Professional Psychology

Are you seeking further studies in psychology?

The Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited fourth-year qualification in psychology.The course is suited for people who have completed a bachelor's degree with a major in psychology from any course accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and who want to pursue advanced postgraduate study in psychology at master's or doctoral level, or alternatively to undertake supervised psychological practice.Based on a scientist–practitioner model, the course provides advanced study of the discipline of psychology, research training, and an introduction to psychological practice.

The course is structured in two parts. Part A. Professional studies in psychology and Part B. Research program in psychology.

PART A. Professional studies in Psychology

These studies are based on a scientist practitioner model and provide the advanced psychology studies needed in order to progress to postgraduate training in psychology. You will learn about individual differences and their assessment and the ethical, legal and social issues involved in psychological practice. You also advance your understanding of developmental psychology and have the opportunity to focus on an area of interest such as applied behaviour analysis or counselling psychology.

PART B. Research program in psychology

You undertake a study program in statistics and research design and, under the guidance of a staff member, plan an independent research project. This project involves designing, gaining ethical approval for data collection or use of data, data gathering, data entry and analysis using appropriate statistical techniques or methodologies, the preparation of a research report and a literature review according to the specifications of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Qualifications

Admission to the course requires successful completion of a bachelor's degree with a major in psychology from any course accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) with at least a distinction (70%) average in third-year 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 Australian Psychological Society (APS).

English requirements

Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8 and Monash Graduate Attributes. Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1.

add to the understanding of psychology through scientific research which includes critically reviewing pertinent literature and identifying research problems, developing and carrying out research utilising methods of analysis commonly encountered in psychology and communicating the findings in a manner consistent with discipline-specific requirements

2.

describe, explain and discuss the purpose of legislation relating to the research and practice of psychology and how to comply with such legislation and show an appreciation of the role of ethics in maintaining the integrity and cohesiveness of the profession

3.

demonstrate an understanding of the scientist practitioner model across a range of areas of psychological practice

4.

critically evaluate, appraise and discuss contemporary issues in psychology and understand the importance of maintaining competence in the field through ongoing professional development.