Educational and Developmental Psychology

Educational and developmental psychologists focus on how people develop and learn throughout their lifetime.

They work with individuals, families, groups and organisations in a range of settings and have varying roles such as school psychologist, guidance officer, and child and adolescent counsellor.

They conduct psychological and educational assessments and instructional planning for exceptional children, adolescents and adults.The Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited fifth and sixth-year sequence in psychology and prepares graduates to practise as educational and developmental psychologists in settings including schools, health and welfare services, care facilities, and within business environments.

The course is structured in two parts, Part A. Applied academic studies in psychology and Part B. Clinical placement in psychology.

PART A. Applied academic studies in psychology (72 points)

These studies will advance your knowledge and skill development for psychology practice. Guided by sound ethical principles, and through collaborative participation in coursework lectures and workshops, you will develop both expert knowledge of psychology across the lifespan and your critical thinking skills for professional practice.

You will also undertake research, developing as a scientist-practitioner, as you carry out reviews and scientific investigations relevant to the theory and practice of educational and developmental psychology. This will culminate in a 12 - 16 000 word research thesis, involving an independent empirical investigation of a high scientific standard.

PART B. Clinical placement in psychology (24 points)

These studies are practicum placements across a variety of settings where you have the opportunity to apply theory to practice under the supervision of experienced specialist practitioners. You will complete three supervised placements totalling 1000 recorded hours of practical experience.

Qualifications

A fourth year of psychology study from any course accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), which may be a Graduate Diploma or Bachelor's honours degree, with at least a distinction (70%) average in fourth 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).

In addition, applicants must provide evidence of demonstrated suitability for work as a professional psychologist determined by completion of a supplementary form and satisfactory referee reports (one academic and one professional), relevant voluntary or paid work experience, and an interview.

For detailed application information and to access the required forms visit the How to apply for a Psychology course page.

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 9 and Monash Graduate Attributes.Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1.

apply advanced knowledge of educational and developmental psychology processes across the lifespan in your professional practice with individuals, groups and systems (including transitions, abnormal and normal processes)

2.

administer and interpret a wide range of culturally responsive psychological, educational, vocational and developmental tests and assessments

3.

plan, implement and evaluate culturally responsive evidence-based interventions with individuals, groups and systemically

4.

practise, consult and collaborate across a range of organisational contexts, including educational, health and welfare, care facilities, business and corporate, for culturally diverse client groups

5.

behave in ethically appropriate ways in your psychological practice according to the requirements of the profession

6.

demonstrate high level skills in mandatory competencies associated with an educational and developmental psychology practitioner

7.

reflect on your own professional practice and know when to take appropriate action

8.

demonstrate knowledge of appropriate research methodologies for the study of educational and developmental psychology including those used for the evaluation of psychological practice.