| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
027374C |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of Clinical Neuropsychology Program includes coursework units which contain a blend of theory and practice together with 1,000 hours of supervised practice and a research dissertation. Students completing this course typically work as clinical neuropsychologists in public or private hospitals and/or in private practice. Hospital/clinic settings encompass neurological, psychiatric, geriatric, paediatric, drug/alcohol, forensic, and rehabilitation disciplines, where the neuropsychologist may engage in assessment and contribute to therapeutic/management programs.
Program Aims: The Program aims are to develop graduates who:
• can integrate theory into ethical practice as a clinical neuropsychologist
• can demonstrate the skills required for the full range of neuropsychological practice
• can undertake independent research in clinical neuropsychology
• can demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning in the advanced practice of neuropsychology
• can communicate effectively and work collaboratively with clinical teams and with clients. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. apply their neuropsychological knowledge and scholarly understanding to determine client needs and design and implement evidence-based interventions (K, T, P, C, E, J)
2. undertake and evaluate professional projects and capstone practice experiences by way of systematic enquiry and the application of research skills and learning (K, T, P, C, E, J)
3. generate and evaluate new, professionally-oriented knowledge through the development of higher level critical thinking skills (K, T, P, C, E, J)
4. communicate effectively across a wide range of client groups, colleagues and other professionals, using a variety of formats to function empathically within and across cultures and life stages (K, T, P, C, E, J)
5. demonstrate the ability to practise according to professional standards and the Psychology Board of Australia’s code of ethics through their awareness of the legislative frameworks relevant to clinical neuropsychologists (K, T, P, C, E, J)
6. demonstrate the entry-level capabilities required of practising clinical neuropsychologists with the professional and personal discernment for assessing continuous development needs (K, T, P, C, E, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
Central to the pedagogical philosophy of this program is that students learn best when they are deeply engaged with the content. Accordingly, learning and teaching methods are designed to meet the individual unit learning outcomes and to foster the acquisition of neuropsychological knowledge and skills, along with developing critical thinking and problem solving abilities. Learning and teaching methods are also tailored to assist in the development of the generic professional and personal attributes required for delivery of neuropsychological interventions, with due regard for ethical practice.
Specific methods include:
• lectures
• tutorials
• practical skill development classes
• advanced workshops
• research project development and implementation, as well as
• integrated, practice-education opportunities. |
| Assessment |
Assessment tasks are varied to match the knowledge, skills and personal attributes required for a clinical neuropsychologist, along with meeting Macquarie University graduate capabilities and the AQF Masters requirements. At the Unit level, there is constructive alignment between the specific learning outcomes and assessment tasks. Across the program, the following assessment tasks are used:
• clinical assessment and viva examinations to assess neuropsychological clinical skills and reasoning (these are broad diagnostic skills required of all psychologists in practice)
• psychometric reports
• seminar presentations
• research proposals
• research reports in the format of journal submissions
• conference presentations
• reflective case reports
• professional casebooks
• written assignments. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Graduates will be eligible to apply to register as a psychologist on completion of the program. Graduates will need to meet the Psychology Board of Australia's Registration Standards (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). These standards include English language skill and an assessment of criminal history. Graduates will be well prepared to pursue a career as a psychologist in a wide range of settings, including both the private and public sectors. A summary of the types of work that neuropsychologists engage in can be found at http://www.psychology.org.au/community/specialist/clinicalneuro/ |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| External Benchmarks |
Program Directors from across Australia meet at least annually to discuss benchmarking and accreditation requirements.
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council http://www.psychologycouncil.org.au/ set standards for program design and delivery.
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| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council is the accrediting authority. A submission was made early in 2013 with the 3 day site visit in September 2013. All masters 5th – 6th year sequences received the grade of ACCREDITATION WITHOUT CONDITIONS… |
