| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
001396M |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of Clinical Psychology 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 psychologists in public and private hospitals and/or in private practice. Hospital/clinic settings encompass psychiatric, paediatric, geriatric, drug/alcohol and rehabilitation disciplines where the clinical psychologist may engage in both assessment and developing and implementing therapy programs.
Program Aims: The program aims are to develop graduates who can:
• integrate theory into ethical practice as a clinical psychologist
• demonstrate the full range of clinical psychological practice
• undertake independent research in clinical psychology
• demonstrate a commitment to professional life-long learning in the advanced practice of clinical psychology
• 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. demonstrate the significant depth and breadth of knowledge and scholarly understanding required of clinical psychologists in determining client needs and designing and implementing evidence-based interventions (K, T, P, C, E, J)
2. undertake systematic enquiry and apply research skills and learning when designing and evaluating professional projects and capstone practice experiences (K, T, P, C, E, J)
3. demonstrate higher level critical thinking skills in their ability both generate and evaluate new, professionally-oriented knowledge (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 emphatically within and across cultures and life stages (K, T, P, C, E, J)
5. demonstrate knowledge of the legislative frameworks relevant to clinical psychologists and undertake practice according to professional standards and the Psychology Board of Australia’s code of ethics (K, T, P, C, E, J)
6. demonstrate the entry level capabilities required of practising clinical psychologists, along with the professional and personal skills for assessing continuous development needs (K, T, P, C, E, J).
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| Learning and Teaching Methods |
Central to the pedagogical philosophy of this program is that students' learning is enhanced when they are fully engaged in the content. This is achieved in the program by presenting material in innovative ways that demonstrate the relevance to problem resolution. An inquiry based learning approach is also emphasized. Learning and teaching methods are designed to meet the individual unit learning outcomes and foster the acquisition of clinical psychological knowledge and skills, including 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 the delivery of clinical psychological methods, with due regard for ethical context.
Specific learning and teaching methods include: lectures, seminars, professional training workshops, practical skills development classes, research project development and implementation as well as integrated, practice-education opportunities. |
| Assessment |
Assessment tasks are varied to match the skills, knowledge and personal attributes required for clinical psychology, along with meeting the 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 clinical psychology skills
• psychometric reports
• seminar presentations
• research proposals
• research reports presented in journal format
• reflective case reports
• professional logbook/portfolios
• 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 clinical psychologists engage in can be found at http://www.psychology.org.au/community/specialist/clinical/ |
| 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. |
| 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… |
