/or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts in the education field
• Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and integrity with full accountability for personal research outputs.

Graduates will develop the following set of generic skills:

• Critical reasoning and thinking
• Problem solving
• Respectful communication
• Evidence based decision making
• Creativity and innovation
• Teamwork and professional collaboration
• Self-reflection, career awareness and lifelong learning
• Active and participatory citizenship
• Develop, adapt, and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice in education.