Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) (MC-PSYCHED) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

Graduates should demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to work as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist. 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 organisations
• 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.

Generic skills

Graduate attributes

Graduates will show a breadth and depth of psychological knowledge, research and inquiry skills, and ability to apply these to assist with psychological issues across the lifespan and in a range of settings. They will demonstrate:

• Advanced psychological knowledge related to educational and developmental psychology
• Critical, creative thinking with strong reasoning skills. They can apply psychological knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems relating to educational attainment and difficulties, emotional and mental health matters, human behaviour, behavioural change and school wellbeing
• Capacity to use their professional communication skills in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner, in their work with a range of individuals and groups with diverse backgrounds
• Creativity, innovation and self-directedness, continuous learning through open evaluation of a range of points of view and possibilities
• Skill 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 developed skills in managing their own well-being, reflected in a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment.