| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
030053E |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of Organisational 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 organisational psychologists in consultancy firms, large companies or government departments in areas such as human resource management, training, job design, workplace and career counselling, rehabilitation, and occupational health and safety.
The Program aims are to develop graduates who:
• can integrate theory into ethical practice as an organisational psychologist.
• demonstrate the skills required for the full range of organisational psychology practice.
• can undertake independent research in the context of applied psychology
• develop a commitment to life-long learning in advanced practice of organisational psychology.
• communicate effectively and work collaboratively with individual and organisational clients.
• will demonstrate business, management, leadership, and advocacy knowledge and skills in the context of organisational psychology. |
| 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 that students should be able to:
1. apply their scholarly knowledge and understanding of organizational psychology to determine client needs by designing and implementing evidence-based interventions
2. undertake systematic enquiry and apply research skills to evaluate professional projects and capstone practice experiences
3. use their higher-order thinking skills to generate and evaluate new, professionally-oriented knowledge
4. communicate effectively with 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
5. comply with the legislative frameworks relevant to organisational psychologists and demonstrate the ability to practise according to professional standards and the Psychology Board of Australia’s code of ethics
6. demonstrate the entry-level capabilities required of practising organisational psychologists with the professional and personal discernment for assessing continuous development needs. |
| 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. We aim to achieve this by presenting the material in innovative ways that clearly demonstrate its relevance to problem solving. In particular, the program aims to produce organisational psychologists who are independent thinkers, and who can readily translate their knowledge and problem-solving abilities to new environments and situations with due regard for ethical practice.
A fundamental aspect of the pedagogy of the program lies in the way it builds from semester to semester, providing a logical, systematic flow through the course from start to finish and ensuring progressive development towards attainment of the program goals and Australian Psychology Accreditation Standards. The focus of the four semesters is outlined below:
• Semester 1: Foundation organisational psychological skills
• Semester 2: Psychological Assessment in organisations
• Semester 3: Organisational Psychology applications
• Semester 4: Research-Led Practice
Throughout the course, we emphasize an inquiry-based learning approach that includes lectures, tutorials, practical skill development classes, research project development and implementation, as well as integrated, practice-education opportunities. |
| Assessment |
Assessment tasks throughout the program are designed to match the knowledge, skills and personal attributes required for an Organisational Psychologist, along with meeting MQ graduate capabilities and AQF Masters requirements. At the Unit level, there is constructive alignment between specific learning outcomes and assessment tasks. Across the program, the following assessment tasks are used:
• clinical assessment and viva examinations to assess organisational psychological clinical skills and reasoning (these are broad diagnostic skills required of all psychologists in practice)
• psychometric testing and written reports
• expert witness testimony
• seminar presentations
• research proposals
• research reports in the format of journal submissions
• conference presentations
• reflective case reports and professional development plans
• professional 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 (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic Students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International Students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl undefined |
| 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/wellbeing |
| 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. The program is also subject to regular review and accreditation by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and the Psychology Board of Australia. |
| 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. Applicants are advised to review these standards prior to admission to the program. Meeting standards may require completion of a national examination.
Graduates will be well prepared to pursue a career as a psychologist in a wide range of settings, including in both the private and public sector, research and advisory positions for industry and government. A summary of the types of work that organisational psychologists engage in can be found at www.psychology.org.au/community/specialist/organisational/ |
| 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.
Grade of ACCREDITATION WITHOUT CONDITIONS awarded by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. |
