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APAC Rules for Accreditation and Accreditation Standards for Psychology

Courses

(June 2010)

Checklist

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APAC Accreditation Checklist.......................................................................................................................................6

Accreditation of the AOU.........................................................................................................................................6

The Psychology AOU............................................................................................................................................6

Multi-Campus Institutions....................................................................................................................................7

Academic Staffing.................................................................................................................................................7

Resources.............................................................................................................................................................8

Teaching and Materials and Methods: Managing the Learning Process............................................................10

Special Arrangements for Offshore Teaching.....................................................................................................11

Undergraduate 3-Year Sequence Courses..............................................................................................................12

Three Year Courses................................................................................................................................................12

Nomenclature....................................................................................................................................................12

Length................................................................................................................................................................12

Course Structure................................................................................................................................................12

Course Content..................................................................................................................................................13

Assessment........................................................................................................................................................14

Awarding of Credit or Advance Standing...........................................................................................................15

Undergraduate Fourth Year Courses......................................................................................................................16

Nomenclature....................................................................................................................................................16

Entry Requirements...........................................................................................................................................16

Length................................................................................................................................................................16


Course Content..................................................................................................................................................16

Research Methods and Professional and Research Ethics..............................................................................17

Research Project............................................................................................................................................17

Assessment........................................................................................................................................................18


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Four Year Sequence...............................................................................................................................................19

Nomenclature....................................................................................................................................................19

Length................................................................................................................................................................19


Course Content (years 1- 4)...............................................................................................................................19

Research Methods and Professional and Research Ethics..............................................................................22

Research Project............................................................................................................................................22

Assessment........................................................................................................................................................22

Assessment of 4th year Research Project........................................................................................................23


Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology (5th year)........................................................................................24

Nomenclature....................................................................................................................................................24

Staffing...............................................................................................................................................................24

Advisory/Liaison and Quality Review Committee...............................................................................................24

Resources...........................................................................................................................................................24

Credit for Previous Studies.................................................................................................................................24

Core Capabilities and Attributes.........................................................................................................................25

Core Capabilities Assessment.............................................................................................................................29

Log Book.............................................................................................................................................................30

Assessment........................................................................................................................................................30


Length................................................................................................................................................................31


Coursework........................................................................................................................................................31

Practica And Skills Training.................................................................................................................................31

Fifth and Sixth Year Masters Courses of Professional Education............................................................................33

Nomenclature....................................................................................................................................................33

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Staffing...............................................................................................................................................................33


Resources...........................................................................................................................................................33




Log Book.............................................................................................................................................................39

Assessment........................................................................................................................................................39


Length................................................................................................................................................................40


Coursework........................................................................................................................................................41

Research............................................................................................................................................................41

Practical Placements..........................................................................................................................................42

Professional Docorates..........................................................................................................................................44

Nomenclature....................................................................................................................................................44

Staffing...............................................................................................................................................................44


Resources...........................................................................................................................................................44




Log Book.............................................................................................................................................................50

Assessment........................................................................................................................................................50


Length................................................................................................................................................................51


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Coursework........................................................................................................................................................52

Research............................................................................................................................................................52

Practical Placements..........................................................................................................................................53

Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Psychology (Area of Specialisation)................................................................55

Entry requirements............................................................................................................................................55

Length................................................................................................................................................................55

Practicum...........................................................................................................................................................55

Coursework........................................................................................................................................................57

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Programs..........................................................................................................58

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APAC ACCREDITATION CHECKLIST

Developed for APAC Standards dated June 2010.

Note: the checklist portions of this template are not required to be included in the report and are provided as a useful tool only. Please remove them from each section of the report

Name of Institution:

Name of AOU:

Date of Site Visit:

ACCREDITATION OF THE AOU

THE PSYCHOLOGY AOU

2.1.1 Is the Psychology AOU an identifiable core of psychologists with a recognised Head? (yes/no)

2.1.2 Does the term ‘Psychology’ feature in the title of the AOU (e.g. Department of Psychology)? (yes/no)

2.1.3 Has the Psychology AOU demonstrated that it possesses a milieu of research and scholarship in which staff are actively involved in conducting and publishing their research work and where their research informs teaching? (yes/no)

2.1.4 Has the Psychology AOU demonstrated that it has the necessary and appropriate level of staffing and other resources and facilities to provide an education in psychology at a high standard in all courses for which it is seeking accreditation? (yes/no)

2.1.5 Is the Head of the Psychology AOU a senior, experienced and recognised academic? (yes/no)Has the Head obtained postgraduate qualifications in psychology? (yes/no)Does the Head have publications in refereed journals? (yes/no)Is the Head appointed as an academic at, above or equivalent to level C? (yes/no)

2.1.6 Does the Psychology AOU have a full time level E appointment in the discipline of psychology? (yes/no)

2.1.7 Do the staff of the AOU comply with applicable codes of ethical conduct? (yes/no)

2.1.8 Do grades of assessment employed in courses offered by the AOU conform to the guidelines set down in the in the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee Grades for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Coursework Degree Subjects 2002 available from http://www.apac.psychology.org.au/Content.aspx?ID=2161 (yes/no)

2.1.9 Has a minimum grade been set that students can achieve in order to progress within the (yes/no)psychology sequences?

2.1.10 Does the AOU have a quality review process focusing on teaching and training in psychology (yes/no)courses?

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http://www.apac.psychology.org.au/Content.aspx?ID=2161

MULTI-CAMPUS INSTITUTIONS Does the institution offer psychology courses on different campuses? (yes/no)

Has each campus that is part of the AOU been listed? (yes/no)

2.2.1 Has the institution demonstrated that there are appropriate staffing and resource levels on each campus? (yes/no)Has the institution demonstrated that students on each campus have acceptable levels of access to units, courses and facilities? (yes/no)

Has the institution demonstrated that students on each campus receive an equivalent standard of teaching and course experience and meet equivalent standards of academic performance and have equivalent assessment requirements? (yes/no)

2.2.2 Are campuses sufficiently close geographically to offer students direct access to units, courses and all resources on both without special arrangements being put in place? (yes/no)

ACADEMIC STAFFING 2.4.1 Are there more than ten full-time (or full-time equivalent) psychology academic staff members

in the Psychology AOU? (yes/no)Do at least eight of the psychology academic staff hold full-time appointments? (yes/no)Are these staff based full-time on the campus at which the Head and the administration of the Psychology AOU reside? (yes/no)Is the head of the AOU based at the main administration campus of the AOU? (yes/no)If no, can the AOU demonstrate that the Head has direct responsibility for running of the AOU as well as effective and close operational oversight of the AOU and its courses? (yes/no)Do these psychology academic staff meet the requirements for full APS Membership? (yes/no)

2.4.2 Has the Psychology AOU appointed sufficient additional psychology academic staff in the event that it offers more than one full fourth year undergraduate sequence, one postgraduate sequence to at least fifth and sixth year, and supervises some postgraduate research? (yes/no)

2.4.3 Is the total student:academic staff ratio no greater than 22 to 1? (yes/no)

Has this ratio been calculated as set out in the APAC Accreditation Application Form? (yes/no)

2.4.4 Is there at least one full-time level E appointment in psychology? (yes/no)

2.4.5 Are at least 30% of psychology academic appointments at level C or level D? (yes/no)

2.4.6 Do at least 80% of the psychology academic staff have PhDs, established or promising research records with demonstrated research activity in the form of grants, conference presentations, and publications in refereed journals? (yes/no)Are these staff involved in the teaching of undergraduate psychology? (yes/no)

2.4.7 Have the psychology academic staff demonstrated teaching and research supervision experience? (yes/no)Has the Psychology AOU demonstrated systematic monitoring of teaching quality? (yes/no)

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2.4.8 Are there at least three psychology academic staff who hold a PhD in a relevant area of psychology for each professional program? (yes/no)Are most of these staff eligible for full Membership of the relevant APS College? (yes/no)Are at least two psychology academic staff full-time appointments within the institution for each professional program? (yes/no)Do these staff make a substantial contribution to the relevant program? (yes/no)Is each program supported by appropriate level D/E involvement with sufficient time available to provide academic leadership for the program? (yes/no)Is each program directed by at least a level C appointment who is eligible for the relevant APS College Membership and suitably qualified and experienced to run a postgraduate program? (yes/no)Have sufficient level D/E psychology academic staff been appointed to ensure that no level D/E has responsibility for more than two cognate programs? (yes/no)

2.4.9 Are the areas of expertise of the psychology academic staff sufficient to cover the core subjects and some specialist options in the three and four year courses outlined in Standards 3.1.6-3.1.10 and 4.1.4-4.1.7 and the areas taught in all postgraduate courses offered by the Psychology AOU? (yes/no)

If not, has the Psychology AOU employed individuals with particular expertise to teach in some specialist areas in postgraduate courses? (yes/no)Is the capacity of the Psychology AOU to teach the core topics in the three and four year courses undiminished by the postgraduate programs on offer? (yes/no)

2.4.10 Is the AOU in a position to continue offering the number of professional courses currently on offer? (yes/no)

2.4.11 If the Institution is multi-campus where on one of the campuses only three or four year undergraduate sequence is taught, are there at least eight full-time (or full-time equivalent) psychology academic staff based on that campus or are courses supplemented through distance education methods, consistent with the Standards in Section 2.6? (yes/no)Are at least one of the appointments at Level E or D and a further two at least Level C? (yes/no)Do at least fifty percent of these staff hold research higher education degrees and have established research records with demonstrated research activity in the forms of grants, conference presentations, and publications in referred journals? (yes/no)Do all staff demonstrate teaching experience at the undergraduate level, including the supervision of Honours research? (yes/no)Are the areas of expertise of these psychology academic staff sufficient to cover the core subjects and some specialist options in the three and four year undergraduate program ( see Sections 3.1.6 to 3.1.10, 4.1.4 to 4.1.7of the Standards)? (yes/no)

RESOURCES

2.5.1 Can the Psychology AOU demonstrate adequate access to secretarial, administrative, technical and computing support? (yes/no)

2.5.2 Does the psychology AOU have arrangements in place to provide adequate resources to meet teaching requirements for the following:Audiovisual facilities in lecture theatres? (yes/no)Video recording facilities in professional skills training rooms? (yes/no)

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An online learning management system for distance or mixed mode units? (yes/no)Dedicated laboratory space and facilities for staff and research students? (yes/no)

2.5.3/2.5.4 Does the Psychology AOU have dedicated undergraduate laboratory space with computer facilities? (yes/no)

2.5.5 Are the laboratories equipped with standard psychological apparatus and/or computers required for demonstrating and running a range of experiments and other exercises which form part of modern, up-to-date psychology curricula? (yes/no)

Does the Psychology AOU have arrangements in place to provide psychology students with access to the following:

2.5 Facilities for suitably qualified disabled students to undertake study? (yes/no)2.5.6 Computers beyond those required in formal laboratory sessions? (yes/no)2.5.7/2.5.8 Do staff and students have access to a computer network with full email facilities, the internet,

online databases, as well as statistical packages, spreadsheet and other data and work processing packages? (yes/no)

Is there a psychology test library: If so:2.5.9 Does the test library have up-to-date copies of the most frequently used psychological tests? (yes/no)

Does the test library have sufficient up-to-date copies of tests required to support postgraduate teaching programs and research programs in specialist areas? (yes/no)Does the AOUs make use of the test library? (yes/no)Does each of these AOUs contribute to the purchase of tests and associate material? (yes/no)Does the AOU have a list available of all test library holdings, including the number of copies and campuses or locations the test is held? (yes/no)

2.5.10 Does a psychology academic staff member who is at level B or higher have responsibility for the test library? (yes/no)Can the psychology AOU demonstrate that procedures are in place to restrict access to psychological test materials to qualified psychologists and students enrolled in assessment and testing units who require access as part of the syllabus for the unit in which they are enrolled? (yes/no)

2.5.11 Can the institutional library provide ready access to a comprehensive and up-to-date range of psychology texts, monographs and journals? (yes/no)Are there sufficient holdings to support undergraduate courses? (yes/no)Are there sufficient holdings to support postgraduate courses in areas of specialisation? (yes/no)Does the library provide substantial and widespread access to appropriate and commonly used psychology electronic databases and does it provide regular training to staff and students in their use? (yes/no)Has the Psychology AOU demonstrated that funding commensurate with the number of psychology courses offered and the number of students enrolled is allocated to the purchase of library materials for psychology? (yes/no)

2.5.12 In the case of multi-campus institutions, can the Psychology AOU demonstrate that there is guaranteed quality of access to these holdings for all students irrespective of the campus at which they are based? (yes/no)

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TEACHING AND MATERIALS AND METHODS: MANAGING THE LEARNING PROCESS

Are any programs offered in mixed mode education? (yes/no)

If the answer is no, please proceed to Undergraduate Course(s) – Section 3.

2.6.1 Does the AOU have an online learning management system? (yes/no)

Is this system resourced at the same level as face-to-face teaching? (yes/no)

2.6.2 For each unit, are students provided with a unit outline specifying the content of the unit, the nature of the assessments, details of textbooks and readings and any other relevant information? (yes/no)

2.6.3 Is unit material regularly updated to ensure the information reflects the current knowledge in the area? (yes/no)

2.6.4 Where a unit is delivered in more than one mode, are the content, objectives, and methods of the assessment the same for all modes of delivery? (yes/no)

2.6.5 In undergraduate courses, is there laboratory training offered which is equivalent in content, duration, quality and outcome to that undertake by on-campus students? (yes/no)

2.6.6 Are residential schools offered to off-campus students who are enrolled in undergraduate research units? (yes/no)

2.6.7 Where there are some practical skills training in undergraduate courses, are opportunities available for off-campus students to complete these components? (yes/no)

2.6.8 Do all students have means of regularly gaining timely access to staff so that questions can be answered and difficulties resolved? (yes/no)

2.6.9 At the fourth, fifth and sixth year level is each unit offered a residential school for off-campus students? (yes/no)

2.6.10 Do all units provide the opportunity for formative assessment aimed primarily at facilitating learning as distinct from contributing to the final assessment e.g., electronic quizzes, comments on essays and peer assessment, and marked according to the same criteria and standards as those applying to on-campus assessments? (yes/no)

2.6.11 Are assessments which count for the final grade the same for all modes of delivery of the unit? (yes/no)

2.6.12 Are assessments and other forms of assessment work marked and returned in a timely manner? (yes/no)

2.6.13 Are student evaluations obtained and do academic staff use other additional methods to assess the adequacy of the student learning experience, which may include peer evaluations and external assessors? (yes/no)

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2.6.14 Where units are offered in different modes are periodic comparisons between the performance of students in the different modes made to ensure the standard of the offerings is comparable? (yes/no)

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR OFFSHORE TEACHING

Are any programs offered in off shore locations? _________ (yes/no)

If the answer is yes, please answer the following:

2.6.15 Are the following features present for all off shore courses:Have suitably qualified local tutors been appointed to assist with educational advice and support (i.e., eligible for Associate Membership of the APS)? (yes/no)Is there local administrative assistance? (yes/no)Is there direct access to staff members that is not just through any agents? (yes/no)Where the home institution does not intend to offer residential schools in the other country, has a written agreement been undertaken with the students that they can attend residential schools in Australia? (yes/no)Has access to adequate library, test library and laboratory facilities in the other country been provided, supplemented with the provision of and arrangements with local universities for library, test library and laboratory access to the same standard as that provided to students at the Australian AOU, including electronic access to the home institution’s library resources? (yes/no)Are local computer supports established? (yes/no)Is there evidence of on-going scrutiny of students’ academic progress to ensure they are meeting the same standards as those required of Australian students? (yes/no)

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UNDERGRADUATE 3-YEAR SEQUENCE COURSES

For which undergraduate courses is accreditation being sought?

List:

(Check for all undergraduate courses for which accreditation is sought).

2.3.3 Has the title “Bachelor of Psychology” been reserved for integrated four year sequences? (yes/no)

2.3.6 Do all bachelor degrees require at least three years of full-time study or equivalent? (yes/no)Do all bachelor degrees with Honours require four years of full-time study or equivalent? (yes/no)

Please complete the following relevant section for each course listed above.

THREE YEAR COURSES

Course title:

NOMENCLATURE

2.3.1 If this program is a bachelors degree, is the above degree title generic? (NA/yes/no)Does the course title avoid reference to a specialisation or application in psychology? (yes/no)

2.3.2 If this program is a graduate diploma for graduates with a degree in another discipline, does the above diploma title avoid any reference to areas of specialisation or application within the discipline? (NA/yes/no)

LENGTH

3.1.1 Is the length of the course three years of full-time study or equivalent? (yes/no)

COURSE STRUCTURE

3.1.2 Does the first year of the course include a minimum of 25% psychology? (yes/no)

3.1.3 Does the second year of the course include either a minimum of 50% psychology OR a minimum of 33% psychology in the second year and 67% psychology in the third year? (yes/no)

3.1.4 Does the third year of the course include a minimum of 50% psychology with the option for students to enrol in more psychology units? (yes/no)

3.1.5 Is the course structured to ensure that the core areas in Standard 3.1.7 are covered by all students while also offering the opportunity through elective components for students to study some areas in greater depth? (yes/no)

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COURSE CONTENT

3.1.6 Is the emphasis of the course on providing an education in the core discipline of psychology and not in one or more specialist areas of the discipline? (yes/no)Are the students continuously introduced to the scientific study of psychology? (yes/no) Do students enter fourth year psychology prepared to pursue advanced studies in a wide range of topics? (yes/no)Do students develop skills in conducting a range of practical laboratory experiments? (yes/no)Do students develop report writing skills that conform to the accepted psychological standards?

(yes/no)

3.1.7 Does the course provide students with a solid foundation in the following core psychology graduate attributes, which are demonstrated through:Graduate Attribute 1: Core knowledge and understanding of:Abnormal psychology? (yes/no)Biological bases of behaviour? (yes/no)Cognition, information processing and language? (yes/no)Individual differences in capacity and behaviour, testing and assessment, and personality? (yes/no)Learning? (yes/no)Lifespan developmental psychology? (yes/no)Motivation and emotion? (yes/no)Perception? (yes/no)Social psychology? (yes/no)History and philosophy of psychology? (yes/no)Intercultural diversity and indigenous psychology? (yes/no)

Does the course provide the skills to do the following:

Graduate Attribute 2: Research methods in psychology: Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology? (yes/no)Describe, apply and evaluate the different research methods used by psychologists? (yes/no)Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory-based and other psychological research? (yes/no)Design and conduct basic studies to address psychological questions: frame research questions; undertake literature searches; critically analyse theoretical and empirical studies; formulate testable hypotheses; operationalise variables; choose an appropriate methodology; make valid and reliable measurements; analyse data and interpret results; and write research reports? (yes/no)

Graduate Attribute 3: Critical thinking skills:Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problems related to behaviour and mental processes? (yes/no)Question claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience or untested assumptions? (yes/no)Recognise and defend against the major fallacies of human thinking? (yes/no)

Graduate Attribute 4: Values, research and professional ethics:Evaluate psychologists’ behaviour in psychological research and other professional contexts in relation to the APS “Code of Ethics” and the complimentary “Ethical Guidelines”, as well as the Australian “National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce”? (yes/no)Use information in an ethical manner? (yes/no)

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Graduate Attribute 5: Communication skills:Write a standard research report using APA structure and formatting conventions? (yes/no)Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats and for various purposes? (yes/no)

Graduate Attribute 6: Learning and the application of psychology:Apply knowledge of legislative frameworks including privacy and human rights? (yes/no)Apply knowledge of consumer and carer participation in psychological care? (yes/no)Apply knowledge of psychology, society and the workplace/influencing systems? (yes/no)Describe major areas of applied psychology? (yes/no)Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology? (yes/no)

3.1.8 Has the AOU demonstrated that it provides substantial coverage in the core topics listed in Standard 3.1.7? (yes/no)

3.1.9 Is the content of the lectures, tutorials and laboratories supported by relevant and up-to-date reference material? (yes/no)Does the material provide references to journal articles at all year levels after second year? (yes/no)

3.1.10 Do students have formal practical work as part of their coursework in psychology at each of the first three year levels? (yes/no)Are science and application integrated wherever possible? (yes/no)

ASSESSMENT

3.1.11 Does the assessment of components of the course involve coursework, submissions by students including essays and laboratory reports, and formal examinations? (yes/no)If oral presentations are included as an assessment component, is the basis upon which these are graded clear? (NA/yes/no)

3.1.12 Are examinations set to ensure that the breadth and depth of knowledge of the core subjects in the discipline is assessed? (yes/no)

3.1.13 Do students receive detailed and timely feedback on their assignments? (yes/no)

3.1.14 Are appropriate procedures in place to ensure that standards are maintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or grades is treated with the utmost care and attention? (yes/no)

3.1.15 Are appropriate procedures in place to deal with student appeals? (yes/no)

3.1.16 Are appropriate procedures in place to deal with cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct? (yes/no)

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AWARDING OF CREDIT OR ADVANCE STANDING

3.1.17 Does the AOU ensure that any student transferring from another AOU while completing a three year course is only given credit for studies in psychology completed if the AOU at which they completed these studies is accredited and the completed course is part of an accredited sequence? (yes/no)

3.1.18 Are students who have undertaken studies in non-Australian institutions carefully evaluated by the AOU to determine their strict equivalence to the studies for which credit is to be granted? (yes/no)Can the AOU defend its decision regarding the granting of credit should APAC conduct an audit of the AOU’s transfer credit practices? (yes/no)

3.1.19 Does the AOU ensure that any student transferring into the accredited sequence completes all core areas outlined in the Standards? (yes/no)

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UNDERGRADUATE FOURTH YEAR COURSES

Course title:

(Check for all fourth year courses for which accreditation is sought).

NOMENCLATURE

2.3.7 Does the above program only exist to allow students with a three year APAC accredited sequence, completed within the last 10 years, to complete the fourth year? (yes/no)If the program is a graduate diploma, has the title been clearly distinguished from the graduate diploma leading to a three year sequence? (yes/no)Does the course title make clear reference to the discipline? (yes/no)Does the course title avoid reference to a specialisation or application in psychology? (yes/no)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS4.1.1 Is the entry requirement the previous successful completion of an accredited three year

sequence in psychology or the first three years of an integrated accredited fourth year course completed within the last 10 years? (yes/no)Is the minimum entry standard a minimum of a credit average in second and third year units, including credit in the majority of psychology units? (yes/no)

LENGTH

4.1.2 Is the length of the course one year full-time or the equivalent? (yes/no)

COURSE STRUCTURE

4.1.3 Does the course contain 100% psychology? (yes/no) If not, is there:A maximum of 20% in a cognate discipline? (yes/no)Can the AOU demonstration that the non-psychology components are from a cognate discipline? (yes/no)Is there an option for students to complete 100% psychology? (yes/no)

COURSE CONTENT4.1.4 Does the course provide students with advanced education and training in some of the

following core psychology graduate attributes:Abnormal psychology? (yes/no)Biological bases of behavior? (yes/no)Cognition, information processing and language? (yes/no)Individual differences in capacity and behavior, testing and assessment, and personality? (yes/no)Learning? (yes/no)Health psychology? (yes/no)Lifespan developmental psychology? (yes/no)Motivation and emotion? (yes/no)

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Perception? (yes/no)Social psychology? (yes/no)History and philosophy of psychology? (yes/no)Intercultural diversity and indigenous psychology? (yes/no)Knowledge of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning the construction, implementation, and interpretation of some of the most widely used cognitive and personality assessments? (yes/no)Knowledge of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention? (yes/no)Ability to explain how the science and practice of psychology is influence by social, historical, professional and cultural contexts? (yes/no)

4.1.5 Does the course offers some opportunity for coverage of applied topics and basic skills, and is applied material based on the scientist-practitioner model? (yes/no)Is the basis for subsequent training emphasised, rather than mastery of advanced professional skills? (yes/no)

4.1.6 Is the content of all lectures, seminars and tutorials supported by relevant and up-to-date reference material which includes references to journal articles? (yes/no)

4.1.7 If a placement component is included, does it comprise less than 10% of the total year credit points? (NA/yes/no)Are procedures in place to ensure students on placement conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner? (NA/yes/no)

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROFESSIONAL AND RESEARCH ETHICS

4.1.8 Are students given sufficient grounding in relevant research methods and in professional and research ethics prior to undertaking any research or supervised testing and assessment? (yes/no)

RESEARCH PROJECT

4.1.9 Does the course contain a substantial research project? (yes/no)

4.1.10 Does the individual research project carry a final assessment weight reflecting a minimum of one third of the credit point weight for the year? (yes/no)Does the credit point weight reflect the percentage of the year’s work? (yes/no)

4.1.11 Does the individual thesis include an individual research question, intensive literature review, data analysis and reporting of results and discussion? (yes/no)Is the research project structured so that students participate in all of the steps involved in research including the formulation of research questions, the design of the study including selection of appropriate methodology, the collection of data to test the research question, the interpretation of the findings and the writing up of the report? (yes/no)

4.1.12 Do the research questions being pursued address issues specifically relevant to the field of psychology? (yes/no)

4.1.13 Is each research project supervised by at least one member of the psychology academic staff from the AOU? (yes/no)

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4.1.14 Are research projects written up in APA format and presented as a report for assessment? (yes/no)Do the reports include a substantial literature review? (yes/no)

4.1.15 Is the total length of the text of the report between 9000 and 15000 words? (yes/no)Is data collected for the research project available for inspection? (yes/no)

ASSESSMENT

4.1.16 Do the assessment components of the course involve coursework, submissions by students including essays and laboratory reports, and examinations? (yes/no)If oral presentations are included as an assessment component of the course, is the basis upon which these are graded made clear? (NA/yes/no)

4.1.17 Do students receive detailed and timely feedback on their assignments? (yes/no)

4.1.18 Is the research report or thesis assessed by at least two examiners? (yes/no)If the supervisor is an examiner, is the report or thesis assessed by at least three examiners? (yes/no)

4.1.19 Does each examiner of a research report provide a grade and a comprehensive examiner’s report? (yes/no)Are appropriate procedures in place to resolve any discrepancies that arise between examiners?

(yes/no)

4.1.20 Are appropriate procedures in place to ensure that standards are maintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or grades is treated with the utmost care and attention? (yes/no)Has there been an external audit of student’s work conducted in the previous three to five years? (yes/ no)

4.1.21 Are appropriate procedures in place to deal with student appeals? (yes/no)

4.1.22 Are appropriate procedures in place to deal with cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct? (yes/no)


4.1.23 Are students transferring in from another AOU in order to undertake a fourth year course in psychology only given recognition for studies in psychology if the AOU at which they completed the previous three years is APAC accredited and the completed course is part of an APAC accredited sequence? (yes/no)

4.1.24 Are students who have undertaken studies in non-Australian institutions carefully evaluated by the AOU to determine their strict equivalence to the studies for which credit is to be granted? (yes/no)Can the AOU defend its decision regarding the granting of credit should APAC conduct an audit of the AOU’s transfer credit practices? (yes/no)

4.1.25 Are students restricted from transferring from other institutions during the fourth year apart from exceptional circumstances? (yes/no)

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FOUR YEAR SEQUENCE

Course title:

(Check for all four year sequence courses for which accreditation is sought).

NOMENCLATURE

2.3.4 Is the only discipline name in the above course title “Psychology”? (yes/no)Does the course title avoid reference to a specialisation or application in psychology? (yes/no)

LENGTH

Is the length of the course four years of full-time study or equivalent? (yes/no)

COURSE STRUCTURE

3.1.2 Does the first year of the course include a minimum of 25% psychology? (yes/no)

3.1.3 Does the second year of the course include either a minimum of 50% psychology OR a minimum of 33% psychology in the second year and 67% psychology in the third year? (yes/no)

3.1.4 Does the third year of the course include a minimum of 50% psychology with the option for students to enrol in more psychology units? (yes/no)

3.1.5 Is the course structured to ensure that the core areas in Standard 3.1.7 are covered by all students while also offering the opportunity through elective components for students to study some areas in greater depth? (yes/no)

4.1.3 Do students have the option to complete 100% psychology in 4th year? (yes/no) If not, is there:A minimum of 80% psychology? (yes/no)A demonstration by the AOU that the non-psychology components are from a cognate discipline? (yes/no)The option for students to complete 100% psychology? (yes/no)

COURSE CONTENT (YEARS 1- 4)

3.1.6 Is the emphasis of the course on providing an education in the core discipline of psychology and not in one or more specialist areas of the discipline? (yes/no)Are the students continuously introduced to the scientific study of psychology? (yes/no) Do students enter fourth year psychology prepared to pursue advanced studies in a wide range of topics? (yes/no)Do students develop skills in conducting a range of practical laboratory experiments? (yes/no)Do students develop report writing skills that conform to the accepted psychological standards?

(yes/no)

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GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES (YEARS 1-3)3.1.7 Does the course provide students with a solid foundation in the following core psychology

graduate attributes:Graduate attribute 1: Core knowledge and understandingAbnormal psychology? (yes/no)Biological bases of behavior? (yes/no)Cognition, information processing and language? (yes/no)Individual differences in capacity and behavior, testing and assessment, and personality? (yes/no)Learning? (yes/no)Health psychology? (yes/no)Lifespan developmental psychology? (yes/no)Motivation and emotion? (yes/no)Perception? (yes/no)Social psychology? (yes/no)History and philosophy of psychology? (yes/no)Intercultural diversity and indigenous psychology? (yes/no)

3.1.7 Does the course provide the skills to do the following:

Graduate Attribute 2: Research methods in psychology: Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology? (yes/no)Describe, apply and evaluate the different research methods used by psychologists? (yes/no)Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory-based and other psychological research? (yes/no)Design and conduct basic studies to address psychological questions: frame research questions; undertake literature searches; critically analyse theoretical and empirical studies; formulate testable hypotheses; operationalise variables; choose an appropriate methodology; make valid and reliable measurements; analyse data and interpret results; and write research reports? (yes/no)

Graduate Attribute 3: Critical thinking skills:Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problems related to behaviour and mental processes? (yes/no)Question claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience or untested assumptions? (yes/no)Recognise and defend against the major fallacies of human thinking? (yes/no)Graduate Attribute 4: Values, research and professional ethics:Evaluate psychologists’ behaviour in psychological research and other professional contexts in relation to the APS “Code of Ethics” and the complimentary “Ethical Guidelines”, as well as the Australian “National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce”? (yes/no)Use information in an ethical manner? (yes/no)

Graduate Attribute 5: Communication skills:Write a standard research report using APA structure and formatting conventions? (yes/no)Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats and for various purposes? (yes/no)

Graduate Attribute 6: Learning and the application of psychology:

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Apply knowledge of legislative frameworks including privacy and human rights? (yes/no)Apply knowledge of consumer and carer participation in psychological care? (yes/no)Apply knowledge of psychology, society and the workplace/influencing systems? (yes/no)Describe major areas of applied psychology? (yes/no)Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology? (yes/no)

3.1.8 Has the AOU demonstrated that it provides substantial coverage in the core topics listed in Standard 3.1.7? (yes/no)

3.1.9 Is the content of the lectures, tutorials and laboratories supported by relevant and up-to-date reference material? (yes/no)Does the material provide references to journal articles at all year levels after second year? (yes/no)

3.1.10 Do students have formal practical work as part of their coursework in psychology at each of the first three year levels? (yes/no)Are science and application integrated wherever possible?

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES (YEAR 4)

4.1.4 Does the course provide students with advanced education and training in some of the following core psychology graduate attributes:Abnormal psychology? (yes/no)Biological bases of behavior? (yes/no)Cognition, information processing and language? (yes/no)Individual differences in capacity and behavior, testing and assessment, and personality? (yes/no)Learning? (yes/no)Health psychology? (yes/no)Lifespan developmental psychology? (yes/no)Motivation and emotion? (yes/no)Perception? (yes/no)Social psychology? (yes/no)History and philosophy of psychology? (yes/no)Intercultural diversity and indigenous psychology? (yes/no)Knowledge of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning the construction, implementation, and interpretation of some of the most widely used cognitive and personality assessments? (yes/no)Knowledge of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention? (yes/no)Ability to explain how the science and practice of psychology is influence by social, historical, professional and cultural contexts? (yes/no)

4.1.5 Does the course offers some opportunity for coverage of applied topics and basic skills, and is applied material based on the scientist-practitioner model? (yes/no)Is the basis for subsequent training emphasised, rather than mastery of advanced professional skills? (yes/no)

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4.1.6 Is the content of all lectures, seminars and tutorials supported by relevant and up-to-date reference material which includes references to journal articles? (yes/no)

4.1.7 If a placement component is included, does it comprise less than 10% of the total year credit points? (NA/yes/no)Are procedures in place to ensure students on placement conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner? (NA/yes/no)

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROFESSIONAL AND RESEARCH ETHICS

4.1.8 Are students given sufficient grounding in relevant research methods and in professional and research ethics prior to undertaking any research or supervised testing and assessment? (yes/no)

RESEARCH PROJECT

4.1.9 Does the course contain a substantial research project? (yes/no)

4.1.10 Does the individual research project carry a final assessment weight reflecting a minimum of one third of the credit point weight for the year? (yes/no)Does the credit point weight reflect the percentage of the year’s work? (yes/no)

4.1.11 Does the individual thesis include an individual research question, intensive literature review, data analysis and reporting of results and discussion? (yes/no)Is the research project structured so that students participate in all of the steps involved in research including the formulation of research questions, the design of the study including selection of appropriate methodology, the collection of data to test the research question, the interpretation of the findings and the writing up of the report? (yes/no)

4.1.12 Do the research questions being pursued address issues specifically relevant to the field of psychology? (yes/no)

4.1.13 Is each research project supervised by at least one member of the psychology academic staff from the AOU? (yes/no)

4.1.14 Are research projects written up in APA format and presented as a report for assessment? (yes/no)Do the reports include a substantial literature review? (yes/no)

4.1.15 Is the total length of the text of the report between 9000 and 15000 words? (yes/no)Is data collected for the research project available for inspection? (yes/no)

ASSESSMENT

3.1.11/4.1.16 Does the assessment of components of the course involve coursework, submissions by students including essays and laboratory reports, and formal examinations? (yes/no)If oral presentations are included as an assessment component, is the basis upon which these are graded clear? (NA/yes/no)

3.1.12 Are examinations set to ensure that the breadth and depth of knowledge of the core subjects in the discipline is assessed? (yes/no))

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3.1.13/4.1.17 Do students receive detailed and timely feedback on their assignments? (yes/no)

3.1.14/4.1.20 Are all assessments and awarding of final marks or grades treated with the utmost care and attention? (yes/no)

3.1.15/4.1.21 Are appropriate procedures in place to deal with student appeals? (yes/no)

3.1.16/4.1.22 Are appropriate procedures in place to deal with cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct? (yes/no)

ASSESSMENT OF 4TH YEAR RESEARCH PROJECT

4.1.18 Is the research report or thesis assessed by at least two examiners? (yes/no)If the supervisor is an examiner, is the report or thesis assessed by at least three examiners? (yes/no)

4.1.19 Does each examiner of a research report provide a grade and a comprehensive examiner’s report? (yes/no)Are appropriate procedures in place to resolve any discrepancies that arise between examiners?

(yes/no)

4.1.20 Has there been an external audit of student’s work conducted in the previous three to five years? (yes/ no)


3.1.17 Does the AOU ensure that any student transferring from another AOU while completing a three year course is only given credit for studies in psychology completed if the AOU at which they completed these studies is accredited and the completed course is part of an accredited sequence? (yes/no)

3.1.18/4.1.24 Are students who have undertaken studies in non-Australian institutions carefully evaluated by the AOU to determine their strict equivalence to the studies for which credit is to be granted? (yes/no)Can the AOU defend its decision regarding the granting of credit should APAC conduct an audit of the AOU’s transfer credit practices? (yes/no)

3.1.19 Does the AOU ensure that any student transferring into the accredited sequence completes all core areas outlined in the Standards? (yes/no)

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GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (5 TH YEAR)

NOMENCLATURE

2.3.8 Does the Diploma title include the term ‘Psychology’ and is there no reference to an area of (yes/no)specialization in the title or following the title?

STAFFING

5.1.1 Does this program meet the staffing requirements set out in Standards 2.4.1 to 2.4.11? (yes/no)

5.1.2 Is the student: staff ratio equal to or less than 15:1? (yes/no)

5.1.3 Are all staff members who are responsible for any practical placement supervision registered psychologists with at least two years’ relevant full-time experience since qualifying as a psychologist? (yes/no)

ADVISORY/LIAISON AND QUALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE

5.1.4 Does the AOU have in place an effective quality review committee through which there can be full consultation with representatives of the field supervisors and of future employment agencies for graduates of the course? (yes/no)

RESOURCES

5.1.5 Are there adequate facilities available to the AOU for training students in interviewing, testing and assessment? (yes/no)Do these facilities include rooms which are sufficiently well sound-proofed to carry out training and confidential assessments and which have video-recording equipment and/or one way viewing facilities? (yes/no)Are these rooms appropriately furnished for formal testing and for interviewing? (yes/no)

5.1.6 Does the test library hold a sufficient range of tests and sufficient copies to meet the needs of that course? (yes/no)

5.1.7 Does the institutional library have significant holdings of, or electronic access to, journals, monographs and relevant databases required for this course? (yes/no)

5.1.8 Do all students in each course have access to computers with a range of software for word-processing and data analysis and presentation, as well as to the internet? (yes/no)

CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS STUDIES

5.1.9 Are students only given credit for any coursework if it is directly equivalent to coursework in the current course and has been successfully completed in an APAC accredited course at a pass level within the previous ten year period? (yes/no)

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5.1.10 Are students given credit for placement experience completed as part of their current employment only if it is of direct relevance to the course, if the work would ordinarily be undertaken by a qualified psychologist and if supervision is arranged to fulfil the requirements of the course? (NA/yes/no)Is such credit restricted to a maximum of one placement component, not constituting more than 30% of the total placement requirements for the course? (yes/no)Is credit for previous employment experience disallowed? (yes/no)

5.1.11 Is credit for any previous research experience including research higher degrees disallowed? (yes/no)

CORE CAPABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES

5.1.12 Can the AOU demonstrate the form of assessment and unit of study in which the core capabilities listed below are assessed?

5.1.12 (a) Knowledge of the Discipline

Overall knowledge of the discipline underpins all of the other capabilities and includes knowledge of psychological principles, professional ethics and standards, theories of individual and systemic functioning and change, dysfunctional behaviour, psychopathology, the cultural bases of behaviour and organisational systems.

Demonstrated capabilities: Strong knowledge of at least: relevant psychological theories and models; (yes/no)

published empirical findings supporting theories (especially those which underpin the major forms of psychological intervention) and the methods employed to establish them; (yes/no) the major methods of psychological investigation and techniques of measurement, and their application and interpretation; and design and implementation of psychological interventions. (yes/no)

5.1.12(b) Ethical, Legal and Professional Matters

The ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice.

Demonstrated capabilities: Familiarity with legal and professional matters including:

o the main provisions of the State and Commonwealth Acts and Regulations of Parliament relevant to psychologists’ work; (yes/no)

ocodes of conduct relevant to psychologists’ work including those published by relevant psychologist Registration Board(s); (yes/no)

o the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines; (yes/no)oconfidentiality and privacy issues; (yes/no)oadministrative and record keeping procedures (including adequate clarification of any financial

arrangements); (yes/no)oconsent issues; (yes/no)o issues concerning practice with minors and those unable to provide informed consent; (yes/no)oboundary issues; (yes/no)

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osexual propriety; (yes/no)opsycho-legal issues; (yes/no)o role and cultural issues, including issues for minority or marginalised groups; (yes/no)ogender and sexuality issues; (yes/no)oservice needs of vulnerable groups in society; (yes/no)o registration issues; (yes/no)oadvertising and public statements; (yes/no)obilling practices; (yes/no)o the role of the psychologist within the profession and the workplace; (yes/no)o the roles of other professions and the capacity to report to other professionals appropriately and

to work collaboratively; (yes/no)o the propriety of relationships amongst psychologists, and between psychologists and other

professionals, employers and clients; (yes/no)o the mechanisms for the resolution of conflict between psychologists and clients, colleagues,

employers and other professionals; (yes/no)onegotiated workplace agreements; (yes/no)onote-taking and record keeping (yes/no)

Conduct or behaviour consistent with the legal requirements and codes of conduct relevant to psychologists, especially:

oethical and professional behaviour and manner (yes/no)oState, Territory and Federal Codes of Behaviour for Psychologists and statements of Clients’ rights;

(yes/no)o the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines; (yes/no)oappropriately clarifying and negotiating the role and responsibilities as a trainee psychologist; (yes/no)o record keeping, including demonstrated knowledge of the ethical and legal implications of

administrative and record keeping procedures including confidentiality; (yes/no) Self-evaluation or self-assessment skills, including identification of the limits of one’s professional

competence; (yes/no) Ability to apply ethical principles to ethical dilemmas. (yes/no)

5.1.12(c) Psychological Assessment & Measurement

The ongoing, interactive, and inclusive process that serves to describe, conceptualise, and predict relevant aspects of a client (be that client an organization, group or individual).

Demonstrated capabilities: A strong level of skills and knowledge in conducting systematic psychological assessment using a wide range of assessment techniques, including: the theoretical basis for the assessment techniques used in psychology; (yes/no) knowledge of psychometric properties of psychological tests and the ability to use this knowledge to inform problem formulation; (yes/no) test selection - ability to select appropriate assessment techniques and instruments with proper consideration of issues relating to reliability and validity; (yes/no) test administration and interpretive skills, including experience in the skilled administration and interpretation of at least:

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o the current version of an individually administered adult or child test of intelligence (some examples of appropriate tests include - WISC IV, WAIS IV, WPPSI-III, Stanford-Binet V, Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test, Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Differential Ability Scales); (yes/no)

o the current version of at least one major standardised test of personality (examples of appropriate tests include - 16PF, MMPI, CPI, OMNI, NEO-PI); (yes/no)

o the current version of at least one specialised memory assessment (e.g. Wechsler Memory Scale, Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning); and (yes/no)

o other tests, appropriate to the learning objectives of the course, which are based on empirically validated approaches and equivalent accuracy in the measurement of cognitive or behavioural functioning or an accurate measurement of aptitude, abilities or skills. (yes/no)

awareness of limitations of psychological tests with particular reference to notions of validity, reliability, and cultural issues; (yes/no) proficiency in interviewing (structured and unstructured interviews, selection interviews, survey interviewing, history taking, clinical interviewing for diagnostic purposes and group-based interviewing); (yes/no) systematic observation of behaviour involving both naturalistic and clinical observation and in using predetermined procedures for observing the behaviour of one or more persons; (yes/no) knowledge of psychopathology and of diagnostic classification systems (including current versions of DSM and ICD); (yes/no) assessment and diagnostic processes (selecting the appropriate assessment tool(s), administering the assessment tool(s), interpreting the assessment results, interviewing /micro counselling skills involved in the assessment process, problem formulation and hypothesis testing); (yes/no) the ability to competently undertake a mental status examination; and (yes/no) writing informed, succinct, valid and well organised reports. (yes/no)

5.1.12(d) Intervention Strategies

Activities that promote, restore, sustain or enhance cognitive functioning and a sense of well being in individuals or groups of clients through preventive, developmental or remedial services and/or in the case of groups or organizations, restoring or enhancing group or organizational functioning.Demonstrated capabilities: Strong skills and knowledge regarding intervention strategies, including: superior interpersonal skills (including the ability to form a professional relationship including positive working alliances with clients and colleagues); (yes/no) ability to skilfully negotiate a treatment or service contract; (yes/no) ability to use a theoretical system that explains aetiology and remediation of psychological, social or organizational problems; (yes/no) ability to investigate identified issues relevant to the delivery of the interventions (e.g., ethical dilemmas, stakeholders); (yes/no) ability to identify the nature and documented efficacy of potential interventions; (yes/no) ability to design and/or plan preventative, developmental or remedialinterventions to achieve the best possible outcomes; (yes/no) formulation of treatment plans, goals and strategies for intervention including the ability to justify the link between diagnosis formulation and intervention chosen; (yes/no) researching the empirical literature to develop plans for interventions and drawing on published studies and theories/models relevant to the problem and intervention; (yes/no)

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justifying the link between diagnosis/formulation and the intervention chosen; (yes/no) implementing preventative, developmental or remedial programs and interventions; (yes/no) familiarity with a range in intervention techniques and strategies as well as their theoretical and empirical bases, for both individuals and groups; (yes/no) counselling skills; (yes/no) highly skilled use of core behaviour change skills including counselling and cognitive behavioural approaches to helping as appropriate in group individual or organizational settings; (yes/no) organisational interventions; career development (i.e., helping with career planning in private or organisational contexts); (yes/no) ability to design and implement evaluations of the impact of the interventions (including the ability to employ appropriate research designs to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions) including:

omeasuring attitude and behaviour change (yes/no)oevaluation of a client’s response to the initial intervention (yes/no)o revision of problem formulation and initial intervention if necessary (yes/no)oprogram evaluation (yes/no)

5.1.12(e) Research and Evaluation

(Note: See also Standards 5.3.12 – 5.3.15 for 5th and 6th year professional Masters research thesis requirements, and Standards 5.4.6 – 5.4.11 for professional Doctoral thesis requirements. 5 th year Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology and Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Psychology courses are not required to have a research thesis but must cover this capability by means of other assignments or coursework).

Systematic inquiry involving problem identification and the acquisition, organisation, and interpretation of information allowing critical analysis and disciplined, rigorous, careful and scientific inquiry into psychological phenomena. Demonstrated capabilities: The application of research knowledge and skills to psychological practice, including: finding, understanding, collating and critiquing published empirical research findings relevant to a phenomenon or problem of interest; (yes/no) identifying and defining problem situations based on observation and other assessment; (yes/no) generating hypotheses based problem definition and other information; (yes/no) designing interventions, therapeutic programs or other means to test hypotheses including an understanding of the principles of single case designs; (yes/no) designing and implementing program evaluation; (yes/no) collecting, recording, and analysing responses to interventions or therapeutic programs; (yes/no) use of qualitative and quantitative methods, skilled analysis of data, and the ability to draw accurate research inferences; (yes/no) critical evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions and programs including:

osuggesting modifications for future use and (yes/no)oawareness of issues regarding reliability and validity of observations. (yes/no)

5.1.12(f) Communication and Interpersonal Relationships

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The capacity to convey, appraise and interpret information in both oral and written formats and to interact on a professional level with a wide range of client groups and other professionals, including: the ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships and in clinical settings therapeutic alliances with clients; (yes/no) the ability to communicate, interact and liaise for a range of purposes (e.g., discussing research with other professionals; discussing relevant psychological services with clients, potential clients); (yes/no) the ability to develop knowledge of theories and empirical data on professional relationships, such as:

o interpersonal relationships; (yes/no)opower relationships; (yes/no)o therapeutic alliance; (yes/no)o interface with social psychology; (yes/no)omore specific knowledge of the fluctuations of the therapeutic/professional relationship as a

function of intervention setting; and (yes/no)Demonstrated capabilities: high level oral communication and interpersonal skills in communicating effectively with clients, other psychologists, other professionals, the community; individuals, small groups and agencies from varied cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political backgrounds, including:

o rapport building skills (yes/no)oprofessional personal presentation (yes/no)oclarity, accuracy, coherence, organisation and succinctness of communication (yes/no)ostyle of communication (appropriateness for audience) (yes/no)oorganisation of communication (yes/no)oseeking out and understanding information (yes/no)opersonal and professional boundaries in communications (yes/no)

seeking out, understanding and responding appropriately to information provided by a range of persons in order to adequately meet their needs; (yes/no) excellent written communication, including the ability to write, in an organised fashion, reports and other documents:

o which are informed, succinct, accurate, lucid and well-organised; (yes/no)o for a range of audiences, including educational, health and legal professionals, courts,

government departments, insurance companies, corporations and other entities and which clearly communicate the intent of the writer taking into consideration the sensitivity of the matters under discussion and the capacity of the reader to accurately interpret the information (yes/no)

CORE CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT

5.1.13 Are students permitted to graduate from the course without undergoing formal documented assessment of his/her competence, proficiency and professionalism in each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in 5.1.12 (a-f)? (yes/no)

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5.1.14 Are students required to attain a sufficiently high level of, proficiency and professionalism in each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in 5.1.12 (a-f) and is this assessed before students are permitted to graduate from the course? (yes/no)

5.1.15 Can the AOU provide documented evidence of the assessment procedures used to assess the competence, proficiency and professionalism of each student for each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in 5.1.12(a-f)? (yes/no)Can the AOU show recorded outcomes of those assessments procedures for each student? (yes/no)

5.1.16 Does the AOU permit students to pass any assessment task related to the core capabilities listed in 5.1.12(a-f) with a mark lower than 50%? (yes/no)

LOG BOOK

5.1.17 Is a log book kept detailing the number of hours as well as the nature of casework (internal and external) and supervision undertaken by the student during each placement? (yes/no)Do the log books demonstrate the number of hours of each type of casework and supervision activity undertaken, the dates on which these activities were completed, and distinguish between individual and group supervision? (yes/no)Is a copy (electronic or paper) of the log book retained by the AOU after graduation of each student and is it available to APAC or the registration board on request? (yes/no)Are the responsible supervisors signing the log book? (yes/no)

ASSESSMENT

5.1.18 Is the assessment of coursework designed to ensure that students have gained a sound knowledge of all areas presented? (yes/no)Does coursework involve comprehensive examination of the areas presented? (yes/no)

5.1.19 Does the institution have in place procedures to ensure that standards are maintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or grades is treated with the utmost care and attention? (yes/no)Are there clearly stated procedures for student appeals against unfair assessment, and for dealing with cases of plagiarism and other unethical conduct? (yes/no)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

5.2.1 Have all students accepted into the Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology successfully completed a four year, or three year plus a fourth year, APAC accredited sequence in psychology? (yes/no)Are all students eligible for registration as a provisional/conditional psychologist? (yes/no)

5.2.2 Do selection procedures include consideration of each applicant’s details as set out in an application form, referee reports from at least two referees, and the checking of original degree certificates? (yes/no)

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Are shortlisted candidates interviewed either face-to-face or via teleconferencing, by a panel comprising at least two members of academic staff of the AOU, one of whom has qualifications equivalent to those required for full membership of the APS? (yes/no)

LENGTH5.2.3 Is the Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology one calendar year of full-time study or (yes/no)

equivalent?

COURSE STRUCTURE5.2.4 Is at least 90% of the coursework comprised of psychology and taught by psychologists? (yes/no)

If any portion of the course is not taught by psychologists is it in an area of direct relevance to processional practice as a psychologist? (yes/no)

5.2.5 Are there two main components to the course: (1) coursework and (2) practica? (yes/no)Are the learning experiences in these components integrated? (yes/no)

5.2.6 Are the two components weighted according to content as follows:Coursework 60-76%? (yes/no)Practica and skills training 25-40% (yes/no)

COURSEWORK

5.2.7 Does the coursework component of the course include foundational education and training in the core capabilities and attributes 5.1.12(a-f) and are they linked to the practical and skills components of the course? (yes/no)

PRACTICA AND SKILLS TRAINING

5.2.8 Is there provision for adequate education and training in professional skills and knowledge within the course? (yes/no)Is practical placement aimed at preparing the student for future 6th year of Registration Board approved supervision before registration? (yes/no)

5.2.9 Is the nature of the content of the practica such that is supports the achievements of the capabilities set down in 5.1.12? (yes/no)Do the placements provide practical experience with psychological issues? (yes/no)

5.2.10 Do students complete a minimum of 300 hours of logged supervised practica? (yes/no)

5.2.11 Is there provision for adequate education and training in professional skills and knowledge, including ethics within the course for all students prior to beginning their first placement? (yes/no)Is there ongoing class contact with students that relates to and develops their placement experiences? (yes/no)

5.2.12 Do all reports and casenotes written by the student arising from training undertaken as part of all placements bear the signature of the responsible supervisor? (yes/no)

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5.2.13 Does supervision of all placements involve on average one hour of direct contact for each full day (7.5 hours) of placement? (yes/no)Does direct contact include telephone or video conference contact? (NA/yes/no)

5.2.14 Does placement occur in the AOU? (NA/yes/no)Is this placement supervised by a suitably qualified academic (Standard 5.1.3)? (yes/no)

5.2.15 Are all placements external to the AOU supervised by a field supervisor who is formally recognised by the institution offering the course? (yes/no)Do all supervisors hold current registration as a psychologist with the relevant registration board? (yes/no)

Have all field supervisors submitted a brief curriculum vitae with details of their qualifications and relevant experience for consideration by the course coordinator? (yes/no)Are these curricula vitae held on file in the AOU? (yes/no)

5.2.16 Has a member of psychology academic staff, who is either a member or eligible for membership of the appropriate APS College and a registered psychologist been appointed as placement coordinator? (yes/no)Does this staff member have the responsibility for liaising directly with all field supervisors and for ensuring that students have an appropriate range of placement experiences? (yes/no)

5.2.17 At the beginning of each placement, is a supervision contract completed and signed by the student and the supervisor stating the objectives for the placement including the range of activities to be covered and the skill base to be developed? (yes/no)Are such forms approved by the placement coordinator? (yes/no)

5.2.18 When the placement has been completed, does the supervisor complete a final assessment and make a recommendation whether the student has completed the placement at an acceptable level, whether further time should be spent on that placement because the student has not yet met requirements, or whether the student has failed to meet the required standards and is not likely to do so with further work? (yes/no)Does the placement coordinator made the final decision regarding whether the student has passed or failed the placement in full consultation with the field supervisor? (yes/no)

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FIFTH AND SIXTH YEAR MASTERS COURSES OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

For which professional postgraduate programs is accreditation being sought?

Please complete the following relevant sections for each course listed above.

Course title:

Relevant APS College:

NOMENCLATURE

2.3.9 Is the above course offered as a postgraduate coursework course at fifth and sixth years? (yes/no)Is the course at least two calendar years, or equivalent, of full-time study leading to a Masters degree? (yes/no) If not, please proceed to 2.3.9.Does the course title include the term “Psychology”? (yes/no)If the program is specialist, does the course title reflect the area of specialisation or application?

(yes/no)

2.3.10 If the above course is generalist, does the course title avoid reference to a specialisation or application? (yes/no)

2.3.11 If the above degree title is a Doctor of Philosophy, are all components of the postgraduate coursework requirements for an accredited Master of Psychology included? (yes/no)Does the degree title make clear reference to the area of specialisation or application? (yes/no)Does the degree include a course of research leading to a thesis equivalent to other Doctor of Philosophy by research courses? (yes/no)Is the course at least four years of full-time study? (yes/no)

STAFFING



5.1.3 Are all staff members who are responsible for any practical placement supervision registered psychologists with at least two years’ relevant full-time experience since completing their own professional qualifications and are they members or eligible to be members of the appropriate APS College? (yes/no)



RESOURCES

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5.1.6 Does the test library hold a sufficient range of tests and sufficient copies in the area of specialisation for each course, where relevant, to meet the needs of that course? (yes/no)

5.1.7 Does the institutional library have significant holdings of, or electronic access to, journals, monographs and relevant databases in each area of course specialisation offered by the AOU? (yes/no)








5.1.12 (a) Knowledge of the Discipline



published empirical findings supporting theories (especially those which underpin the major forms of psychological intervention) and the methods employed to establish them; (yes/no)

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the major methods of psychological investigation and techniques of measurement, and their application and interpretation; and design and implementation of psychological interventions. (yes/no)







arrangements); (yes/no)oconsent issues; (yes/no)o issues concerning practice with minors and those unable to provide informed consent; (yes/no)oboundary issues; (yes/no)osexual propriety; (yes/no)opsycho-legal issues; (yes/no)o role and cultural issues, including issues for minority or marginalised groups; (yes/no)ogender and sexuality issues; (yes/no)oservice needs of vulnerable groups in society; (yes/no)o registration issues; (yes/no)oadvertising and public statements; (yes/no)obilling practices; (yes/no)o the role of the psychologist within the profession and the workplace; (yes/no)o the roles of other professions and the capacity to report to other professionals appropriately and






(yes/no)o the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines; (yes/no)oappropriately clarifying and negotiating the role and responsibilities as a trainee psychologist; (yes/no)

35

o record keeping, including demonstrated knowledge of the ethical and legal implications of administrative and record keeping procedures including confidentiality; (yes/no)

Self-evaluation or self-assessment skills, including identification of the limits of one’s professional competence; (yes/no)

Ability to apply ethical principles to ethical dilemmas. (yes/no)









36


Activities that promote, restore, sustain or enhance cognitive functioning and a sense of well being in individuals or groups of clients through preventive, developmental or remedial services and/or in the case of groups or organizations, restoring or enhancing group or organizational functioning.Demonstrated capabilities: Strong skills and knowledge regarding intervention strategies, including: superior interpersonal skills (including the ability to form a professional relationship including positive working alliances with clients and colleagues); (yes/no) ability to skilfully negotiate a treatment or service contract; (yes/no) ability to use a theoretical system that explains aetiology and remediation of psychological, social or organizational problems; (yes/no) ability to investigate identified issues relevant to the delivery of the interventions (e.g., ethical dilemmas, stakeholders); (yes/no) ability to identify the nature and documented efficacy of potential interventions; (yes/no) ability to design and/or plan preventative, developmental or remedialinterventions to achieve the best possible outcomes; (yes/no) formulation of treatment plans, goals and strategies for intervention including the ability to justify the link between diagnosis formulation and intervention chosen; (yes/no) researching the empirical literature to develop plans for interventions and drawing on published studies and theories/models relevant to the problem and intervention; (yes/no) justifying the link between diagnosis/formulation and the intervention chosen; (yes/no) implementing preventative, developmental or remedial programs and interventions; (yes/no) familiarity with a range in intervention techniques and strategies as well as their theoretical and empirical bases, for both individuals and groups; (yes/no) counselling skills; (yes/no) highly skilled use of core behaviour change skills including counselling and cognitive behavioural approaches to helping as appropriate in group individual or organizational settings; (yes/no) organisational interventions; career development (i.e., helping with career planning in private or organisational contexts); (yes/no) ability to design and implement evaluations of the impact of the interventions (including the ability to employ appropriate research designs to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions) including:




37

Systematic inquiry involving problem identification and the acquisition, organisation, and interpretation of information allowing critical analysis and disciplined, rigorous, careful and scientific inquiry into psychological phenomena. Demonstrated capabilities: The application of research knowledge and skills to psychological practice, including: finding, understanding, collating and critiquing published empirical research findings relevant to a phenomenon or problem of interest; (yes/no) identifying and defining problem situations based on observation and other assessment; (yes/no) generating hypotheses based problem definition and other information; (yes/no) designing interventions, therapeutic programs or other means to test hypotheses including an understanding of the principles of single case designs; (yes/no) designing and implementing program evaluation; (yes/no) collecting, recording, and analysing responses to interventions or therapeutic programs; (yes/no) use of qualitative and quantitative methods, skilled analysis of data, and the ability to draw accurate research inferences; (yes/no) critical evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions and programs including:







38






5.1.14 Are students required to attain a sufficiently high level of, proficiency and professionalism in each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in 5.1.12 (a-f) and is this assessed before students are permitted to graduate from the course?

(yes/no)

5.1.15 Can the AOU provide documented evidence of the assessment procedures used to assess the competence, proficiency and professionalism of each student for each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in 5.1.12(a-f)? (yes/no)Can the AOU show recorded outcomes of those assessments procedures for each student? (yes/no)


LOG BOOK

5.1.17 Is a log book kept detailing the number of hours as well as the nature of casework (internal and external) and supervision undertaken by the student during each placement? (yes/no)Do the log books demonstrate the number of hours of each type of casework and supervision activity undertaken, the dates on which these activities were completed, and distinguish between individual and group supervision? (yes/no)Is the log book for each student carried over to 6th year of professional postgraduate training? (yes/no)Is a copy (electronic or paper) of the log book retained by the AOU after graduation of each student and is it available to APAC or the registration board on request? (yes/no)Are the responsible supervisors signing the log book? (yes/no)

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ASSESSMENT5.1.18 Is the assessment of coursework designed to ensure that students have gained a sound

knowledge of all areas presented? (yes/no)Does coursework involve comprehensive examination of the areas presented? (yes/no)


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

5.3.1 Have all students accepted into the course successfully completed a four year, or three year plus a fourth year, APAC accredited sequence in psychology within the last 10 years with an upper second class Honours (2A) or equivalent overall mark or are they currently registered psychologists who can demonstrate current compliance with the Registration Board CPD requirements? (yes/no)Are all students eligible for conditional/provisional registration as a psychologist (where required)? (yes/no)

5.2.2/5.3.2 Do selection procedures include consideration of each applicant’s details as set out in an application form, referee reports from at least two referees, and the checking of original degree certificates? (yes/no)Are shortlisted candidates interviewed either face-to-face or via teleconferencing, by a panel comprising at least two members of academic staff of the AOU, one of whom has qualifications equivalent to those required for full membership of the APS College relevant to the area of specialization in the course? (yes/no)

LENGTH

5.3.3 Is this coursework Masters program’s length of study two years full-time or the part-time equivalent? (yes/no)If this Masters program can be completed in accelerated mode is it completed in no less than 18 months? (yes/no)

5.3.4 If this program is a combined Masters doctoral course which includes the equivalent of the fifth and sixth year education and training and leads to a PhD, is the length of study a minimum of four years full-time or the part-time equivalent? (NA/yes/no)

COURSE STRUCTURE

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5.3.5 Does at least 70% of the coursework comprise study in psychology, and is it taught by psychologists? (yes/no)Are any potions of the course that are not psychological in an area of direct relevance to the specialisation? (NA/yes/no)

5.3.6 Do coursework, research and practical placement comprise the three main components of the course? (yes/no)Is the course structured so that the learning experiences across these three components are integrated? (yes/no)

5.3.7 If the course is a Masters level course, are the three components weighted according to content and University unit weightings to fall within the following ranges:Coursework of 40-50%? (yes/no)Research of 20-33%? (yes/no)Is the dissertation at least an equivalent standard to Honours? (yes/no)

Practical placement of 25-30%? (yes/no)

5.3.8 Are students required to pass all three components in order to complete the course? (yes/no)

COURSEWORK

5.3.9 Does the course cover the current version of the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce? (yes/no)Does the course include considerable depth of teaching in practice management, storing and accessing psychology files and record keeping? and; (yes/no)Managing people? (yes/no)

5.3.10 Does the coursework component link with both the research and practical placement components? (yes/no)

RESEARCH

5.3.11 Is the research project conducted in an area of relevance to the area of specialisation of the course? (yes/no)

5.3.12 Does the research project involve an individual project conducted under supervision? or; (yes/no)A group project under supervision? (yes/no)

Do students demonstrate a greater independence than at fourth year level, while working under supervision? (yes/no)Is the project structured so that students undertake all of the steps involved in the research including the formulation of the research question(s), the design of the study including the selection of appropriate methodology, the collection and analysis of data, the interpretation of the findings and preparation of the report? (yes/no)

5.3.13 Does the research report take the form of one of the following:

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A program evaluation study; A study based on experimental single case design; A critical review, pilot study and full grant application; A critical review and meta analysis; A critical review and secondary data analyses; A traditional empirical research project; or A literature review and an article suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed

international scientific journal? (yes/no)Is the research project report no less than 5000 words? (yes/no)Is data collected available for inspection by APAC? (yes/no)

5.3.14 Is at least one supervisor of the research project an academic member of staff from the AOU presenting the course? (yes/no)Does at least one of the supervisors hold doctoral qualifications? (yes/no)

5.3.15 Are any Masters students upgrading enrolment to a professional doctoral degree? (yes/no)If yes, is the research component of a higher quality and is this component equivalent to at least one year full-time spent on the thesis component of the course? (NA/yes/no)If the course is a PhD, does the thesis meet the requirement that it reports research which makes a significant, substantial and original contribution to knowledge? (NA/yes/no)If the course is a PhD, does it satisfy the PhD standards set by the university? (NA/yes/no)

5.3.16 Is the final classification of the thesis decided by the appropriate Committee or other body within the institution, based on the examiners’ reports? (yes/no)

PRACTICAL PLACEMENTS


5.3.18 Do students in the course complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practical placement experience? (yes/no)Is the experience of a nature appropriate to any area of specialisation covered by the course?

(NA/yes/no)If the course is generalist or in a developing specialisation, are a range of suitable placements provided? (NA/yes/no)

5.3.19 Do the practical placements provide students with experience and skill development in a range of settings? (yes/no)Are there at least three different placements in different settings? (yes/no)Are at least two of the three placements external to the AOU offering the course? (yes/no)Is face-to face casework with clients at least 66% of the total casework undertaken as part of the course? (yes/no)

5.3.20 Does placement occur in the AOU? (NA/yes/no)

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Do the placements provide practical experience in real life issues? (yes/no)Is this placement supervised by a suitably qualified academic (Standard 5.1.3)? (yes/no)

5.3.21 Are all placements supervised by a field supervisor who is formally recognised by the university offering the course? (yes/no)Have all field supervisors submitted a brief curriculum vitae with details of their qualifications and relevant experience for consideration by the course coordinator? (yes/no)Are these curricula vitae held on file in the AOU? (yes/no)


5.3.23 Do all supervisors hold current registration as a psychologist with the relevant registration board and have at least two years experience as a psychologist following the award of their postgraduate psychology degree? (yes/no)Are all field supervisors members of do they hold qualifications which make them eligible to be members of the appropriate APS College? (yes/no)

5.3.24 Where there are appropriate placement opportunities, but a field supervisor satisfying Standard 5.3.23 is unavailable, is a staff member meeting Standard 5.1.3 from the institution assigned the responsibility for the placement in conjunction with a member of staff at the placement agency? (yes/no)Are such arrangements restricted to a maximum of one per student? (NA/yes/no)Do such arrangements constitute less than 30% of placement experience for the student? (NA/yes/no)Is the supervising staff member different from the supervisor for the internal placement? (NA/yes/no)

5.3.25 Does supervision of all placements involve on average one hour of direct contact for each full day (7.5 hours) of placement? (yes/no)If supervision includes direct contact via electronic forms of real-time interaction, including telephone or video conference contact does this exceed 40% of the total supervision hours for the placement? (NA/yes/no)Where supervision comprise a mix of individual and small group formats (no greater than 10) is at least 50% individual supervision? (NA/yes/no)



5.3.28 When half the placement has been completed, are interim reviews conducted which involve the student and supervisor reviewing progress, the student’s performance and the extent to which the placement objectives are being met? (yes/no)Is a copy of this review given to the placement coordinator? (yes/no) Is any action that is required as a result of the review taken? (yes/no)

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5.3.30 If placement occurs at a student’s place of employment does it exceed 33% of any external placement? (yes/no)

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PROFESSIONAL DOCORATES

Course title:

Relevant APS College/s:


NOMENCLATURE

2.3.12 Does the above course include a thesis or dissertation which is of high quality and which reflects the fact that this is a doctoral degree? (yes/no)Does the course include a research component that involves at least the equivalent of one year full-time spent on the thesis component of the course? (yes/no)Does the degree title give an indication of the area of specialisation or application? (yes/no)

STAFFING



5.1.3 Are all staff members who are responsible for any practical placement supervision registered psychologists with at least two years’ relevant full-time experience since completing their own professional qualifications and are they members or eligible to be members of the appropriate APS College? (yes/no)



RESOURCES


5.1.6 Does the test library hold a sufficient range of tests and sufficient copies in the area of specialisation for each course, where relevant, to meet the needs of that course? (yes/no)

5.1.7 Does the institutional library have significant holdings of, or electronic access to, journals, monographs and relevant databases in each area of course specialisation offered by the AOU? (yes/no)

45






5.4.12 If students are granted advance standing for the prior award of Masters are they required to complete new thesis equivalent in standard to a DPsych/PsyD? (yes/no)Is credit only granted for coursework when it can be demonstrated to be equivalent in terms of content and depth of study to the DPsych/PsyD and was undertaken preferably within the last 5 years? (yes/no)Are students required to complete at least 18 months of full-time study or equivalent and 50% of the total course content, including the thesis and additional 500 hours of practicum and any coursework subjects for the DPsych/PsyD for which credit cannot be awarded? (yes/no)



5.1.12(a) Knowledge of the Discipline



published empirical findings supporting theories (especially those which underpin the major forms of psychological intervention) and the methods employed to establish them; (yes/no) the major methods of psychological investigation and techniques of measurement, and their application and interpretation; and design and implementation of psychological interventions. (yes/no)

46







arrangements); (yes/no)oconsent issues; (yes/no)o issues concerning practice with minors and those unable to provide informed consent; (yes/no)oboundary issues; (yes/no)osexual propriety; (yes/no)opsycho-legal issues; (yes/no)o role and cultural issues, including issues for minority or marginalised groups; (yes/no)ogender and sexuality issues; (yes/no)oservice needs of vulnerable groups in society; (yes/no)o registration issues; (yes/no)oadvertising and public statements; (yes/no)obilling practices; (yes/no)o the role of the psychologist within the profession and the workplace; (yes/no)o the roles of other professions and the capacity to report to other professionals appropriately and






(yes/no)o the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines; (yes/no)oappropriately clarifying and negotiating the role and responsibilities as a trainee psychologist; (yes/no)o record keeping, including demonstrated knowledge of the ethical and legal implications of

administrative and record keeping procedures including confidentiality; (yes/no) Self-evaluation or self-assessment skills, including identification of the limits of one’s professional

competence; (yes/no)

47

Ability to apply ethical principles to ethical dilemmas. (yes/no)










48

Activities that promote, restore, sustain or enhance cognitive functioning and a sense of well being in individuals or groups of clients through preventive, developmental or remedial services and/or in the case of groups or organizations, restoring or enhancing group or organizational functioning.Demonstrated capabilities: Strong skills and knowledge regarding intervention strategies, including: superior interpersonal skills (including the ability to form a professional relationship including positive working alliances with clients and colleagues); (yes/no) ability to skilfully negotiate a treatment or service contract; (yes/no) ability to use a theoretical system that explains aetiology and remediation of psychological, social or organizational problems; (yes/no) ability to investigate identified issues relevant to the delivery of the interventions (e.g., ethical dilemmas, stakeholders); (yes/no) ability to identify the nature and documented efficacy of potential interventions; (yes/no) ability to design and/or plan preventative, developmental or remedialinterventions to achieve the best possible outcomes; (yes/no) formulation of treatment plans, goals and strategies for intervention including the ability to justify the link between diagnosis formulation and intervention chosen; (yes/no) researching the empirical literature to develop plans for interventions and drawing on published studies and theories/models relevant to the problem and intervention; (yes/no) justifying the link between diagnosis/formulation and the intervention chosen; (yes/no) implementing preventative, developmental or remedial programs and interventions; (yes/no) familiarity with a range in intervention techniques and strategies as well as their theoretical and empirical bases, for both individuals and groups; (yes/no) counselling skills; (yes/no) highly skilled use of core behaviour change skills including counselling and cognitive behavioural approaches to helping as appropriate in group individual or organizational settings; (yes/no) organisational interventions; career development (i.e., helping with career planning in private or organisational contexts); (yes/no) ability to design and implement evaluations of the impact of the interventions (including the ability to employ appropriate research designs to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions) including:




Systematic inquiry involving problem identification and the acquisition, organisation, and interpretation of information allowing critical analysis and disciplined, rigorous, careful and scientific inquiry into psychological phenomena.

49

Demonstrated capabilities: The application of research knowledge and skills to psychological practice, including: finding, understanding, collating and critiquing published empirical research findings relevant to a phenomenon or problem of interest; (yes/no) identifying and defining problem situations based on observation and other assessment; (yes/no) generating hypotheses based problem definition and other information; (yes/no) designing interventions, therapeutic programs or other means to test hypotheses including an understanding of the principles of single case designs; (yes/no) designing and implementing program evaluation; (yes/no) collecting, recording, and analysing responses to interventions or therapeutic programs; (yes/no) use of qualitative and quantitative methods, skilled analysis of data, and the ability to draw accurate research inferences; (yes/no) critical evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions and programs including:








50





5.1.14 Are students required to attain a sufficiently high level of, proficiency and professionalism in each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in 5.1.12 (a-f) and is this assessed before students are permitted to graduate from the course?

(yes/no)

5.1.15 Can the AOU provide documented evidence of the assessment procedures used to assess the competence, proficiency and professionalism of each student for each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in 5.1.12(a-f)? (yes/no)

Can the AOU show recorded outcomes of those assessments procedures for each student? (yes/no)


LOG BOOK5.1.17 Is a log book kept detailing the number of hours as well as the nature of casework (internal and

external) and supervision undertaken by the student during each placement? (yes/no)Do the log books demonstrate the number of hours of each type of casework and supervision activity undertaken, the dates on which these activities were completed, and distinguish between individual and group supervision? (yes/no)Is the log book for each student carried over to 6th year of professional postgraduate training? (yes/no)Is a copy (electronic or paper) of the log book retained by the AOU after graduation of each student and is it available to APAC or the registration board on request? (yes/no)Are the responsible supervisors signing the log book? (yes/no)

ASSESSMENT

5.1.18 Is the assessment of coursework designed to ensure that students have gained a sound knowledge of all areas presented? (yes/no)Does coursework involve comprehensive examination of the areas presented? (yes/no)

51


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

5.3.1 Have all students accepted into the course successfully completed a four year, or three year plus a fourth year, APAC accredited sequence in psychology within the last 10 years with an upper second class Honours (2A) or equivalent overall mark or are they currently registered psychologists who can demonstrate current compliance with the Registration Board CPD requirements? (yes/no)Are all students eligible for conditional/provisional registration as a psychologist (where required)? (yes/no)

5.3.2 Do selection procedures include consideration of each applicant’s details as set out in an application form, referee reports from at least two referees, and the checking of original degree certificates? (yes/no)Are shortlisted candidates interviewed either face-to-face or via teleconferencing, by a panel comprising at least two members of academic staff of the AOU, one of whom has qualifications equivalent to those required for full membership of the APS College relevant to the area of specialization in the course? (yes/no)

LENGTH

5.4.1 Is the length of the course a minimum of three calendar years of full-time study or the part-time equivalent? (yes/no)

COURSE STRUCTURE

5.4.2 Does at least 90% of the coursework comprise study in psychology, and is it taught by psychologists? (yes/no)Are any potions of the course that are not psychological in an area of direct relevance to the specialisation? (NA/yes/no)

5.4.3 Do coursework, research and practical placement comprise the three main components of the course? (yes/no)Is the course structured so that the learning experiences across these three components are integrated? (yes/no)

52

5.4.4 Do the following structures apply:Does the coursework component link with both the research and practical placement components? (yes/no)In the DPsych or PsyD courses are the three components weighted according to content and University unit weightings to fall within the following ranges:Coursework of 40-50%? (yes/no)Research of 20-33%? (yes/no)Practical placement of 25-30%? (yes/no)Does the course include additional coursework of greater depth and breadth than is generally found in a Masters coursework degree? (yes/no)Do students undertake 1500 hours of supervised practicum? (yes/no)Do the final 500 hours of practicum involve supervision that emphasises a higher level of autonomy and responsibility, and a higher level integration of theory and practice? (yes/no)Does training in supervision feature during the final year of study, either as part of the advanced practicum work, part of advanced coursework, or as a combination of both? (yes/no)Is the thesis or dissertation of high quality and does it reflect the fact that this is a doctoral degree? (yes/no)Does the research component consist of at least the equivalent of one year full-time spent on the thesis component of the course? (yes/no)Does the research component have relevance to the specialisation/s within the discipline? (yes/no)Are both examiners of the research project external to the university? (yes/no)If the thesis is being submitted as part of a dual specialisation course, are the examiners selected with expertise that ensures both areas are adequately examined? (NA/yes/no)

5.4.5 Are students required to pass all three components in order to complete the course? (yes/no)

COURSEWORK

5.3.9 Does the course cover the current version of the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce? (yes/no)Does the course include considerable depth of teaching in practice management, storing and accessing psychology files and record keeping? and; (yes/no)Managing people? (yes/no)

5.3.10 Does the coursework component link with both the research and practical placement components? (yes/no)

RESEARCH

5.4.6 Is the research project conducted in an area of relevance to the area of specialisation/s of the course? (yes/no)

53

5.4.7 Does the research project involve an individual project conducted under supervision? (yes/no)Do students demonstrate a greater independence than at fourth year level, while working under supervision? (yes/no)

5.4.8 Is the project structured so that students undertake all of the steps involved in the research including the formulation of the research question(s), the design of the study including the selection of appropriate methodology, the collection and analysis of data, the interpretation of the findings and preparation of the report? (yes/no)

5.4.9 Is at least one supervisor of the research project an academic member of staff from the AOU presenting the course? (yes/no)Do all of the supervisors hold doctoral qualifications? (yes/no)

5.4.10 Is the examination of the thesis conducted by at least two examiners external to the institution with qualifications at least equivalent to the degree being examined? (yes/no)

5.4.11 Is the final classification decided by the appropriate Committee or other body within the institution, based on the examiners’ reports? (yes/no)

PRACTICAL PLACEMENTS





5.3.20 Does placement occur in the AOU? (NA/yes/no)Do the placements provide practical experience in real life issues? (yes/no)Is this placement supervised by a suitably qualified academic (Standard 5.1.3)? (yes/no)


54









55


56

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OR DIPLOMA IN PSYCHOLOGY (AREA OF SPECIALISATION)

Course title:

Relevant APS College/s:


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

5.5.1 Have all students been awarded a postgraduate professional degree in a specified accredited specialisation? (yes/no)Do all students have eligibility for or been awarded full membership of the APS College of that specialisation? (yes/no)Has the original postgraduate training contained at least 500 hours of supervised practice appropriate and relevant to practice in the speciality area of the second or additional APS College? (yes/no)Was the original postgraduate thesis appropriate to the area of the second or additional APS College? (yes/no)

LENGTH

5.5.2 Is the course at least one year half-time in duration? (yes/no)

PRACTICUM

5.5.3 Does the course contain 500 hours of relevant placement experience? (yes/no)Is the placement experience supervised by psychologist(s) who are members of the second or additional APS College? (yes/no)Is the supervised practice in parallel with the additional coursework? (yes/no)

5.5.4/5.3.17 Is there provision for adequate education and training in professional skills and knowledge, including ethics within the course for all students prior to beginning their first placement? (yes/no)Is there ongoing class contact with students that relates to and develops their placement experiences? (yes/no)



57


5.3.20 Does placement occur in the AOU? (NA/yes/no)Do the placements provide practical experience in real life issues? (yes/no)Is this placement supervised by a suitably qualified academic (Standard 5.1.3)? (yes/no)







5.3.27 At the beginning of each placement, is a supervision contract completed and signed by the student and the supervisor stating the objectives for the placement including the range of

58

activities to be covered and the skill base to be developed? (yes/no)Are such forms approved by the placement coordinator? (yes/no)




COURSEWORK

5.5.5 Are all topics required for the second or additional specialty covered either in the original postgraduate training in psychology, or by additional units in the course? (yes/no)Does the additional coursework include at least four semester-long units covering knowledge, competencies, and skills in the new specialty and include placement requirements? (yes/no)

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HIGHER DEGREE BY RESEARCH (HDR) PROGRAMS

2.1.3 Does the Psychology AOU offer research higher degree programs? (yes/no)

If yes, which programs are offered?

Are there sufficient qualified staff to provide adequate supervision and teaching across all research and professional programs offered? (yes/no)

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Documents

admin.psychology.org.auadmin.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/Checklist APAC Rules and... · Web viewadmin.psychology.org.au