Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)

The Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) prepares graduates to practise as educational and developmental psychologists in schools, hospitals, clinics, private practices and health-oriented facilities. Educational and developmental psychologists concern themselves with how people develop and learn throughout their lifetimes. They work in many different settings with individuals, couples, groups and organisations so may have varying titles, such as school psychologist, guidance officer, and child and adolescent counsellor. Educational and developmental psychologists also conduct psychological and educational assessment and instructional planning for exceptional children, adolescents and adults including learners with disabilities as well as those with strong academic and other abilities. Students complete four advanced-level units, three supervised placements of 125 days or 1000 recorded hours of practical experience, and a research thesis of 9,000-16,000 words. The minor thesis component of the course consists of an independent empirical investigation of a high scientific standard, directly relevant to the program. Accreditation: The Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) program has been designed for students who wish to practise as psychologists and seek membership of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). The program is fully accredited by the APAC. The course aims to develop graduates as independent specialist professionals with a commitment to lifelong learning of the theoretical, research, assessment, and therapeutic skills involved in educational and developmental psychology. It aims to develop the ability to think critically and analytically about the processes involved in educational and developmental psychology. Note: Off-campus is offered part-time every second year (the next intake is in semester 1, 2012) and only on a full fee paying basis.
Minimum entrance requirements Admission to the program requires four years of APAC approved study in psychology. These qualifications must have been completed within the last 10 years. Applicants with international qualifications will need to have their qualifications assessed by the APS - Australian Psychological Society. For further information please visit the APS website, www.psychology.org.au. Selection will be based on academic merit and personal suitability. Intending applicants should ensure they possess such qualifications. Confidential referee reports are required. The closing date for applications is usually end October and selection for short-listed applicants will include an interview, usually held in late November or early December. English requirements: See the English Language Requirements web page Psychology programs - additional English language requirements: Applicants for the Master of Psychology and Master of Psychology/PhD programs must obtain and maintain provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia's (PBA) before commencing their study. The PBA requires that applicants, whether domestic or international who completed any of their secondary or tertiary studies in a medium other than English must supply an IELTS test result and meet their English language requirements for provisional registration as a psychologist before commencing the program. For further information please visit: www.psychologyboard.gov.au. Additional application requirements: Supplementary forms and confidential referee reports must also be submitted with the application for this program. These forms can be found at www.education.monash.edu/students/prospective/howtoapply/postgraduate.html. Special application requirements All applicants must submit a Master of Psychology Supplementary Information Form and a Master of Psychology Professional Referee Report Form. For further information please visit the How to apply for a Psychology degree webpage.
This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Where a student's skill or knowledge is found to be inadequate, access to the clinical component of the unit will be denied. A student may be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the head of school. Clinical expenses Students are responsible for all uniforms and accessories, travel and accommodation expenses during clinical placement and will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement. Off-campus students' compulsory residentials Students enrolled in off-campus mode will be required to attend a compulsory one-week (35 hour) residential school at the Clayton campus for each of the four core units.