Institute for Social Neuroscience Postgraduate...

PostgraduateHandbook

ISN Psychology

isn.edu.au

Institute for Social Neuroscience

Course CRISCOS Code:

Registered Full-Time Duration:

Total Credit Points:

Location:

PostgraduateHandbookPostgraduateHandbookMaster of Psychology (Clinical)MPsych (Clinical) (ISN Psychology)

TBD

2 Year Full-Time Equivalent

200

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

ISN Psychology

ISN Psychology Postgraduate Handbook

Table of Contents

Course Overview

Course Entry Details

Course Organisation

Course Dates

Master of Psychology (Clinical) Staff

Further Information

2

4

5

13

14

15

Institute for Social Neuroscience

CourseOverviewCourseOverview

2ISN Psychology Postgraduate Handbook

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 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.

Professional Recognition

http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration/Provisional.aspx

Additional Course Expenses

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 provis ional registrat ion (p lease see

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.

Students will be required to pay a student service fee that covers the cost of all textbooks, use of facilities,

and I.T. support services. All lecture and tutorial materials will be available online and 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.


Course EntryDetailsCourse 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.

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.

Early April Applications close

Early to mid-April Short-listed applicants receive an invitation to attend an interview

Mid-April Interviews are conducted

Mid to late-April Offers sent to successful candidates

1 May Commencement of first semester

*important dates are subject to APAC approval and may change.

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.

As per APAC standards, successful completion of a four-year APAC-accredited undergraduate

sequence in psychology, with an upper second class Honours (2A) 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.

Important Dates

Pathway to Further Study


CourseOrganisationCourseOrganisationCourse Structure

Year 1 (Semester 1 & 2)

ISN501 Ethics and Professional Issues

ISN502 Research Project 1

ISN503 Psychopathology and Pharmacology

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.

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.

Assessment Tasks: Exam (50% of total marks) and Lectorial Activities (50% of total marks)

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).

Assessment Tasks: literature review [6000 words] (50% of total marks) and oral presentation of research

proposal (50% of total marks)

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.



Assessment Tasks: Exam (50% of total marks) and Lectorial Activities [case presentations] (50% of total

marks)

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.

Assessment Tasks: Essay [1000 words] (50% of total marks) and Lectorial Activities [triad work, role

plays, and recordings of skills practice] (50% of total marks)

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.

Assessment Tasks: Practical Written Assignment [1000 words] (50% of total marks) and Lectorial

Activities [Class presentation of assessment strategies and an oral exam on case vignettes] (50% of total

marks)

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.


Activities (50% of total marks)

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.

Assessment Tasks: Assessment of APAC Core Competencies (100% of total marks) and 100% Class

Attendance (Hurdle Requirement)

ISN504 Principles of Psychotherapy and Basic Counselling Skills

ISN505 Clinical Psychometric Assessment

ISN511 Clinical Assessment and Intervention with Children and Adolescents

ISN512 Clinical Experience 1


ISN513 Introduction to CBT with Adults/ Clinical Intervention 1


ISN515 Research Methods

Year 2 (Semester 1 & 2)

ISN601 Clinical Experience 2

ISN602 External Placement 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.


Activities [Submission of video recorded practice sessions] (50% of total marks)

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.

Assessment Tasks: Research Proposal [3000 words] (10% of total marks), Achieve Ethics Approval (65%

of total marks), and Faculty Presentation (25% of total marks)

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.

Assessment Tasks: Exam (50% of total marks) and Lectorial Activities (50% of total marks)

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

Assessment Tasks: Assessment of APAC Core Competencies (100% of total marks) and 100%

Placement Attendance (Hurdle Requirement)

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.

Assessment Tasks: Field Supervisor's Assessment of APAC Core Competencies (100% of total marks)

and 100% Placement Attendance (Hurdle Requirement)


ISN603 Clinical Health Psychology

ISN604 Adult Clinical Interventions 1

ISN605 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

ISN611 Adult Clinical Intervention 2

ISN612 External Placement 2

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.


Activities (20% of total marks)

Adult Clinical Interventions 1 introduce students to an overview of the psychological intervention

process in adult clinical patients.

Assessment Tasks: Written Assignment [1000 words] (50% of total marks) and Essay (50% of total

marks)

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.

Assessment Tasks: Case Study [1000 words] (60% of total marks) and Lectorial Activities (40% of total

marks)

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.

Assessment Tasks: Case Study [1000 words] (50% of total marks) and Case Study Presentation (50% of

total marks)

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.

2017 Florey Institute and ISNPsychology (Martin St.) Semester 1

2017 Florey Institute and ISNPsychology (Martin St.) Semester 2

YEAR LOCATION PERIOD INTERNAL EXTERNAL

N

N

Y

Y


Assessment Tasks: Filed Supervisor's Assessment of APAC Core Competencies (100% of total marks)

and 100% Placement Attendance (Hurdle Requirement)

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.

Assessment Tasks: Research Project [6000 words] (70% of total marks) and Presentation of Research

Project (30% of total marks)

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.

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.


Placements

Research Thesis

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 1 / SEMESTER 1

YEAR 1 / SEMESTER 2

COURSE STRUCTURE

COURSE STRUCTURE

HOURS PER WEEK

HOURS PER WEEK

CREDIT

CREDIT

50.0

50.0

Ethics and Professional Issues

Research Project 1

Psychopathology and Pharmacology

Principles of Psychotherapy andBasic Counselling Skills

Clinical Psychometric Assessment

ISN501

ISN502

ISN503

ISN504

ISN505

3.0 Formal/ 6.0 Self Study





10.0

10.0

10.0

10.0

10.0

ISN511

ISN512

ISN513

ISN514

ISN515

Clinical Assessment and Interventionwith Children and Adolescents

Clinical Experience 1

Introduction to CBT withAdults/Clinical Intervention 1

Research Project 2

Research Methods






10.0

10.0

10.0

10.0

10.0


YEAR 2 / SEMESTER 1

YEAR 2 / SEMESTER 2

HOURS PER WEEK

HOURS PER WEEK

CREDIT

CREDIT

50.0

50.0

COURSE STRUCTURE

COURSE STRUCTURE

10.0

10.0

10.0

10.0






10.0ISN601

ISN602

ISN603

ISN604

ISN605

Clinical Experience 2

External Placement 1

Clinical Health Psychology

Adult Clinical Intervention 1

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

ISN611

ISN612

ISN613

Adult Clinical interventions 2

External Placement 2

Research Project 3




10.0

20.0

20.0



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.


Semester 1

Semester 2

1 May Classes commence

26 June Mid Semester break

28 July End of Classes

7 August Exam period

11 August Semester break

4 September Classes commence

23 October Mid Semester break

1 December End of Classes

4 December Exam Period

11 December Semester End

*Course dates are subject to APAC accreditation and may change.

**2017 courses will be accelerated. All courses commencing in 2018 and onward will follow regular

semester patterns.

CourseDatesCourseDates

Master of Psychology(Clinical) StaffMaster of Psychology(Clinical) StaffProfessor Antonio Paolini

Associate Professor Patricia Melzer

Dr Rosalind Case

Dr Chris Tailby

President of ISN Psychology

Director of Clinical Services and Course Coordinator

Clinical Director/Lecturer

Unit Coordinator/Lecturer

TBDPlacement Coordinator

TBDUnit Coordinator/ 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

(isn.edu.net).


Course Structure Disclaimer

Legal 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.

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.

FurtherInformationFurtherInformationFor 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:


Phone: (03) 9456 9188

Email: [email protected]

Or visit: isn.edu.au

Phone: (03) 9456 9188

Email: [email protected]

Or visit: isn.edu.au

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