POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Information for Prospective Students

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1 School of Psychology and Speech Pathology POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Information for Prospective Students Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) Make tomorrow better.

2 WELOME TO CURTIN UNIVERSITY ABOUT THE SCHOOL The 2015 graduate destination survey shows total employment rate of 90% with annual salary up to $90,000. Our research was rated 4 out of 5 ( above world ranking ) in the 2013 Excellence in Research for Australia exercise. Strong professional links ensure that teaching, research, and practice are closely linked and that our courses are career-relevant. Our award-winning staff are friendly, student-focused, and committed to offering a supportive environment to students. Curtin University is Western Australia s largest and most preferred university, recognised for the practical and applied nature of its courses. Curtin is ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide in the highly regarded Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). In addition, Curtin has been ranked 26th most international university in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings Our psychology courses are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) which enables students to apply for provisional registration to become a registered psychologist in Australia. Our speech pathology courses are accredited by Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). Graduates will be eligible to practice as a speech pathologist in Australia. We are the only school in Western Australia to offer a graduate entry master program in speech pathology.

3 POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Clinical psychology is one of a number of areas of endorsements in psychology. Similar to psychologists who practice in other endorsed areas such as organisational psychology, counselling psychology and forensic psychology, clinical psychologists hold a master or PhD degree from a program accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). At Curtin University, clinical psychology is offered as a major within the Master of Psychology program and as a full PhD program. Graduates will be eligible to register with the Psychology Board of Australia and commence supervision for the purpose of gaining registration and endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist (minimum of 2A hons in psychology or equivalent and eligible for registration with PsyBA is required). The Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) provides advanced professional training to the sixth year level. The program is accredited with the APAC. The course is a two-year full-time program (or equivalent part-time) consisting of course work, practicum and a dissertation. Graduates of the program will be entitled to endorsed registration as a Clinical Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, once they complete two years of supervision as a clinical psychologist registrar. The PhD (Clinical Psychology) consists of the units in the Master program plus a traditional PhD dissertation. The program meets all of the criteria listed above for APAC and the Psychology Board of Australia. The PhD is a four-year full-time (or eight-years part-time) program. A normal PhD is three years full-time and the master is two years full-time, so the PhD (Clinical Psychology) reduces the amount of time involved in study, for those pursuing a combined program. Another advantage of the PhD (Clinical Psychology) is that all program fees for domestic students are covered through automatic university scholarships, meaning that students pay no fees for all of their master units. The PhD prepares graduates for the professional practice of clinical psychology, for research in psychology, and for an academic career. GRADUATE DESTINATIONS Graduates of the clinical psychology course are very highly regarded and highly successful at competing for jobs. The areas that graduates typically work in upon completion are: government agencies eg. child and adult mental health services; private agencies and hospitals eg. Perth Clinic; child development centres; Department for Child Protection and Family Support; Disability Services Commission; private practice; university counselling services; university teaching departments. MANAGEMENT OF PROGRESS THROUGH THE PROGRAMS Each student is supervised in their studies by a committee composed of the members of the clinical psychology course from the School of Psychology and Speech Pathology. This committee may meet with the student from time-to-time and will monitor their progress through all facets of the program. The doctoral component will be monitored through the School Postgraduate Committee. LIAISON WITH THE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY A Course Advisory Committee meets regularly to confer on matters related to the clinical program. It assists annually in the selection of students for the following year s intake. The committee consists of Curtin clinical staff, student representatives and senior Clinical Psychologists from major government authorities. ASSESSMENT Assessment includes a combination of class participation, written reports, case studies, substantive papers, and formal examinations. Students must also satisfy attendance requirements for each unit. All written assignments must be submitted in accordance with Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association: library.curtin.edu.au/ referencing/. To complete the requirements for award of the degree, students must pass all units in the program. CREDIT F PRI LEARNING Comparable units taken at Australian Psychological Society (APS) accredited Psychology Master programs may be exempted. Units taken overseas may also be exempted but will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. POLICY ON PLAGIARISM AND RELATED ACADEMIC CONDUCT All work submitted must be the original work of students unless otherwise specified. All work must conform to Curtin University policies on Academic Conduct: edu.au/students/. COURSE EXPENSES For detail information about course expenses, please refer to fees.curtin.edu.au.

4 MASTER OF PSYCHOLOGY (CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY) PROGRAM COURSE OBJECTIVES This major will provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience you need to practise as a Clinical Psychologist in both the mental and physical health domains. You will be trained in the application of psychological science to the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of physical and mental health problems. Much of the studies will focus on community-based interventions. CE CAPABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES A graduate of the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) will: Have an overall knowledge of the discipline, undermining all of the other capabilities, including knowledge of psychological principles, professional ethics and standards, theories of individual and systemic functioning and change, dysfunctional behaviour, psychopathology, the cultural bases of behaviour and organisational systems. Understand the ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice. Understand the ongoing, interactive, and inclusive process that serves to describe, conceptualise, and predict relevant aspects of a client. Undertake activities that 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 and/or in the case of groups or organisations, restoring or enhancing group or organisational functioning. Perform 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. Have the capacity to convey, appraise and interpret information in both oral and written formats and to interact on a professional level with a wide range of client groups and other professionals. PROGRAM STRUCTURE The program consists of three main components: coursework, practicum placements, and a research dissertation. The coursework provides intensive training in clinical psychology. Coursework seminars focus on the understanding and management of significant mental and physical health problems with approaches ranging from individual-oriented to communitybased. While the main focus of training is on individual treatment approaches, there is also a focus on larger scale interventions, particularly those involving primary prevention methods. The coursework seminars involve an integration of theory, specific intervention skills training, and the development of analytical skills. This master degree in clinical psychology provides advanced professional training and has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

5 Students also participate in three practicum placements, which complement the coursework and enable the application of theory and skills training to clinical practice. These placements cover adult and child problems, institutional and non-institutional settings, acute care and rehabilitation with the disabled, in both medical and nonmedical agencies. Practicum placements include a total of 135 days or 1,020 hours of supervised practise conducted by a registered Clinical Psychologist. A major aim of the research component is to acquaint students with research and evidence-based practice in clinical psychology and for them to develop the capacity to review research reports critically, and to develop and conduct their own research project. Coursework material and assignments will encourage students to think critically and to evaluate theories, research, and case reports. The training will provide a framework and basis for a publishable research dissertation to be completed by each student in an area of clinical psychology. COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS/ PREREQUISITES A four-year Bachelor of Psychology or equivalent, approved by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) is required for admission. Applications close on the second Sunday of September each year; as this may be subject to change, please check online to confirm the exact date. DURATION AND AVAILABILITY The course is two years full-time or equivalent part-time study. COURSE STRUCTURE Year 1, Semester 1 Clinical Child Psychology Preparation for Professional Clinical Practice Psychological Assessment Theories and Practice Adult Psychopathology Year 1, Semester 2 Child Psychotherapy and Disabilities Psychotherapy Psychology Research Methods Psychology Masters Practicum 1 Psychology Masters Dissertation 1 Year 2, Semester 1 Addictions and Clinical Neuropsychology Health Psychology Psychology Masters Practicum 2 Psychology Masters Dissertation 2 Year 2, Semester 2 Child Psychotherapy and Disabilities Psychotherapy Psychology Masters Practicum 3 Psychology Masters Dissertation 3 This course provides sound training in the application of psychological science to the prevention and treatment of psychological problems. OUR STAFF Lecturers who teach within the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) program come from a range of different clinical and research backgrounds. All academic staff have or are working towards higher degrees by research, and clinical staff have extensive clinical experience and ties to the community. For more information on individual staff members please see the following website:

6 DOCT OF PHILOSOPHY (CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY) PROGRAM OVERARCHING OUTCOMES A graduate of the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology): Has knowledge skills and practical experience necessary for competent practice as a clinical psychologist in both the mental health and physical health domains. Is a competent entry level scientistpractitioner of clinical psychology. Abides by the code of ethics of the Australian Psychological Society. Is an effective beginning level independent researcher in psychology. SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES Construct an adequate psychological case conceptualisation. Think critically, creatively and reflectively. Test hypotheses related to the case conceptualisation and develop management plans. Think creatively and apply knowledge to new situations. Analyse problems logically from different theoretical viewpoints and propose resolutions between apparent conflicts of different theories. Communicate effectively with individuals and groups. Write effectively for clients, professionals, management and scientific publications. Use evidence persuasively to construct and defend an argument. Learn and use technologies safely and appropriately for the diagnosis and management of clients and information. Accept responsibility and demonstrate initiative and leadership in developing clinical and research skills. Apply global perspectives and standards in clinical practice. Apply global perspectives and standards of practice in meeting the needs of ethnic and other minority groups. Work professionally both individually and collaboratively, accepting responsibility and direction as necessary to achieve an effective team outcome. Abide by the code of ethics of the Australian Psychological Society. PROGRAM STRUCTURE The program consists of three main components: coursework, practicum placements and a research thesis. The coursework provides intensive training in clinical psychology. Coursework seminars focus on the understanding and management of significant physical health and mental health problems with approaches ranging from individual-oriented to community-based. While the main focus of training is on individual and group treatment approaches, there is also a focus on family interventions and interventions involving primary prevention methods. The coursework seminars involve an integration of theory, specific intervention skills training and the development of analytical skills. Trainees also participate in three practicum placements, which complement the coursework and enable the application of theory and skills training to clinical practice. These placements cover adult and child problems, institutional and non-institutional settings, acute care and rehabilitation with the disabled, in both medical and nonmedical agencies.

7 This course prepares students for careers in the professional practice of clinical psychology, for research in clinical psychology, and for an academic career. Practicum placements include a total of 135 days or 1,020 hours of supervision by a practising Clinical Psychologist. The coursework acquaints trainees with research in clinical psychology, clinical guidelines for treatment and prevention of mental health problems, and empirically based interventions for children and adults. Trainees develop the capacity to review research critically, and to develop and conduct their own research project. Coursework material and assignments will encourage trainees to think critically and to evaluate theories and research reports. The research component involves the development and execution of a substantial program of research that contributes substantially to the knowledge or understanding in a field. This work indicates that the trainee is capable of carrying out independent research. For the PhD in Clinical Psychology the project must have some relevance to clinical psychology. Doctoral research degree candidates should uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. The thesis research should include a program of inquiry, which is practically oriented and useful in developing an effective understanding, providing for the application of solutions to problems associated with clinical psychology. COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS/ PREREQUISITES The minimum requirement for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) program is an Honours degree (IIA or higher) or equivalent. Applicants will be evaluated on academic merit, referees reports, proposed course of research, performance in interviews, and relevant work experience. For students already/previously enrolled in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) course or equivalent, a high standard of performance in Master of Psychology units will also be required for entry into the program. DURATION AND AVAILABILITY The course is available on a fulltime (minimum of four years) and on a part-time (maximum of eight years) basis. Trainees are expected to spend eleven months per year on the program for the duration of the course. OUR STAFF Lecturers who teach within the PhD (Clinical Psychology) program come from a range of different clinical and research backgrounds. All academic staff have or are working towards higher degrees by research, and clinical staff have extensive clinical experience and ties to the community. For more information on individual staff members please see the following website: psychology-and-speech-pathology/people/ COURSE STRUCTURE Year 1, Semester 1 Preparation for Professional Clinical Practice Clinical Child Psychology Adult Psychopathology Year 1, Semester 2 Psychology Research Methods Psychotherapy Child Psychotherapy and Disabilities (unit related to the practicum placement completed in Year 2, Semester 1) Year 2, Semester 1 Psychological Assessment Theories and Practice Psychology Doctoral Practicum 1 (unit related to the child/adult units completed in Year 1, Semesters 1 2) Year 2, Semester 2 Psychology Doctoral Practicum 2 (external but related to Year 1 units) Year 3, Semester 1 Health Psychology Clinical Child Psychology Adult Psychopathology Year 3, Semester 2 Psychology Doctoral Practicum 3 Psychotherapy Child Psychotherapy and Disabilities Year 4, Semester 1 Addictions and Clinical Neuropsychology Year 4, Semester 2

8 GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS The Clinical Psychology Masters course thoroughly prepared me for my role as a registrar after graduation. The combination of practical placements, course work and research was well balanced and provided me with the knowledge and skills needed to start my career. The first placement in the Curtin Clinic was one of the highlights of the course as it allowed me to practice my therapy skills in a familiar environment with brilliant support. Phoebe Edgeworth The Clinical Psychology Masters course at Curtin University was outstanding preparation for my current work in child and adolescent mental health. The excellent teaching, combined with research, academic and practical learning opportunities and supervision, along with the support of staff and fellow students was fantastic and I am really grateful to have gone through such a rigorous yet compassionate program. Karen Winton The clinical masters course upskilled me with ample knowledge of the discipline, research and evaluation skills, and practical therapy intervention skills to start my career. The clinical team go above and beyond to provide excellent supervision and support to students. Samantha Bank The Masters Clinical Psychology program at Curtin is well structured to ensure a depth and breathe of information is covered over the two years. Dedicated and passionate staff inspired in their teaching and brought a mix of clinical experience and research expertise which they offered to students openly. While the final product of a Masters degree was an excellent achievement, the process of engaging in this course was intensely rewarding. Lasting professional and personal connections have also arisen from this experience. Soon after completing the course I obtained a position as a Clinical Psychologist Registrar, my learning and practical experience facilitated by placements in the field equipped me well for this role. Ruhamah Tennant Disclaimer This publication has been written specifically for prospective students who are Australian or New Zealand citizens, or have Australian resident status. Information in this publication is correct at the time of printing, but may change from time to time. For the most up-to-date details on Curtin s prerequisites, refer to the TISC website at: tisc.edu.au Curtin will not be liable to you or to any other person for any loss or damage (including direct, consequential or economic loss or damage) however caused and whether by negligence or otherwise which may result directly or indirectly from the use of this publication. International students This publication is intended for Australian citizens and permanent residents only. As some information contained in this publication may not be applicable, international students should refer to: international. curtin.edu.au or telephone for further information. Part-time study, external study and online learning is only available to international students studying outside Australia. International students studying on a student visa in Australia cannot study part-time or externally. Some courses are not available to international students. Copyright information This publication is protected by copyright. Apart from limited exceptions as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 no part may be reproduced or communicated by any means without express written permission Curtin University Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Please read the material regarding supplementary information required: supplementary-info.cfm Specific enquiries about the course, eligibility and selection procedures may be addressed to: School of Psychology and Speech Pathology Tel: psych-office@exchange.curtin.edu.au For more information: Future Students Centre Tel: CU 1000 Fax: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au Web: futurestudents.curtin.edu.au psych.curtin.edu.au ADV087239