Master of Psychology (Clinical)

2017 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2017 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2017 course information
Award granted	Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Course Map	This course map is for new students commencing from 2017. If you require a course map from a previous year, please contact a Student Adviser.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
Cloud Campus	No
Duration	2 years full-time only. The course is not available part-time.
CRICOS course code	060023G Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
Deakin course code	H750
Approval status	This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Quality Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Become a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological and mental health conditions.

Based on an integrative approach to clinical psychology that emphasises evidence-based practice, this course has been designed in consultation with industry partners. Interrelated steams of theory, research and practice provide the skills needed to become a registered psychologist.

Our award winning teaching strategies and learning resources, include simulation and competency-based assessment approaches.

The course is based on the scientist/practitioner model that rests firmly on a foundation of established knowledge and current evidence-based research.

As a student in our clinical training programs, you will have opportunities to develop clinical skills in our unique clinics embedded in our public mental health partners, Eastern Health and Barwon Health and through placements in an array of community agencies. This lets you put your academic knowledge into real-life application, as well as develops your professional identity and practice through early adoption of supervision and professional learning plans.

Most clinical psychologists develop expertise in specific areas or practise in sub-specialisations of clinical psychology. In addition to professional practice, clinical psychologists may be involved in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy and other activities that promote psychological health in individuals, families and groups.

Deakin’s psychology courses are well regarded in the workplace, as are our graduates, with Deakin psychology students highly successful in gaining employment after graduation, and a significant number employed prior to the completion of their studies.

Indicative student workload

As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals, placements and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and recognised by Psychology Board of Australia, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and its College of Clinical Psychologists. On completion of the course you may apply to the Psychology Board of Australia for registration as a psychologist and to the APS for full membership. To obtain membership of the Clinical College of the APS and endorsement by the Psychology Board of Australia as a clinical psychologist, students are required to complete two years of approved supervised practice and fulfil professional development requirements.

Note: This course is currently accredited at the date of publishing. The eligibility of students for registration by the Psychology Board of Australia, and for membership of the APS and its Clinical College is subject to meeting the requirements of the regulatory body and the professional association. Deakin University makes no representation that students will meet those requirements.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline Specific knowledge and capabilities	Display an advanced and integrated knowledge of psychopathology and theoretical principles underlying the practice of clinical psychology, with respect to evidence-based practice of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Communication	Compose clearly written case reports; demonstrate effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills using appropriate language to communicate with specialists and non-specialists within a range of professional settings.
Digital Literacy	Select and use appropriate technologies to collect relevant discipline-specific information; demonstrate expertise in the ability to evaluate, justify and integrate this information in, assessment and treatment approaches and disseminate this information to clients and health professionals.
Critical thinking	Critically evaluate, synthesise and integrate complex scientific evidence, transform this information into case formulations, assessment, interventions and policy that demonstrate evidence-based practice in the field of clinical psychology.
Problem Solving	Analyse theoretical frameworks and adapt knowledge and skills from psychological, biological and medical fields to design multiple, creative assessment and treatment approaches tailored to meet the needs of diverse client presentations.
Self-management	Demonstrate ethical and professional practice, showing personal autonomy, accountability, good judgment and reflective practice in all areas of psychological and professional work and scholarship.
Teamwork	Develop, maintain and manage professional, ethical and collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary team members and stakeholders to work effectively together in the best interest of the client and the profession.
Global Citizenship	Demonstrate, report and apply ethical, legal and professional principles to work productively as a clinical psychologist within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts by collaborating and communicating in a self-reflective and culturally sensitive manner.

Course rules

To complete the Master of Psychology (Clinical) students must attain 16 credit points covering three strands: theory, research and practice. Students will complete a minimum of 4 credit points each trimester over two years. All units are core (these are compulsory).