2017 Postgraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Master of Professional Psychology | 2017

Testamur Title of Degree:

Master of Professional Psychology

Abbreviation:

MProfPsyc

UOW Course Code:

442

CRICOS Code:

N/A

Total Credit Points:

48

Duration:

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Home Faculty:

Faculty of Social Sciences

Intake Session(s):

Autumn

Delivery Mode:

On-campus

Delivery Campus:

Wollongong

Additional Information:

Course Finder

Overview

The primary aim of the Masters of Professional Psychology is to prepare candidates for a final year of supervised internship in the field of psychological practice prior to full registration.

The course provides one year of full-time education in the professional practice of psychology that:

  • forms the foundation for professional practice, building on the existing knowledge and skills base acquired as part of an APAC-accredited (Australian Psychology Accreditation Council) four-year undergraduate course;
  • takes an evidence-based approach based on the scientist-practitioner model;
  • is broad and generalist in nature; and
  • matches the core professional attributes and capabilities as outlined in the APAC accreditation standards.

The program is taught via a combination of e-learning, face-to-face discussions and skills training workshops, supervision, and external service industry placements.

Students are required to demonstrate a Credit pass in the theory components of the course, and a professionally acceptable level of competency in the practical course components.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Master of Professional Psychology will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate specialised knowledge of psychological principles, professional ethics and standards (including the ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice), theories of individual and systemic functioning and change, dysfunctional behaviour, psychopathology, the cultural bases of behaviour and organisational systems.
  2. Demonstrate specialised knowledge in conducting systematic psychological assessment including diagnostic classification systems and the limitations of psychological tests.
  3. Demonstrate specialised knowledge in a range of intervention techniques and strategies including their empirical and theoretical bases, for both individuals and groups.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the process of and fluctuations in the development of the therapeutic relationship and strategies to manage these processes.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the process of research data evaluation and its relevance to psychological practice, articulated through a ‘scientist-practitioner’ perspective.
  6. Apply ethical principles effectively to complex ethical dilemmas and the generate appropriate responses to such dilemmas.
  7. Determine the most appropriate assessment to administer based on synthesis of complex problem presentations, ancillary data and relevant psychological theories.
  8. Administer and interpret a range of specified tests including intelligence, personality, and memory tests and the mental status examination.
  9. Carry out structured and unstructured interviews, selection interviews, survey interviews, clinical interviews for diagnostic and case formulation purposes including history taking, and group-based interviews.
  10. Systematically observe behaviour involving both naturalistic and clinical observation and using predetermined procedures for observing the behaviour of one or more persons.
  11. Demonstrate mastery in counselling skills, including micro-skills, rapport building skills, treatment planning, core behaviour change skills and cognitive behavioural approaches.
  12. Develop creative strategies, founded on empirically derived intervention techniques, to overcome impediments in interventions.
  13. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, using validated instruments and protocols, and respond to evaluation data appropriately.
  14. Convey, appraise and interpret information with accuracy in both oral and written formats.
  15. Display conduct or behaviour consistent with the legal requirements and codes of conduct relevant to psychologists.
  16. Promote, restore, sustain or enhance cognitive functioning and a sense of well-being in individuals or groups of clients through preventive, developmental or remedial services.
  17. Interact on a professional level with a wide range of client groups and other professionals.
  18. Apply research knowledge and skills to psychological practice. 

Course Structure 

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
PSYP920External Placements8Annual
PSYP921Reflective Practice6Annual
PSYP922Theory of Applied Psychological Practice6Annual
PSYP911Child and Adult Assessment and Psychopathology6Autumn
PSYP912Principles of Psychotherapy8Autumn
PSYP910Applied Psychological Interventions6Spring
PSYP919Workplace Professional Practices8Spring

 Capstone Experience

Students undertake a capstone experience in the subject PSYP921 Reflective Practice. This subject applies the knowledge and skills taught in the course as an integrated preparation for professional psychological practice.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as meeting the requirements for the first year of registration as a Provisional Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: psyc-enquiries@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 21 March, 2017