| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
083807G |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of Professional Psychology program includes coursework units which contain a blend of theory and practice together with 280 hours of supervised practice and a research project. Students completing this course will have acquired the advanced discipline knowledge, research training, and professional skills needed to undertake a final year of supervised practice under the authority of the Psychology Board of Australia before gaining full registration. We are one of several universities across Australia that offers this 5th year of professional training in psychology.
The program aims are to produce graduates who:
• are competent, ethical and responsible professional psychologists who can engage clients using sound professional practice in both public and private healthcare environments
• demonstrate a reflective approach and commitment to the scientist-practitioner model of psychological practice
• communicate effectively and work collaboratively with clients and their families, healthcare colleagues, researchers, healthcare policy makers and the wider community
• are able to investigate, analyse and synthesize complex information and apply their understanding in innovative and effective ways to enhance the emotional health and well being of both individuals and communities. |
| 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 understanding required by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council standards for the Masters of Professional Psychology (K, A, E, J)
2. carry out psychological assessments and interventions taking into account client needs, background and circumstances, key components of discipline knowledge, and understanding of the principles of evidence-based practice (K, T, P, E, C, I, J)
3. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legislative frameworks relevant to professional psychology practice and the willingness and ability to practise according to professional standards and the Psychology Board of Australia’s code of ethics (K, T, P, C, E, J)
4. undertake systematic enquiry and demonstrate ability to apply research skills and critical thinking when designing and evaluating professional projects and practice experiences and interpreting relevant literature (K, T, P, C, E, J)
5. communicate effectively across a wide range of client presentations, colleagues and other health professionals, within and across cultures and life stages (K, T, P, C, E, J)
6. demonstrate the entry level capabilities required of practising professional psychologists, the professional and personal skills required for assessing continuous development needs and the application of knowledge and skills learned in coursework to real-world practice (A, K, T, L, P, C, I, J, E). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The pedagogical philosophy of the program is to expose students to experiential workshop based learning where a mixture of theory and practical skills are taught. The units are structured to meet the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council standards for the 5th year Graduate Diploma in Professional Psychology. The program is designed to enable students to enrol in either semester 1 or 2 with an opportunity to complete placement and practical across the 5th year of study.
Learning and teaching methods comprise lecture and/or tutorial content delivery followed by small group role playing for development and practising of skills. Students are also exposed to subject matter experts via DVDs either in the workshops or via iLearn. Students meet in the iLearn environment to respond to questions posed by the academic staff and to construct a group response. |
| Assessment |
Several assessment strategies are used to ensure students have achieved an appropriate level of competency as required by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. Assessment tasks are designed to meet MQ graduate capabilities and the AQF requirements. At the unit level, an alignment is maintained between the specific learning outcomes and the assessment tasks.
The tasks include:
• Live skills assessment where students are required to demonstrate a skill to a member of the academic staff to ensure they have reached the level of competency required.
• Video submission whereby students demonstrate a skill with either a fellow student/s or with other clients (working under supervision with appropriate consent) to demonstrate competency.
• Written essays on a range of topics using APA format and containing reviews of current literature on the topic.
Students must reach a satisfactory mid placement and final placement review as assessed by an Honorary Supervisor of the Psychology Department. Students must also demonstrate the capacity to present effectively on psychological topics to fellow students and academic staff. |
| 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 of the program enter a Psychology Board of Australia-approved sixth-year internship in order to complete registration requirements. The vast majority of graduates are able to find placements with the advantage of having completed the 5th year. Approximately half of students entering their sixth year obtain paid employment as a provisionally registered psychologist. |
| 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 (APAC) is the accrediting authority. The current PG Diploma of Professional Psychology 5th year program was submitted for accreditation early in 2013 with the 3 day site visit in September 2013. |
