Overview
Clinical Practice 3 builds on the prerequisite unit Clinical Practice 2 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. This includes the culturally-sensitive, evidence-based practice of clinical psychology, both autonomously and as a member of a multidisciplinary team. During your clinical practicum in a community-based setting, you will continue to develop your knowledge and skills to formulate and share case conceptualisations and intervention plans.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite: PSYC21008.
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 - 2026
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).
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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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 Student SUTE evaluations
There was a focus on fostering a strong learning environment, asking questions to encourage thinking, demonstration of novel techniques, as well as thought processes which encouraged critical thinking.
Continue with this pedagogy for teaching within the Clinical Practice 3 classes.
- Demonstrates the core competencies required for registration as a psychologist in Australia, as defined by AHPRA/PBA, including knowledge of psychology to inform safe and effective practice, ethical practice, professional reflexivity and self-care, assessment, intervention, communication, and culturally responsive practice.
- Demonstrate effective engagement in supervision and skill development, including providing clear work samples for review, being able to accurately reflect on own clinical practice, seeking feedback, and applying supervisors' guidance to improve clinical practice in a community-based setting
- Demonstrate professional skills in case presentation and report writing
This unit forms part of the Master of Clinical Psychology course accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). In addition to advanced knowledge and skills for professional practice in psychology as they relate to practice placements (APAC competencies 3.1 - 3.17), this unit includes the specialised knowledge and skills in the endorsed area of practice, clinical psychology (APAC competencies: 4.2.1 - 4.2.3). The practice placement covers the application of psychological knowledge to practice to demonstrate the AHPRA competencies for practice as a registered psychologist in Australia.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Professional Practice Placement - 0% | |||
| 2 - Presentation - 0% | |||
| 3 - Case Study - 0% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||
| 2 - Communication | |||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||
| 4 - Research | |||
| 5 - Self-management | |||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||
| 7 - Leadership | |||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.a.martin@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Clinical Practice 3
Expectations and assessments
Placement discussions and supervision
Chapter
There is no set text for this unit. Relevant readings and resources will be added to Moodle as required.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Student case presentations
Group supervision sharing and discussing experiences on external WIL placement
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Student case presentations
Group supervision sharing and discussing experiences on external WIL placement
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No Class this week due to Residential School for Advanced Psychological Intervention Unit
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Student case presentations
Group supervision sharing and discussing experiences on external WIL placement
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Student case presentations
Group supervision sharing and discussing experiences on external WIL placement
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
There are no scheduled activities for this week
Chapter
None
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Student case presentations
Group supervision sharing and discussing experiences on external WIL placement
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Student case presentations
Group supervision sharing and discussing experiences on external WIL placement
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Student case presentations
Group supervision sharing and discussing experiences on external WIL placement
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Student case presentations
Group supervision sharing and discussing experiences on external WIL placement
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Student case presentations
Group supervision sharing and discussing experiences on external WIL placement
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Group supervision sharing and discussing experiences on external WIL placement
Wrap up of the unit and general placement reflections
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
CASE STUDY Due: Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026) 12:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Professional Practice Placement
This assessment item consists of all placement-related documents. All documents must be fully signed by the student and relevant supervisors as indicated on the respective forms.
- Placement Agreement
- Mid and End-placement Review. The End of Placement Review form must indicate that you are 'on track' for all competencies at 'Level 3' to pass this assessment
- Weekly Practice Logs
- Weekly Supervision Forms
- Supervisor-Verified Informed Consent Log
1. Placement.
Clinical Practice 3 is assessed through appraisal of practice competencies demonstrated during your clinical placement. Competencies must be achieved as evidenced in both Mid-Placement and End-of-Placement Review documents, which must be reviewed, approved, and signed by your Primary (Board-Approved) Supervisor and the Placement Coordinator. By the end of this unit, you are required to demonstrate Level 3 competence across the eight core competencies specified by AHPRA, representing the critical capabilities and attributes required for safe and effective psychological practice. Level 3 competence is the standard required before progression to Clinical Practice 4. To pass the unit and progress, all Level 3 competencies must be met and formally signed off by your Primary Supervisor and the Placement Coordinator. Your Placement Agreement, Mid-Placement Review, and End-of-Placement Review must be signed by you, your Primary Supervisor, and the Placement Coordinator, and uploaded to Moodle. If all required competencies are not met by the End-of-Placement Review, you may be offered a further opportunity to demonstrate competence through a Support Plan; however, this is at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator in consultation with the Head of Course. You are strongly encouraged to discuss your progress with your Primary Supervisor prior to both review points to identify any areas where you are not yet meeting the expected standard and to develop a proactive Support Plan where required.
2. Logs and Supervision Forms.
You are required to submit signed Weekly Logs documenting your practice hours at the conclusion of Clinical Practice 3. Logs must be completed in chronological order and signed weekly by your Primary Supervisor. Each log must clearly detail total direct client activity hours, individual supervision hours, group supervision hours, and associated placement/practice activities. You must also submit your supervisor-verified informed consent log, signed by your supervisors, at the end of the placement. In addition, supervision forms must be completed for all individual and group supervision sessions. Each individual supervision record must include critical self-reflection and documented supervisor review and evaluative comments within the designated feedback section. Every supervision entry recorded in your Weekly Logs must have a corresponding supervision form signed by both you and the supervisor who provided the supervision. All supervision forms must be signed and uploaded to Moodle in chronological order at the end of Clinical Practice 3.
The 72-hour grace period applies to submission of this assessment. You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (19 June 2026) 12:00 am AEST
Submit all forms on Moodle to the appropriate dropbox on the relevant due dates.
Grades will be available on Moodle
The criteria are set out on the Placement Review forms and cover the core competency areas which define the critical capabilities and attributes deemed necessary to ensure that you are equipped to practice psychology safely and effectively subsequent to graduation. It is expected that across the entire Master of Clinical Psychology course, you will demonstrate incremental development across these competency areas. It is therefore expected that there will be evidence of the development of competencies by the end of the Clinical Practice 3 placement, and that students will be rated at a 'Level 3' and achieved the level 3 competencies on the End of Placement Review form.
To pass this assessment task, all documents must be submitted.
1. Competencies for End of Placement Review (Pass/Fail)
1. Psychological science and evidence-based practice
2. Psychological assessment
3. Psychological intervention
4. Professional, ethical and legal practice
5. Reflexivity, deliberate practice and self-care
6. Communication, collaboration and digital practice
7. Health equity, human rights and diversity
8. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, equity and cultural safety
2. Weekly Practice Logs and Supervision Forms (Pass/Fail)
Weekly Practice Logs must be signed weekly by your Primary Supervisor and uploaded to Moodle in chronological order at the end of Clinical Practice 3. Weekly Practice Logs should detail your total number of direct client activity hours, individual supervision hours, group supervision hours, and associated placement activities. Entries related to direct client activity hours must include the client's initials, age, gender, and description of the service provided in sufficient detail.
You are also required to submit all of your signed supervision forms from individual and group supervision, in chronological order to Moodle at the end of Clinical Practice 3. All supervision entries in your Weekly Practice Logs must have a corresponding supervision form signed by yourself and the supervisor who provided the supervision.
The 72-hour grace period applies to submission of this assessment. You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
- Demonstrates the core competencies required for registration as a psychologist in Australia, as defined by AHPRA/PBA, including knowledge of psychology to inform safe and effective practice, ethical practice, professional reflexivity and self-care, assessment, intervention, communication, and culturally responsive practice.
- Demonstrate effective engagement in supervision and skill development, including providing clear work samples for review, being able to accurately reflect on own clinical practice, seeking feedback, and applying supervisors' guidance to improve clinical practice in a community-based setting
2 Presentation
Each student will do a presentation in class. The presentation should be about a client that you have seen in the current placement. It must include intake information and may include further information from subsequent sessions with the client. You should guide the class in doing a 5P formulation as part of your presentation, then present a differential diagnosis and a plan or report of further assessment and/or intervention after the intake process. You should plan for around 30 minutes for the presentation, group 5Ps, and discussion. You should upload a link to one or two relevant academic journal articles prior to your presentation, and clearly explain in the presentation how your chosen article(s) relate to the case being presented.
The 72-hour grace period applies to submission of this assessment. You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026) 12:00 am AEST
Upload articles to Moodle prior to presentation in class. Present in class on your assigned week, then upload presentation to Moodle before Monday of the following week.
A link to a relevant research article must be added to the Moodle discussion board before the presentation day.
The presentation must be of a client that you have seen in the current placement.
It must include intake information and may include further information from subsequent sessions with the client.
It should consider ethical issues including risk assessment if required.
The presentation should include evidence of the relevance of the chosen research article
The in-class presentation must include guiding the class in doing a 5P formulation, and then presenting a differential diagnosis.
It must include a plan or report of further assessment and/or intervention after the intake process.
It should engage the class in discussion.
It should take around 30 minutes for the presentation, group 5Ps, and discussion.
No submission method provided.
- Demonstrate professional skills in case presentation and report writing
3 Case Study
This case report is the final of a series of four case studies you will write over the entire Master of Clinical Psychology course. You will write a report on one of the clients you have seen at your placement. The report should be de-identified by removing names, date of birth (but retain year/age) and any other identifying information such as place of work.
The case report should be no more than 2000 words.
The report must be submitted with a cover page template and follow the described format, provided in Moodle. The placement supervisor needs to review your case study and provide feedback. They must sign the cover sheet to confirm the case report has been written to the professional standard expected of a student completing Clinical Practice 3 and acknowledge that the report has been de-identified to meet the privacy requirements of the agency, prior to uploading your report to Moodle.
The report will follow the format specified in APHRA form SCAC-76 (for assessment case reports) or SCIC-76 (for intervention case reports) and demonstrate all the required criteria including A) Background, B) Assessment, C) Analysis and Diagnosis, D) Recommendation or Plan and Implementation (as specified on the relevant AHPRA form), E) Evaluation and Reflections and F) Reference List.
A minimum of one assessment case report is required over the course of the Master of Clinical Psychology program and a maximum of two assessment case reports. A minimum of one intervention case report is required over the course of the Master of Clinical Psychology program and a maximum of three intervention case reports.
The 72-hour grace period applies to submission of this assessment. You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026) 12:00 am AEST
Written Case Study (Pass/Fail). The report will follow the format specified in APHRA form SCAC-76 (for assessment case reports) or SCIC-76 (for intervention case reports) including the following criteria: A) Background, B) Assessment, C) Analysis and Diagnosis, D) Recommendations or Plan and Implementation (as specified on the relevant AHPRA form), E) Evaluation and Reflections and F) Reference List.
To pass this assessment, your Placement Supervisor must identify that all criteria, including under the headings A - F on AHPRA Form SCAC-76 or SCIC-76 have been completed to the professional standard required for a provisional psychologist. The report must be submitted with a cover page template, available on Moodle, signed by the Placement Supervisor.
- Demonstrate effective engagement in supervision and skill development, including providing clear work samples for review, being able to accurately reflect on own clinical practice, seeking feedback, and applying supervisors' guidance to improve clinical practice in a community-based setting
- Demonstrate professional skills in case presentation and report writing
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?