Postgraduate Handbook - ISN Psychology...

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ISN Psychology Institute for Social Neuroscience Postgraduate Handbook isn.edu.au

Transcript of Postgraduate Handbook - ISN Psychology...

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ISN PsychologyInstitute for Social Neuroscience

PostgraduateHandbook

isn.edu.au

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ISN Psychology Postgraduate Handbook- v1.2 05.07.2017

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ISN PsychologyInstitute for Social Neuroscience

PostgraduateHandbookMaster of Psychology (Clinical)MPsych (Clinical) (ISN Psychology)

Registered Full-Time Duration:

Total Credit Points:

Location:

2 Year Full-Time Equivalent

200

Level 6, 10 Martin Street, Heidelberg(Austin Precinct)

ISN Psychology Postgraduate Handbook- v1.2 05.07.2017

Table of Contents

• Course Overview

• Course Entry Details

• Course Organisation

• Course Dates

• Master of Psychology (Clinical) Staff

• Further Information

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The Institute for Social Neuroscience aims to investigate the basis of character and temperament through the study of psychology, epigenetics, biochemistry, neuroscience and ecology and to apply these findings to improving the health of individuals and societies. The discipline of Psychology is evolving to incorporate more research from Neuroscience in clinical practice. Our offerings in Social Neuroscience and Neuroscience will prepare our students with the knowledge to be leaders in the emerging field of neuropsychology and open additional career paths. The Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree is a two-year, postgraduate level degree. It aims to prepare graduates for professional practice as a clinical psychologist by meeting the following Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) required graduate attributes:

• Graduates of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) will develop an overall knowledge of the discipline of psychology that underpins all of the other capabilities and includes knowledge of psychological principles, professional ethics and standards, theories of individual and systemic functioning and change, dysfunctional behaviour, psychopathology and the cultural bases of behaviour and organisational systems.

• Graduates will have a solid understanding of the ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice; the ongoing, interactive, and inclusive process that serves to describe, conceptualise, and predict relevant aspects of individual behaviour.

• Master of Psychology (Clinical) graduates will have the ability to engage in activities that promote, restore, sustain or enhance cognitive functioning and a sense of wellbeing in individuals or groups through preventive, developmental, or remedial services, and/or, in the case of groups or organizations, restoring or enhancing group or organizational functioning.

• Finally, Master level graduates will have a solid foundation in research and Evaluation: Systematic inquiry involving problem identification and the acquisition, organisation, and interpretation of information allowing critical analysis and disciplined, rigorous, careful and scientific inquiry into psychological phenomena.

Graduates of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) are prepared for work in a number of settings through research, psychiatric hospitals, special schools, government, not-for-profit organisations, and other clinical work.

Students will be required to register with AHPRA as a provisional psychologist while under taking their postgraduate studies and on completion of the Master program graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a general psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and can apply for full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

The Master course includes practical placements as part of the 2-year supervised work requirement for full registration as a psychologist and to prepare students for clinical practice upon graduation. Students will also be required to complete a research thesis, providing them with the opportunity to extend their career into research, in addition to providing skills to critically evaluate research findings, and preparing them for evidence-based evaluations of treatment and management options in their future career as a psychologist. The Master of Psychology (Clinical) course equates to an AQF level 9 qualifications.

CourseOverview

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Professional Recognition

Graduates of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) program are eligible to apply for full membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS). On completion of the Master program graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a general psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Students enrolled in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) must register with AHPRA as a provisional psychologist prior to beginning face to face clinical work. Students are responsible for the application and payment of the associated fees for provisional registration (please see www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration/Provisional.aspx for up to date details).

Master of Psychology (Clinical) graduates are eligible to apply for a two-year registrar program where they will be required to complete 3000 hours of supervised clinical work prior to obtaining practice endorsement in the area of clinical psychology.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be required to pay a student service fee that covers the cost of textbooks, use of facilities, and I.T. support services. Copying/scanning facilities are available, at a cost, for students on campus. Details of student services fees are available on our website and additional details regarding further materials will be provided during orientation week.

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Course EntryDetailsStudents applying for the Master of Psychology (Clinical) Degree must meet the minimum eligibility requirement for Master level (AQF level 9) courses based on academic achievement. This is determined by a weighted average of an undergraduate APAC accredited sequence of four-years (E.g., Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)). A 10:20:70 weighted score will be used to calculate the academic component of the score with the most recent years of study providing greater weighting. This minimum requirement must equal or exceed 75%. In addition to meeting academic criteria applicants will be invited to attend a formal interview and undertake psychometric assessments to assess their eligibility for admission to the Master of Psychology (Clinical) program.

As per APAC standards, successful completion of a four-year APAC-accredited undergraduate sequence in psychology, with an upper second class Honours (H2A) 75% or equivalent overall mark, within the last 10 years is required prior to entry. Candidates must be eligible to apply for provisional registration with the psychologist registration board.

All students accepted into the clinical program must undergo a criminal history check and apply for a working with children’s check. Full confirmation of the offer is dependent on the outcome of these checks.

Important Dates

26th July 2017 Applications Open

Mid to late-November Short-listed applicants receive an invitation to attend an interview

Late-November to January Interviews are conducted

Late-January Offers sent to successful candidates

26th February 2018 Commencement of first semester

Pathway to Further Study

Graduates of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) Degree may be eligible to apply for entry to a Doctorate by Research program at external institutes or universities.

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Course Structure

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) contains 11 compulsory or core units, two core internal placements at ISN Clinic, two core external placements, and three core research units making up a minor thesis. The course structure is based on four full-time semesters (each of 12 weeks’ duration), with five units typically taught per semester.

To qualify for the award of the degree of Master of Psychology (Clinical) a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 200 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core units at a minimum pass mark of 70%.

This course is offered either Full-Time or Part-Time.

Year 1 (Semester 1 & 2)

ISN501 Ethics and Professional Issues

Students in Ethics & Professional Issues will become familiar with the requirements of all State & Commonwealth Acts relevant to psychological work, including relevant ethical codes and guidelines. They will learn how to apply the principles of these codes to their work, and consider potential ethical dilemmas.

ISN502 Research Project 1

Research Project 1 will critically reflect on the history and impact of applied research, in terms of integrating this knowledge into practice, Students will be provided with experience in planning, conducting, analysing and reporting a major research project on a topic of clinical relevance. Students will critically review relevant literature and develop a research proposal (2000 words).

ISN503 Psychopathology and Pharmacology

Psychopathology and Pharmacology familiarises students with the diagnosis and classification systems for psychological disorders (DSM-V & ICD-11) in adults and young people. Students will learn the principles and practices involved in psycho-pharmacological treatments, their indications, contraindications, and adverse effects.

ISN504 Principles of Psychotherapy and Basic Counselling Skills

Principals of Psychotherapy and Basic Counselling Skills develops student knowledge of the principles of empirically validated psychotherapy treatments, including the awareness of the existing research, and the ability to apply evidence-based practice to their clinical work. Students will develop basic counselling skills and micro-skills through participation in class role plays and practice sessions.

CourseOrganisation

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ISN505 Clinical Psychometric Assessment

Clinical Psychometric Assessment familiarises students with the principles of test construction and the principles, practices, methods, and procedures relating to psychometric assessment and reporting of results of cognitive and personality assessment across age ranges. Students will demonstrate the ability to select appropriate tests, including consideration of reliability and validity, administer these tests appropriately, and interpret and report the results.

ISN511 Clinical Assessment and Intervention with Children and Adolescents

Clinical Assessment and Intervention with Children and Adolescents aims to develop an awareness of the behavioural and clinical assessment, and management of common psychological disorders in children and adolescents. Students will become familiar with anxiety and mood disorders, internalising and externalising problems, developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Students will develop the ability to design appropriate assessment and intervention strategies to address disorders such as: anxiety and mood disorders, internalising and externalising problems, developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorders.

ISN512 Clinical Experience 1

In Clinic Experience 1 students will learn about the realities of clinical practice. Students will experience and run actual clinical sessions with clients throughout the semester. Students will conduct initial assessment interviews, and are expected to generate and maintain clinical case files.

ISN513 Introduction to CBT with Adults/ Clinical Intervention 1

Introduction to CBT with Adults/Clinical Intervention 1 introduces the main theories, concepts, and techniques of CBT through formal teaching and private reading activities. Students will develop basic skills in applying CBT techniques appropriately for clinical intervention.

ISN514 Research Project 2

Students in Research Project 2 will refine and develop a final research proposal. They will prepare and submit an ethics application for their proposed research, as well as present their proposed research plan to the faculty.

ISN515 Research Methods

Research Methods focuses on the important methodological and design issues underlying applied human research, describing the essential features of a range of advanced statistical and methodological techniques. Students will become familiar with the application of advanced (SPSS) statistical programs.

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Year 2 (Semester 1 & 2)

ISN601 Clinical Experience 2

In Clinic Experience 2 students will continue with clinical work in the ISN Clinic.

ISN602 External Placement 1

To further develop their assessment and clinical decision making skills in the clinical environment, in External Placement 1 students will demonstrate their clinical competence in working with a wide range of clients, demonstrating the ability to work effectively within an external multidisciplinary team.

ISN603 Clinical Health Psychology

Clinical Health Psychology introduces the field of clinical health psychology and related theoretical frameworks to students. The unit aims to linking psychological and physical aspects of health and illness, with a focus on the application of clinical psychology principles and techniques for the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of illness. Students become familiar with psychological assessment within health settings and adherence to treatment and preparation for medical procedures, and develop basic skills within the role of clinical psychologists in developing behaviour change programs for various levels of prevention.

ISN604 Adult Clinical Interventions 1

Adult Clinical Interventions 1 introduce students to an overview of the psychological intervention process in adult clinical patients.

ISN605 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy introduces the emerging evidence based therapy ACT. Students will gain an understanding of the principles underlying complex presentations, and develop skills in assessing and determining clients’ suitability for ACT interventions. Students will demonstrate the ability to develop an appropriate, client focused formulation, and treatment plan and evaluate the specialised intervention in practice.

ISN611 Adult Clinical Intervention 2

Adult Clinical Intervention 2 continues investigating adult intervention techniques and critically evaluating the empirical research literature pertaining to a variety of clinical interventions. Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of a variety of empirically validated interventions, an ability to select appropriate psychological techniques and knowledge of how to apply a variety of clinical interventions. Students will evaluate, in the context of day to day clinical practice, the effectiveness of a variety of interventions used in the treatment of adult psychological problems.

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ISN612 External Placement 2

In External Placement 2 students will further demonstrate their clinical competence in working with a wide range of clients, demonstrating the ability to work effectively within an external multidisciplinary team.

ISN613 Research Project 3

Research Project 3 is the final requirement for completing the Master of Psychology course - Students will complete a clinical psychology research project in journal format, and submit their work to a peer-reviewed journal, demonstrating their knowledge and skills in the area of clinical research.

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Placements

Students will be required to complete necessary provisional registration paperwork prior to commencement of any internal or external placements. Students should discuss their placement preferences with the placement coordinator early in term so they can collaborate on the best way to obtain the preferred placement. Students must complete the Placement Preferences Form and submit it with their CV to the Placement Coordinator during the first semester of the course. Student preferences will be taken into account; however, students may be allocated to available placements.

During all placements, it will be a requirement for students to complete a placement logbook that is co-signed by the placement coordinator or internal supervisor/ external (field) supervisor upon completion of the placement. All students on placement will undergo a mid-placement and end-of-placement review in consultation with the primary supervisor and any additional supervisors as required. Students need to achieve a pass grade for all placements prior to graduation. All necessary forms will be provided to students during the first semester of classes, including a placement manual. For detailed information regarding placements please refer to the ISN Psychology placement manual and the ISN Psychology and ISN Clinic Policies and Procedures Manual.

Research Thesis

In order to complete the Master program, students will complete a research project. The research topic will be dependent on ISN Psychology academic staff, areas of interest (See website). Detailed information regarding the thesis and selection of a thesis supervisor is located in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) research manual, provided to students during the first week of class.

Location and delivery Mode

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* Course and associated units DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment

YEAR LOCATION PERIOD INTERNAL EXTERNAL

2018Florey Institute and ISNPsychology (Martin St.)

2018 Florey Institute and ISNPsychology (Martin St.)

Semester 2

Semester 1

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YEAR 1 / SEMESTER 1

COURSE STRUCTURE HOURS PER WEEK CREDIT

ISN501

ISN502

ISN503

ISN504

ISN505

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study 10.0Ethics and Professional Issues

Research Project 1

Psychopathology and Pharmacology

Principles of Psychotherapy andBasic Counselling Skills

Clinical Psychometric Assessment

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

10.0

10.0

10.0

10.0

50.0

YEAR 1 / SEMESTER 2

COURSE STRUCTURE HOURS PER WEEK CREDIT

ISN511

ISN512

ISN513

ISN514

ISN515

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study 10.0Clinical Assessment and Interventionwith Children and Adolescents

Clinical Experience 1

Introduction to CBT withAdults/Clinical Intervention 1

Research Project 2

Research Methods

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

10.0

10.0

10.0

10.0

50.0

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YEAR 2 / SEMESTER 1

COURSE STRUCTURE HOURS PER WEEK CREDIT

ISN601

ISN602

ISN603

ISN604

ISN605

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study 10.0Clinical Experience 2

External Placement 1

Clinical Health Psychology

Adult Clinical Intervention 1

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study

10.0

10.0

10.0

10.0

50.0

YEAR 2 / SEMESTER 2

COURSE STRUCTURE HOURS PER WEEK CREDIT

ISN611

ISN612

ISN613

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study 10.0Adult Clinical interventions 2

External Placement 2

Research Project 3

6.0 Formal/ 12.0 Self Study

6.0 Formal/ 12.0 Self Study

20.0

20.0

50.0

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ISN Psychology Postgraduate Handbook 6ISN Psychology Postgraduate Handbook 12

Course Learning Outcomes

Students will develop sound skills in the areas of:

• Relevant psychological theories and models, empirical findings that underpin the implementation of interventions, and methods of psychological investigation.

• Familiarity with legal, ethical, and professional matters as set out in the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) guidelines and according to the Australian Psychological Society (APS) code of ethics.

• Solid knowledge and skills in the conducting of psychological assessments through the use of a range of assessment techniques.

• Good understanding and knowledge of various evidence-based intervention strategies and their application in practice.

• A capacity to design and implement evaluations of the effect of interventions.• The ability to apply research knowledge and skills to psychological practice.• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to listen actively. • The ability to develop and understand the importance of interpersonal relationships within the

therapeutic setting including the importance of a therapeutic alliance. • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, third parties,

other psychologists, and the community from a diversity of cultural, religious, social and ethnic backgrounds.

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Semester 1

26th February Classes commence

2nd April Mid Semester break

25th May End of Classes

4th June Exam period

22nd June Semester break

Semester 2

23rd July Classes commence

3rd September Mid Semester break

19th October End of Classes

29th October Exam Period

16th November Semester End

CourseDates

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Master of Psychology(Clinical) StaffProfessor Antonio PaoliniPresident of ISN Psychology

Associate Professor Phil KavanaghHead of School/Senior Lecturer

Associate Professor Patricia MelzerDirector of Clinical Services and Course Coordinator/ Placement Coordinator

Dr Rosalind CaseClinic Director/ Senior Lecturer

Dr Chris TailbySenior Lecturer

Other Staff: Other academic staff at ISN Psychology are available to supervise clinically related topics. Other external or adjunct staff with expertise in specific areas may also contribute to teaching at times. Details of staff research interests can be found in the Master Research Manual or on the ISN website www.isn.edu.au

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FurtherInformationFor further information in regards to academic policy and procedure please refer to the ISN Psychology Policies and Procedures Manual.

If you need assistance or further course information, please contact our office:

Course Structure Disclaimer

ISN Psychology reserves the right to modify or amend course content and structure to ensure appropriate and relevant learning outcomes. In instances where modifications are made to course content or structure current students will not be impacted and allowed to complete the course within the set timeframe and at no additional cost.

Legal Disclaimer

The information contained in this handbook is correct at the time of publication, however may be subject to change.

ISN Psychology reserves the right to change the content of courses and units, including methods of assessment, and to make amendments to course fees. ISN Psychology has the right to set enrolment limitations and at their discretion have alternative provisions for course completion.

Phone: (03) 9456 9188

Or visit: isn.edu.au

Email: [email protected]

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Phone: (03) 9456 9188Email: [email protected]

Or visit: isn.edu.au