CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSYC21007 Clinical Practice 1
Clinical Practice 1
All details in this unit profile for PSYC21007 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

Clinical Practice 1 is the first in a series of clinical practice units. This unit is designed to provide you with advanced practice skills required for the professional competencies in clinical psychology specified by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and to prepare you for the Registrar Program to gain an Area of Practice Endorsement in clinical psychology with the Psychology Board of Australia. By the completion of Clinical Practice 1, it is expected that you will achieve competencies including the application of knowledge to practice; awareness of ethical decision making; competency in cognitive-learning assessments and evidence-based interventions with a narrow range of clients at low severity levels; respectful and timely communication; and capacity to critically self-reflect on your practice.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Co-requisites: PSYC20058 and PSYC21001

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2025

Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Test
Weighting: Pass/Fail
2. Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPs)
Weighting: Pass/Fail
3. Reflective Practice Assignment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
4. Presentation
Weighting: Pass/Fail
5. Case Study
Weighting: Pass/Fail
6. Professional Practice Placement
Weighting: Pass/Fail

Assessment Grading

This is a pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE feedback

Feedback

Some students requested increased video demonstrations for administration of psychological assessments.

Recommendation

Integrate more examples of assessment administration skills in real time/video.

Feedback from SUTE feedback

Feedback

Some students requested increased support for interpretation of psychological assessments, and although the manuals are useful, there is some ambiguity and reliance on clinical judgement.

Recommendation

Allow more time to discuss assessment findings and also offer additional support in the clinic for 'drop in' administrative scoring/interpretation sessions.

Feedback from SUTE feedback

Feedback

Some students requested increased supervision for the administration of psychological assessments and more opportunities to receive feedback on their in-session skills.

Recommendation

Consider supervising more subtests from psychological assessments and staggered clinic appointment times to allow for increased supervision in the clinic and increased opportunities for feedback regarding practice.

Feedback from SUTE feedback

Feedback

Some students requested a greater integration between this unit and other units within the course so that psychological assessments are taught prior to their administration in the clinic.

Recommendation

Continue with regular MCP and MPP course-level meetings to review timing of assessment delivery and streamline co-teaching across course units.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Perform psychology assessments, interventions and associated activities to demonstrate competencies required for clinical practice.
  2. Evaluate and apply relevant legislation and ethical principles related to psychological practice, including those endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia.
  3. Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  4. Reflect critically on knowledge, skills and ability to provide psychological services.
  5. Critically evaluate the contemporary scientific literature to develop an appropriate plan for evidence-based practice.

This unit forms part of the Master of Clinical Psychology course which is accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council. This unit addresses the following competencies:

3.1 Demonstrate successful (prior or concurrent) achievement of pre-professional competencies.

3.10 Demonstrate respect for the skills and contributions of other professionals.

3.11 Work effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.

3.12 Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence, consult with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and refer on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate.

3.13 Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures, including as they relate to referral management and record-keeping, across a range of workplace settings and with recognition of different organisational cultures and practices.

3.14 Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.

3.15 Evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.

3.16 Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Professional Practice Placement - 0%
2 - Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPs) - 0%
3 - Online Test - 0%
4 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 0%
5 - Presentation - 0%
6 - Case Study - 0%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Information for Textbooks and Resources has not been released yet.

This information will be available on Monday 17 February 2025
Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?