APAC [Australia Psychological Accredition Council] Checklist February 2008

7/28/2019 APAC [Australia Psychological Accredition Council] Checklist February 2008

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APAC ACCREDITATION CHECKLIST & REPORT TEMPLATE

Developed for APAC Standards dated 25 February 2008.

OVERVIEW

Name of Institution: _________________________________________________

Name of AOU: _____________________________________________________

Date of Site Visit: ___________________________________________________

Site Visit Team: ____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Date & version:____________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION

Please provide a brief overview of significant changes to the Psychology AOU since theprevious accreditation site visit.

COURSES FOR WHICH ACCREDITATION IS SOUGHT

Please provide a list of all courses for which accreditation is sought, including the campusand the mode in which it is offered. This list must also include any double degree options.

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SECTION 2 – GENERAL ACCREDITATION STANDARDS

THE PSYCHOLOGY AOU – STANDARD 2.1

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. Departmentof Psychology)?

(yes/no)

2.1.3: Is the Psychology AOU in a position to simultaneously offer the three yearsequence in psychology, a fourth year course (Honours and Postgraduate

Diploma) and higher degree by research courses?

(yes/no)

2.1.4: Has the Psychology AOU demonstrated that it has the necessary andappropriate level of staffing and other resources and facilities to provide aneducation in psychology at a high standard in all courses for which it isseeking accreditation?

(yes/no)

2.1.5: Is the Head of the Psychology AOU a senior, experienced and recognisedacademic?

(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 thediscipline of psychology?

(yes/no)

2.1.7: Do the staff of the AOU comply with applicable codes of ethical conduct?

(yes/no)

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2.1.8 Do grades of assessment employed in courses offered by the AOU conformto the guidelines set down in the in the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee Grades for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Coursework

Degree Subjects 2002 available fromhttp://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/documents/universities/key_sur

vey_summaries/Summary1_02_Grades_Aug02.pdf

(yes/no)

MULTI-CAMPUS INSTITUTIONS – STANDARD 2.2

Does the institution offer psychology courses on different campuses?(yes/no) If the answer is no, please delete this section and proceed to

Academic Staffing – Standard 2.4. If the answer is yes, please ensure thesection on Academic Staffing – Standard 2.4 is completed for each campusthat offers the undergraduate and/or postgraduate coursework andresearch degrees.

2.2.1 Has the institution demonstrated that there are appropriate staffing andresource levels of each campus?

(yes/no)Has the institution demonstrated that students on each campus haveacceptable levels of access to units, courses and facilities?

(yes/no)

2.2.2 Which campuses are sufficiently close geographically to offer studentsdirect access to units, courses and all resources on both without specialarrangements being put in place?

2.4.11 Please list all campuses that offer only the three or four year undergraduatesequence:

For each of the above listed campuses: Are there eight or more full-time (or full-time equivalent) psychology

academic staff based on this campus?

(yes/no) Are courses supplemented through distance education methods if needed?

(yes/no)Is there a level E or D appointment on this campus?

(yes/no) Are there at least two level C appointments on this campus?

(yes/no)Do at least 50% of the staff on this campus hold higher research degrees

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http://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/documents/universities/key_survey_summaries/Summary1_02_Grades_Aug02.pdf







and have established research records with demonstrated research activity in the forms of grants, conference presentations, and publications inrefereed journals?

(yes/no)Do all staff have demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate

level, including the supervision of Honours research?

(yes/no) Are the areas of expertise of the psychology academic staff sufficient tocover the core subjects and some specialist options in the three and four

year courses outlined in Standards 3.1.6-3.1.10 and 3.2.4-3.2.7?

(yes/no)

2.5.9 Is there a test library with adequate holdings on each campus on whichpsychology programs are taught, or an effective and satisfactory means of

ensuring rapid document delivery between campuses?

(yes/no)

2.5.12 Has the institution provided a list of holdings in psychology on eachcampus?

(yes/no)Has the Psychology AOU demonstrated that there is guaranteed equity of access to these holdings for all students irrespective of which campus they

are based on?

(yes/no) Are arrangements in place to transfer material from one campus to another within one day of the request?

(yes/no)

ACADEMIC STAFFING – STANDARD 2.4

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-timeappointments?

(yes/no) Are these staff based full-time on the campus at which the Head and theadministration of the Psychology AOU reside?

(yes/no)Do these psychology academic staff meet the requirements for full APS

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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 andsixth year, and supervises some postgraduate research?

(yes/no)

2.4.3 What is the student:academic staff ratio?

How has this ratio been calculated?

When was this ratio calculated?

Is this ratio acceptable?

(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 levelD?

(yes/no)

2.4.6 Do at least 80% of the psychology academic staff have PhDs, established orpromising research records with demonstrated research activity in theform 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 researchsupervision experience?

(yes/no)Has the Psychology AOU demonstrated systematic monitoring of teachingquality?

(yes/no)

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2.4.8 Are there at least three psychology academic staff who hold a PhD in arelevant area of psychology for each professional program?

(yes/no) Are most of these staff eligible for full Membership of the relevant APSCollege?

(yes/no) Are at least two psychology academic staff full-time appointments withinthe 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 eligiblefor the relevant APS College Membership and suitably qualified andexperienced to run a postgraduate program?

(yes/no)Have sufficient level D/E psychology academic staff been appointed toensure that no level D/E has responsibility for more than two cognateprograms?

(yes/no)

2.4.9 Are the areas of expertise of the psychology academic staff sufficient tocover the core subjects and some specialist options in the three and four

year courses outlined in Standards 3.1.6-3.1.10 and 3.2.4-3.2.7 and theareas taught in all postgraduate courses offered by the Psychology AOU?(yes/no) If not, has the Psychology AOU employed individuals withparticular expertise to teach in some specialist areas in postgraduatecourses?

(yes/no)Is the capacity of the Psychology AOU to teach the core topics in the threeand four year courses undiminished by the postgraduate programs onoffer?

(yes/no)

2.4.10 Is the AOU in a position to continue offering the number of professionalcourses currently on offer?

(yes/no)

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RESOURCES – SECTION 2.5

2.5 Do suitably qualified disabled students have avenues and facilities toundertake study within the Psychology AOU?

(yes/no)

2.5.1 Has the Psychology AOU demonstrated adequate access to secretarial,administrative, technical and computing support?

(yes/no)

2.5.2 Does the Psychology AOU have access to lecture theatres and tutorialrooms that meet all of their requirements?

(yes/no) Are all rooms equipped with black or white boards?

(yes/no) Are all rooms equipped with overhead projection facilities?

(yes/no)Do some rooms have facilities for slide, video, film and data projection,

viewing windows and/or video cameras?

(yes/no)

2.5.3 Does the Psychology AOU have assured access to adequate and dedicated

laboratory space, including at least one undergraduate laboratory withcomputer facilities for undergraduate classes?

(yes/no)

2.5.4 Does the Psychology AOU have assured access to adequate and dedicatedlaboratory facilities sufficient to meet the needs of the research programs of the psychology academic staff and of the students completing courses withresearch components?

(yes/no)

2.5.5 Are laboratories equipped with standard psychological apparatus requiredfor demonstrating and running a range of experiments that should formpart of the curriculum?

(yes/no)

2.5.6 Does the Psychology AOU have sufficient facilities to provide students withaccess to computers beyond those required in formal laboratory sessions tosupport research and teaching methods?

(yes/no)

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2.5.7 Does the Psychology AOU provide access for staff and students to a rangeof software packages including statistical packages, spreadsheets and otherdata presentation packages and word processing packages?

(yes/no)

2.5.8 Does the Psychology AOU have access to a computer network which hasfull electronic mail facilities and is linked to the internet and on-linedatabases?

(yes/no)

2.5.9 Does the Psychology AOU have a test library which has up-to-date copiesof the most frequently used psychological tests as well as copies of testsrequired to support postgraduate teaching programs and researchprograms in specialist areas?

(yes/no) Are sufficient copies of tests and materials held to meet teaching andresearch needs?

(yes/no)Can the AOU(s) making use of the facilities demonstrate that a portion of the budget commensurate with the size of the AOU(s) is allocated to thepurchase of tests and associated materials?

(yes/no)

2.5.10 Does a psychology academic staff member who is at level B or higher haveresponsibility for the test library?

(yes/no)Can the psychology AOU demonstrate that procedures are in place torestrict access to psychological test materials to qualified psychologists andstudents enrolled in assessment and testing units who require access aspart 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 andup-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

8



and commonly used psychology electronic databases and does it provideregular training to staff and students in their use?

(yes/no)Has the psychology AOU demonstrated that funding commensurate withthe number of psychology courses offered and the number of students

enrolled is allocated to the purchase of library materials for psychology?

(yes/no)

MIXED MODE EDUCATION – SECTION 2.6

Are any programs offered in mixed mode education? (yes/no) If the answer is no, pleaseproceed to Undergraduate Course(s) – Section 3.

2.6.1 Is course administration provided for the broad administrative structure

needed to run a course or part of a course in the distance mode, and for theadministrative details associated with a particular unit?

(yes/no)

2.6.2 Can the Psychology AOU demonstrate that it has access to the followingfacilities:Instructional design?

(yes/no)Production of print and electronic media?

(yes/no) An administrative system that handles all mailings to and from students?

(yes/no) An administrative backup system through which the students cancommunicate with the academic staff?

(yes/no)Regional liaison officers to assist with communication?

(yes/no)Regional support centres that offer internet access, telephone conferencing,

videoconferencing and basic library facilities?

(yes/no)Organisation of telephone and videoconferencing?

(yes/no)Organisation of residential schools?

(yes/no)

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Comprehensive interactive, internet and web-cased technologies?

(yes/no)Mechanisms for student evaluation of units?Can the Psychology AOU demonstrate that it can provide the following:Easy telephone access?

(yes/no)Designated hours, specified in written form, when staff will be available fortelephone calls?

(yes/no)Evidence of recognition given for staff time spent counselling externalstudents?

(yes/no)

EFTSU requirements the same as for on-campus teaching?

(yes/no)Provision of sufficient time to prepare and update teaching material?

(yes/no)Careful scheduling of residential schools to minimise travelling forstudents?

(yes/no)Speedy turnaround of assignments?

(yes/no)

2.6.3 Does the AOU have the following elements of infrastructure: A computer system that allows off-campus students access to the internet,email, databases, etc?

(yes/no) A library that can offer special services to off-campus students (e.g. freeinterlibrary loans) or provision of reading material via post or electronictechnologies?

(yes/no)Evidence of the establishment of access to adequate library facilities?

(yes/no) Availability of journals on-line?

(yes/no) A Student Services facility that can provide telephone support (e.g.counselling) to off-campus students?

(yes/no)

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Financial support for staff so that telephone calls can be initiated orreturned?

(yes/no)Prescribed texts?

(yes/no) Adequate access to teaching videos, computer programs and internetresources?

(yes/no)Equity of access for all students?

(yes/no)

2.6.4 For mixed mode courses:Do students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them for the

course in terms of work schedules, assignments and reading programs?

(yes/no)Do undergraduate courses include laboratory training offered to off-campus students, probably using a careful selection of projects, innovativeuse of technology, and good use of residential schools?

(yes/no)Is the laboratory training offered to off-campus students equivalent incontent and duration to that undertaken by on-campus students?

(yes/no)Do off-campus students the same opportunities for practical skills trainingin undergraduate courses that on-campus students have access to?

(yes/no)Is student access to innovative technology facilitated?

(yes/no)Has it been demonstrated that all students have some means of immediateaccess to staff so that questions can be answered and difficulties resolved,

no matter which techniques are used to achieve the objectives for the unit?

(yes/no)Do off-campus students at the fourth year level have face-to-face contactfor coursework units and for thesis supervision?

(yes/no)Do research components have residential schools?

(yes/no)

Do the duration and supervisory arrangements of placements meet APACStandards for Accreditation and APS College Course Approval Guidelines

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(for postgraduate professional courses)?

(yes/no) Are written resources describing the course and unit outlines and methodsof assessment available to students?

(yes/no) Are expectations regarding the personal provision of equipment clearly described to students prior to enrolment?

(yes/no)

Are any programs offered in off shore locations? (yes/no) If the answer is no, pleaseproceed to Questions 2.6.6.

2.6.5 Are the following features present for all off shore courses:Have suitably qualified local tutors been appointed to assist with

educational advice and support?

(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 thestudents that they can attend residential schools in Australia?

(yes/no)Has access to adequate library, test library and laboratory facilities in theother country been provided, supplemented with the provision of andarrangements 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 toensure they are meeting the same standards as those required of Australianstudents?

(yes/no)

2.6.6 Do mixed mode and distance education courses provide the opportunity for formative assessment aimed primarily at facilitating learning as distinct

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from contributing to the final assessment?

(yes/no) Are these opportunities marked according to the same criteria andstandards as those applying to on-campuses assessments?

(yes/no)

2.6.7 Are assessments which count for the final grade the same whether studentslearn primarily via traditional on-campus courses, mixed mode courses oroff-shore and distance education?

(yes/no)

2.6.8 Are student evaluations of coursework units obtained?

(yes/no)

Do academic staff use other methods to assess the adequacy of the learningexperience?

(yes/no) Are comparisons of performance between internal and external studentsmade to ensure the standards of both courses are comparable?

(yes/no)

2.6.9 Can the AOU demonstrate that physical and electronic access to the library,test library, laboratories and other relevant resources is equivalent to the

accredited on-campus course?

(yes/no)

Recommendation: That the AOU at ____ receive the grade of (full/conditional/failed) accreditation on the basis that it (meets allof/meets some but not all of/does not meet) the APAC AccreditationStandards.

Recommendation: That the AOU at _____ be advised that it must satisfy

the following conditions within (12/_____) months of the date of thisdetermination before full accreditation can be determined:

•

•

•

•

It is further suggested, but not required, that:

•

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•

•

•

The AOU is to be commended for:

•

•

•

•

UNDERGRADUATE COURSE(S) – SECTION 3

For which undergraduate programs is accreditation being sought?

2.3.3 Has the title “Bachelor of Psychology” been reserved for integrated four year sequences?

(yes/no)

2.3.5 Do all bachelor degrees require at least three years of full-time study orequivalent?

(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 SEQUENCE

Course title:_______________________________________________________

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 inpsychology?

(yes/no)

2.3.2 If this program is 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?

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(NA/yes/no)

3.1.1 Is the length of the course three years of full-time study or equivalent?

(yes/no)

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 arecovered by all students while also offering the opportunity through electivecomponents for students to study some areas in greater depth?

(yes/no)

3.1.6 Is the emphasis of the course on providing an education in the corediscipline of psychology and not in one or more specialist areas of thediscipline?

(yes/no) Are the students continuously introduced to the scientific study of psychology?

(yes/no)Do students enter fourth year psychology prepared to pursue advancedstudies 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 acceptedpsychological standards?

(yes/no)

3.1.7 Does the course provide students with a solid foundation in the followingcore psychology graduate attributes, which are demonstrated through:

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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)Graduate Attribute 2: Research methods in psychology:Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology?

(yes/no)Describe, apply and evaluation the different research methods used by psychologists?

(yes/no)Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory-based and other psychologicalresearch?

(yes/no)Design and conduct basic studies to address psychological questions:

frame research questions; undertake literature searches; critically analysetheoretical and empirical studies; formulate testable hypotheses;

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operationalise variables; choose an appropriate methodology; make validand reliable measurements; analyse data and interpret results; and writeresearch reports?

(yes/no)Graduate Attribute 3: Critical thinking skills:

Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problemsrelated to behaviour and mental processes?

(yes/no)Question claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience oruntested 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 otherprofessional contexts in relation to the APS “Code of Ethics” and thecomplimentary “Ethical Guidelines”, as well as the Australian “NationalPractice 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 formattingconventions?

(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 humanrights?

(yes/no) Apply knowledge of consumer and carer participation in psychologicalcare?

(yes/no) Apply knowledge of psychology, society and the workplace/influencingsystems?

(yes/no)Describe major areas of applied psychology?

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(yes/no)Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal andprofessional development in the changing world of the science and practiceof psychology?

(yes/no)

3.1.8 Has the AOU demonstrated that it provides substantial coverage in thecore 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 levelsafter second year?

(yes/no)

3.1.10 Do students have formal practical work as part of their coursework inpsychology at each of the first three year levels?

(yes/no) Are science and application integrated wherever possible?

(yes/no)

3.1.11 Does the assessment of components of the course involve coursework,submissions by students including essays and laboratory reports, andformal examinations?

(yes/no)If oral presentations are included as an assessment component, is the basisupon 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)Do examinations from second year onwards go beyond multiple-choice?

(yes/no)

3.1.13 Do students receive detailed and timely feedback on their assignments?

(yes/no)

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3.1.14 Are appropriate procedures in place to ensure that standards aremaintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or gradesis 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 orother instances of unethical conduct?

(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 isaccredited and the completed course is part of an accredited sequence?

(yes/no)

3.1.18 Does the AOU ensure that any student transferring into the accreditedsequence completes all core areas outlined in the Standards?

(yes/no)

Recommendation: That the ____ at ____ receive the grade of

(full/conditional/failed) accreditation as providing a three year sequenceof study in psychology on the basis that it (meets all of/meets some but notall of/does not meet) the APAC Accreditation Standards.

Recommendation: That the AOU at _____ be advised that it must satisfy the following conditions within (12/_____) months of the date of thisdetermination before full accreditation can be determined:

•

•

•

•


•

•

•

•

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•

•

•

•

FOURTH YEAR COURSES

Course title:_______________________________________________________

2.3.6 Does the above program only exist to allow students with a three year APAC accredited sequence 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)

3.2.1 Is the entry requirement the previous successful completion of anaccredited three year sequence in psychology or the first three years of anintegrated accredited fourth year course?

(yes/no)

3.2.2 Is the length of the course one year full-time or the equivalent?

(yes/no)

3.2.3 Does the course contain 100% psychology? (yes/no) If not, is there: A minimum of 80% psychology?

(yes/no) A demonstration by the AOU that the non-psychology components arefrom a cognate discipline?

(yes/no)

The option for students to complete 100% psychology?

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(yes/no)

3.2.4 Does the course provide students with advanced education and training inthe following core psychology graduate attributes:

Advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge in some of the core research

areas of the discipline?

(yes/no)Knowledge of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning theconstruction, 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)

3.2.5 If the course offers some opportunity for coverage of applied topics and basic skills, 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)

3.2.6 Is the content of all lectures, seminars and tutorials supported by relevantand up-to-date reference material which includes references to journalarticles?

(yes/no)

3.2.7 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 conductthemselves in an ethical and professional manner?

(NA/yes/no)

3.2.8 Are students given sufficient grounding in relevant research methods andin professional and research ethics prior to undertaking any research or

supervised testing and assessment?

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(yes/no)

3.2.9 Does the course contain a substantial research project?

(yes/no)

3.2.10 Does the individual research project carry a final assessment weightreflecting 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)

3.2.11 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 thesteps involved in research including the formulation of research questions,the design of the study including selection of appropriate methodology, thecollection of data to test the research question, the interpretation of thefindings and the writing up of the report?

(yes/no)

3.2.12 Do the research questions being pursued address issues specifically relevant to the field of psychology?

(yes/no)

3.2.13 Is each research project supervised by at least one member of thepsychology academic staff from the AOU?

(yes/no)

3.2.14 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)

3.2.15 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)

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3.2.16 Do the assessment components of the course involve coursework,submissions by students including essays and laboratory reports, andexaminations?

(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)

3.2.17 Do students receive detailed and timely feedback on their assignments?

(yes/no)

3.2.18 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 leastthree examiners?

(yes/no)

3.2.19 Does each examiner of a research report provide a grade and acomprehensive examiner’s report?

(yes/no) Are appropriate procedures in place to resolve any discrepancies that arise between examiners?

(yes/no)

3.2.20 Are appropriate procedures in place to ensure that standards aremaintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or gradesis treated with the utmost care and attention?

(yes/no) Was evidence of any external audit of student’s work conducted in theprevious three to five years made available to PDAC?

(yes/ no)

3.2.21 Are appropriate procedures in place to deal with student appeals?

(yes/no)

3.2.22 Are appropriate procedures in place to deal with cases of plagiarism orother instances of unethical conduct?

(yes/no)

3.2.23 Are students transferring in from another AOU in order to undertake afourth year course in psychology only given recognition for studies in

23



psychology if the AOU at which they completed the previous three years is APAC accredited and the completed course is part of an APAC accreditedsequence?

(yes/no)

3.2.24 Are students restricted from transferring from other institutions during thefourth year apart from exceptional circumstances?

(yes/no)

Recommendation: That the ____ at ____ receive the grade of (full/conditional/failed) accreditation as providing a 4 th year of study inpsychology on the basis that it (meets all of/meets some but not all of/doesnot meet) the APAC Accreditation Standards.



This recommendation is conditional upon:

•

•

•

•


•

•

•

•


•

•

•

•

FOUR YEAR SEQUENCE

Course title:_______________________________________________________24



Is the length of the course four years of full-time study or equivalent?

(yes/no)

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 inpsychology?

(yes/no)

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 electivecomponents for students to study some areas in greater depth?

(yes/no)

3.2.3 Does the fourth year contain 100% psychology? (yes/no) If not, is there: A minimum of 80% psychology?

(yes/no) A demonstration by the AOU that the non-psychology components arefrom a cognate discipline?

(yes/no)The option for students to complete 100% psychology?

(yes/no)

3.1.6 Is the emphasis of the course on providing an education in the corediscipline of psychology and not in one or more specialist areas of thediscipline?

(yes/no)

Are the students continuously introduced to the scientific study of psychology?

25



(yes/no)Do students enter fourth year psychology prepared to pursue advancedstudies 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 acceptedpsychological standards?

(yes/no)

3.1.7 Does the course provide students with a solid foundation in the followingcore 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?

26



(yes/no)Graduate Attribute 2: Research methods in psychology:Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology?

(yes/no)

Describe, apply and evaluation the different research methods used by psychologists?

(yes/no)Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory-based and other psychologicalresearch?

(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 validand reliable measurements; analyse data and interpret results; and writeresearch reports?

(yes/no)Graduate Attribute 3: Critical thinking skills:

Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problemsrelated to behaviour and mental processes?

(yes/no)

Question claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience oruntested 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 otherprofessional contexts in relation to the APS “Code of Ethics” and the

complimentary “Ethical Guidelines”, as well as the Australian “NationalPractice 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 formattingconventions?

(yes/no)Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats and for

27



various purposes?

(yes/no)Graduate Attribute 6: Learning and the application of psychology:

Apply knowledge of legislative frameworks including privacy and humanrights?

(yes/no) Apply knowledge of consumer and carer participation in psychologicalcare?

(yes/no) Apply knowledge of psychology, society and the workplace/influencingsystems?

(yes/no)

Describe major areas of applied psychology?

(yes/no)Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal andprofessional development in the changing world of the science and practiceof psychology?

(yes/no)

3.1.8 Has the AOU demonstrated that it provides substantial coverage in thecore topics listed in Standard 3.1.7?

(yes/no)

3.1.9/2.6 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 levelsafter second year?

(yes/no)

3.1.10 Do students have formal practical work as part of their coursework inpsychology at each of the first three year levels?

(yes/no) Are science and application integrated wherever possible?

(yes/no)

3.2.4 Does the fourth year provide students with advanced education andtraining in the following core psychology graduate attributes:

Advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge in some of the core researchareas of the discipline?

28



(yes/no)Knowledge of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning theconstruction, 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)

3.2.5 If the fourth year offers some opportunity for coverage of applied topics

and basic skills, is applied material based on the scientist-practitionermodel?

(yes/no)Is the basis for subsequent training emphasised, rather than mastery of advanced professional skills?

(yes/no)

3.2.7 If a placement component is included, does it comprise less than 10% of

the total fourth year credit points?

(NA/yes/no) Are procedures in place to ensure students on placement conductthemselves in an ethical and professional manner?

(NA/yes/no)

3.2.8 Are students given sufficient grounding in relevant research methods andin professional and research ethics prior to undertaking any research orsupervised testing and assessment?

(yes/no)

3.2.9 Does the fourth year contain a substantial research project?

(yes/no)

3.2.10 Does the individual research project carry a final assessment weightreflecting a minimum of one third of the credit point weight for the fourth

year?

(yes/no)Does the credit point weight reflect the percentage of the fourth year’s

29



work?

(yes/no)

3.2.11 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 thesteps involved in research including the formulation of research questions,the design of the study including selection of appropriate methodology, thecollection of data to test the research question, the interpretation of thefindings and the writing up of the report?

(yes/no)

3.2.12 Do the research questions being pursued address issues specifically relevant to the field of psychology?

(yes/no)

3.2.13 Is each research project supervised by at least one member of thepsychology academic staff from the AOU?

(yes/no)

3.2.14 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)

3.2.15 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)

3.1.11/2.16 Does the assessment of components of the course involve coursework,submissions by students including essays and laboratory reports, andformal examinations?

(yes/no)If oral presentations are included as an assessment component, is the basisupon 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?

30



(yes/no)Do examinations from second year onwards go beyond multiple-choice?

(yes/no)

3.1.13/2.17 Do students receive detailed and timely feedback on their assignments?

(yes/no)

3.1.14/2.20 Are appropriate procedures in place to ensure that standards aremaintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or gradesis treated with the utmost care and attention?

(yes/no) Was evidence of any external audit of student’s work conducted in theprevious three to five years made available to PDAC?

(yes/no)

3.1.15/2.21 Are appropriate procedures in place to deal with student appeals?

(yes/no)

3.1.16/2.22 Are appropriate procedures in place to deal with cases of plagiarism orother instances of unethical conduct?

(yes/no)

3.2.18 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 leastthree examiners?

(yes/no)

3.2.19 Does each examiner of a research report provide a grade and acomprehensive examiner’s report?

(yes/no) Are appropriate procedures in place to resolve any discrepancies that arise between examiners?

(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 inpsychology completed if the AOU at which they completed these studies isaccredited and the completed course is part of an accredited sequence?

(yes/no)

31



3.1.18 Does the AOU ensure that any student transferring into the accreditedsequence completes all core areas outlined in the Standards?

(yes/no)

3.2.23 Are students transferring in from another AOU in order to undertake a

fourth year course in psychology only given recognition for studies inpsychology if the AOU at which they completed the previous three years is APAC accredited and the completed course is part of an APAC accreditedsequence?

(yes/no)

3.2.24 Are students restricted from transferring from other institutions during thefourth year apart from exceptional circumstances?

(yes/no)

Recommendation: That the ____ at ____ receive the grade of (full/conditional/failed) accreditation as providing a four year sequenceof study in psychology on the basis that it (meets all of/meets some but notall of/does not meet) the APAC Accreditation Standards.


•

•

•

•


•

•

•

•


•

•

•

•

32



POSTGRADUATE PROFESSIONAL COURSE(S) – SECTION 4

For which professional postgraduate programs is accreditation being sought?

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

MASTER OF PSYCHOLOGY/DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Course title:_______________________________________________________

Relevant College:___________________________________________________

2.3.7 Is the above course offered as a postgraduate coursework course at fifthand sixth years?

(yes/no)Is the course at least two calendar years of full-time study leading to aMasters 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)

2.3.8 If the above course is generalist, does the course title avoid reference to aspecialisation or application?

(yes/no)

2.3.9 If the above degree title is a Doctor of Philosophy, are all components of thepostgraduate coursework requirements for an accredited Master of Psychology included?

(yes/no)Does the degree title make clear reference to the area of specialisation orapplication?

(yes/no)Does the degree include a course of research leading to a thesis equivalentto other Doctor of Philosophy by research courses?

(yes/no)Is the course at least four years of full-time study?

(yes/no)

33



4.1.1 Have all students accepted into the course successfully completed a four year, or three year plus a fourth year, accredited sequence in psychology?

(yes/no) Are all students eligible for Associate Membership of the APS and forconditional registration as a psychologist (where required)?

(yes/no)

4.1.2 Do selection procedures include consideration of each applicant’s details asset out in an application form, referee reports from at least two referees,and the checking of original degree certificates?

(yes/no)

4.1.3 If this program is a coursework Masters course, is the length of study two years full-time or the part-time equivalent?

(NA/yes/no)

4.1.4 If this program is a Doctor of Psychology which includes the equivalent of the fifth and sixth year education, is the length of study a minimum of four

years full-time or the part-time equivalent?

(NA/yes/no)

4.1.5 Do the staffing requirements for the course meet Standards 2.4.9 to 2.4.11?

(yes/no)

4.1.6 Is the student:academic staff ratio of this course acceptably close to 6:1?

(yes/no)

4.1.7 Are all psychology academic staff who are responsible for any practicalplacement supervision associated with the course registered psychologists?

(yes/no) Are they members or eligible for membership of the appropriate APS

College?

(NA/yes/no)Do they have at least two years relevant full-time professional experience asa psychologist following completion of their own specialist postgraduatequalifications?

(yes/no)

4.1.8 Does the AOU have in place an effective mechanism through which therecan be full consultation with representatives of the field supervisors and of

future employment agencies for graduates of the course?

34



(yes/no)

4.1.9 Are there adequate facilities available to the AOU for training students ininterviewing, testing and assessment?

(yes/no)Do these facilities include rooms which are sufficiently well sound-proofedto 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 forinterviewing?

(yes/no)

4.1.10 Does the test library hold a sufficient range of tests and sufficient copies inthe area of specialisation for each course, where relevant, to meet the needsof that course?

(yes/no)

4.1.11 Does the institutional library have significant holdings of, or electronicaccess to, journals, monographs and relevant databases in each area of course specialisation offered by the AOU?

(yes/no)

4.1.12 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 asto the internet?

(yes/no)

4.1.13 Does at least 70% of the coursework comprise study in psychology, and is ittaught by psychologists?

(yes/no)

Are any potions of the course that are not psychological in an area of directrelevance to the specialisation?

(NA/yes/no)

4.1.14 Do coursework, research and practical placement comprise the three maincomponents of the course?

(yes/no)Is the course structured so that the learning experiences across these threecomponents are integrated?

35



(yes/no)

4.1.15 If the course is a Masters level course, are the three components weightedaccording to content and University unit weightings to fall within thefollowing ranges:

Coursework of 40-50%?

(yes/no)Research of 20-33%?

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

(yes/no)

4.1.16 Are students required to pass all three components in order to complete

the course?

(yes/no)

4.1.17 In addition to the specialist content, and with regard to the NationalPractice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce, do all courses includeeducation and training in the following areas:Interview and history taking?

(yes/no)Counselling?

(yes/no)Consultation?

(yes/no)Intercultural and ethnic issues; working with indigenous groups?

(yes/no) Assessment, including theory and administration of tests?

(yes/no)Planning and implementing interventions?

(yes/no)Report writing?

(yes/no)Storing and accessing psychology files; record keeping?

(yes/no) Administration and management; management of a service or unit?

(yes/no)

36



Planning and implementing evaluation courses?

(yes/no)Planning and implementing research?

(yes/no)

Ethics, including confidentiality?

(yes/no)Legal issues?

(yes/no)

4.1.18 Does the coursework component link with both the research and practicalplacement components?

(yes/no)

Are all areas of knowledge and skills specified in Standard 4.1.17 covered inthe coursework component of the course?

(yes/no)

4.1.19 Is the assessment of coursework designed to ensure that students havegained a sound knowledge of all areas presented?

(yes/no)Does coursework involve comprehensive examination of the areaspresented?

(yes/no)

4.1.20 Is the research project conducted in an area of relevance to the area of specialisation of the course?

(yes/no)

4.1.21 Does the research project involve an individual project conducted undersupervision?

(yes/no)Do students demonstrate a greater independence than at fourth year level,

while working under supervision?

(yes/no)

4.1.22 Is the project structured so that students undertake all of the stepsinvolved in the research including the formulation of the researchquestion(s), the design of the study including the selection of appropriatemethodology, the collection and analysis of data, the interpretation of the

findings and preparation of the report?

37



(yes/no)

4.1.23 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)

4.1.24 Is the research project written up and presented as a report forassessment?

(yes/no)If the course is a Masters degree, does the report include a substantialliterature review?

(NA/yes/no)If the course is a Masters degree, is the length of the text of the report

between 9000 and 15000 words?

(NA/yes/no)If the course is a PhD, does the thesis meet the requirement that it reportsresearch which makes a significant, substantial and original contributionto knowledge?

(NA/yes/no)If the course is a PhD, does it satisfy the PhD standards set by theuniversity?

(NA/yes/no)

4.1.25 If the course is a Masters degree, are the examination procedures for thethesis at least equivalent to those for an Honours thesis as outlined inStandards 3.2.18 to 3.2.20?

(NA/yes/no)

Is the final classification of the thesis decided by the appropriateCommittee or other body within the institution, based on the examiners’reports?

(yes/no)

4.1.26 Is there provision for adequate education and training in professional skillsand knowledge within the course for all students prior to beginning theirfirst placement?

(yes/no)

Is there ongoing class contact with students that relates to and developstheir placement experiences?

38



(yes/no)

4.1.27 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 specialisationcovered 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)

4.1.28 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 thecourse?

(yes/no)

4.1.29 If there is a placement within the AOU, do the facilities provide practicalexperience with “real life” issues?

(NA/yes/no)Is a log book of casework and supervision maintained that details thenature and hours of placement, as well as the nature and hours of supervision undertaken?

(yes/no) Are supervisors required to endorse, by written notation, that the log book

is a true reflection of the placement?

(yes/no)

4.1.30 Are all external 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 coursecoordinator?

(yes/no)

39



Are these curricula vitae held on file in the AOU?

(yes/no)

4.1.31 Is a log book kept detailing the number of hours as well as the nature of casework 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 theseactivities were completed, and distinguish between individual and groupsupervision?

(yes/no) Are the responsible supervisors signing the log book?

(yes/no)

4.1.32 Do all reports and casenotes written by the student arising from trainingundertaken as part of all placements bear the signature of the responsiblesupervisor?

(yes/no)

4.1.33 Are all field supervisors members or eligible for membership of theappropriate APS College, or of any APS College if the course is generalist?

(yes/no)Do all field supervisors have at least two years full-time experience as apsychologist following the award of their postgraduate psychology degree?

(yes/no) Are all field supervisors registered as a psychologist with the appropriateregistration board?

(yes/no)

4.1.34 Where there are appropriate placement opportunities, but a fieldsupervisor satisfying Standard 4.1.31 is unavailable, is a staff membermeeting Standard 4.1.7 from the institution assigned the responsibility forthe placement in conjunction with a member of staff at the placementagency?

(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?

40



(NA/yes/no)Is the supervising staff member different from the supervisor for theinternal placement?

(NA/yes/no)

4.1.35 Does supervision of all placements involve on average one hour of directcontact for each full day of placement?

(yes/no)If supervision comprises a mix of individual and small group formats, isthere a minimum of 50% individual supervision?

(NA/yes/no)

4.1.36 Has a member of psychology academic staff, who is either a member or

eligible for membership of the appropriate APS College, been appointed asplacement co-ordinator?

(yes/no)Does this staff member have the responsibility for liaising directly with allfield supervisors and for ensuring that students have an appropriate rangeof placement experiences?

(yes/no)

4.1.37 At the beginning of each placement, is a supervision contract completed

and signed by the student and the supervisor stating the objectives for theplacement including the range of activities to be covered and the skill baseto be developed?

(yes/no) Are such forms approved by the placement co-ordinator?

(yes/no)

4.1.38 When half the placement has been completed, are interim reviewsconducted which involve the student and supervisor reviewing progress,the student’s performance and the extent to which the placementobjectives are being met?

(yes/no)Is a copy of this review given to the placement co-ordinator?

(yes/no)Is any action that is required as a result of the review taken?

(yes/no)

41



4.1.39 When the placement has been completed, does the supervisor complete afinal assessment and make a recommendation whether the student hascompleted the placement at an acceptable level, whether further timeshould be spent on that placement because the student has not yet metrequirements, or whether the student has failed to meet the requiredstandards and is not likely to do so with further work?

(yes/no)Does the placement co-ordinator made the final decision regarding

whether the student has passed or failed the placement in full consultation with the field supervisor?

(yes/no)

4.1.40 Does the institution have in place procedures to ensure that standards aremaintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or gradesis treated with the utmost care and attention?

(yes/no) Are there clearly stated procedures for student appeals against unfairassessment, and for dealing with cases of plagiarism and other unethicalconduct?

(yes/no)

4.1.41 Are students only given credit for any coursework if it is directly equivalentto coursework in the current course and has been successfully completed

in an APS or APAC accredited course at a pass level within the previousfive year period?

(yes/no)

4.1.42 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?

(yes/no)Is credit for previous employment experience disallowed?

(yes/no)

4.1.43 Is credit for any previous research experience including research higherdegrees disallowed?

(yes/no)

42



Recommendation: That the ____ at ____ receive the grade of (full/conditional/failed) accreditation as providing a 5th and 6th year of study in psychology on the basis that it (meets all of/meets some but notall of/does not meet) the APAC Accreditation Standards.



•

•

•

•

Recommendation: That the ____ at ____ receive the grade of (full/conditional/failed) approval for the purpose of AssociateMembership of the APS College of ____ Psychologists on the basis that it(meets all of/meets some but not all of/does not meet) the College Course Approval Guidelines.

Recommendation: That the AOU at _____ be advised that it must satisfy the following conditions within (12/_____) months of the date of thisdetermination before full approval can be determined:

•

•

•

•


•

•

•

•


•

•

•

•

43



DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY

Course title:_______________________________________________________

Relevant College/s:__________________________________________________

2.3.10 Does the above course include a thesis or dissertation which is of highquality and which reflects the fact that this is a doctoral degree?

(yes/no)Does the course include a research component that involves at least theequivalent of one year full-time spent on the thesis component of thecourse?

(yes/no)Is the course at least three years of full-time study?

(yes/no)Does the degree title give an indication of the area of specialisation orapplication?

(yes/no)

4.2.1 Have all students accepted into the course successfully completed a four year, or three year plus a fourth year, accredited sequence in psychology?

(yes/no) Are all students eligible for Associate Membership of the APS and forconditional registration as a psychologist (where required)?

(yes/no)

4.2.2 Do selection procedures include consideration of each applicant’s details asset out in an application for, referee reports from at least two referees, andthe checking of original degree certificates?

(yes/no)

4.2.3 Is the length of the course a minimum of three calendar years of full-timestudy or the part-time equivalent?

(yes/no)

4.2.4 Do the staffing requirements for the course meet Standards 2.4.9 to 2.4.11?

(yes/no)

4.2.5 Is the student:academic staff ratio of this course acceptably close to 6:1?

44



(yes/no)

4.2.6 Are all psychology academic staff who are responsible for any practicalplacement supervision associated with the course registered psychologists?

(yes/no) Are they members or eligible for membership of the appropriate APSCollege?

(NA/yes/no)Do they have at least two years relevant full-time professional experience,or equivalent, following completion of their own specialist qualifications?

(yes/no)

4.2.7 Does the AOU have in place an effective mechanism 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)

4.2.8 Are there adequate facilities available to the AOU for training students ininterviewing, testing and assessment?

(yes/no)Do these facilities include rooms which are sufficiently well sound-proofedto 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 forinterviewing?

(yes/no)

4.2.9 Does the test library hold a sufficient range of tests and sufficient copies inthe area of specialisation for each course, where relevant, to meet the needsof that course?

(yes/no)

4.2.10 Does the institutional library have significant holdings of, or electronicaccess to, journals, monographs and relevant databases in each area of course specialisation offered by the AOU?

(yes/no)

4.2.11 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 asto the internet?

45



(yes/no)

4.2.12 Does at least 90% of the coursework comprise study in psychology, and isit taught by psychologists?

(yes/no) Are any potions of the course that are not psychological in an area of directrelevance to the specialisation?

(NA/yes/no)

4.2.13 Do coursework, research and practical placement comprise the three maincomponents of the course?

(yes/no)Is the course structured so that the learning experiences across these three

components are integrated?

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

(yes/no)

4.2.14 Do the following structures apply:Does the coursework component link with both the research and practicalplacement components?

(yes/no) Are all areas of knowledge and skills specified in Standards 4.1.13, 4.1.17and 4.1.18 covered in the coursework component of the course?

(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 ahigher level of autonomy and responsibility, and a higher level integrationof theory and practice?

(yes/no)Does training in supervision feature during the final year of study, either aspart of the advanced practicum work, part of advanced coursework, or as acombination of both?

(yes/no)46



Is the thesis or dissertation of high quality and does it reflect the fact thatthis is a doctoral degree?

(yes/no)Does the research component consist of at least the equivalent of one yearfull-time spent on the thesis component of the course?

(yes/no)Does the research component have relevance to the specialisation/s withinthe 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 areadequately examined?

(NA/yes/no)

4.2.15 Are students required to pass all three components in order to completethe course?

(yes/no)

4.2.16 In addition to the specialist content, and with regard to the NationalPractice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce, do all courses includeeducation and training in the following areas:Interview and history taking?

(yes/no)Counselling?

(yes/no)Consultation?

(yes/no)

Intercultural and ethnic issues; working with indigenous groups?

(yes/no) Assessment, including theory and administration of tests?

(yes/no)Planning and implementing interventions?

(yes/no)Report writing?

(yes/no)

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Supervision?

(yes/no)Storing and accessing psychology files; record keeping?

(yes/no)

Administration and management; management of a service or unit?

(yes/no)Planning and implementing evaluation courses?

(yes/no)Planning and implementing research?

(yes/no)Ethics, including confidentiality?

(yes/no)Legal issues?

(yes/no)

4.2.17 Does the coursework component link with both the research and practicalplacement components?

(yes/no) Are all areas of knowledge and skills specified in Standard 4.2.16 covered in

the coursework component of the course?

(yes/no)

4.2.18 Is the assessment of coursework designed to ensure that students havegained a sound knowledge of all areas presented?

(yes/no)Does coursework involve comprehensive examination of the areaspresented?

(yes/no)

4.2.19 Is the research project conducted in an area of relevance to the area of specialisation/s of the course?

(yes/no)

4.2.20 Does the research project involve an individual project conducted undersupervision?

(yes/no)

Do students demonstrate a greater independence than at fourth year level, while working under supervision?

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(yes/no)

4.2.21 Is the project structured so that students undertake all of the stepsinvolved in the research including the formulation of the researchquestion(s), the design of the study including the selection of appropriate

methodology, the collection and analysis of data, the interpretation of thefindings and preparation of the report?

(yes/no)

4.2.22 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)

4.2.23 Is the examination of the thesis conducted by at least two examinersexternal to the institution with qualifications at least equivalent to thedegree being examined?

(yes/no)

4.2.24 Is the final classification decided by the appropriate Committee or other body within the institution, based on the examiners’ reports?

(yes/no)

4.2.25 Is there provision for adequate education and training in professional skillsand knowledge within the course for all students prior to beginning theirfirst placement?

(yes/no)Is there ongoing class contact with students that relates to and developstheir placement experiences?

(yes/no)

4.2.26 Do students in the course complete a minimum of 1500 hours of supervised practical placement experience?

(yes/no)Is the experience of a nature appropriate to any area of specialisation/scovered by the course?

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

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(NA/yes/no)

4.2.27 Do the practical placements provide students with experience and skilldevelopment in a range of settings?

(yes/no) Are there at least four different placements in different settings?

(yes/no) Are at least three of the four placements external to the AOU offering thecourse?

(yes/no)

4.2.28 If there is a placement within the AOU, do the facilities provide practicalexperience with “real life” issues?

(NA/yes/no)

4.2.29 Is training in supervision conducted during the final placement?

(yes/no)Is a logbook kept detailing the number of hours as well as the nature of casework and supervision undertaken by the student during eachplacement?

(yes/no)

Do the log books demonstrate the number of hours of each type of casework and supervision activity undertaken, the dates on which theseactivities were completed, and distinguish between individual and groupsupervision?

(yes/no) Are supervisors required to endorse, in writing, that student logbooks,reports and casenotes are a true reflection of the placement.

(yes/no)

4.2.30 Are all external 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 coursecoordinator?

(yes/no) Are these curricula vitae held on file in the AOU?

(yes/no)

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4.2.31 Are all field supervisors members or eligible for membership of theappropriate APS College, or of any APS College if the course is generalist?

(yes/no)Do all field supervisors have at least two years full-time experience, orequivalent, following the award of their postgraduate psychology degree?

(yes/no)

4.2.32 Where there are appropriate placement opportunities, but a fieldsupervisor satisfying Standard 4.2.31 is unavailable, is a staff membermeeting Standard 4.2.6 from the institution assigned the responsibility forthe placement in conjunction with a member of staff at the placementagency?

(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 experiencefor the student?

(NA/yes/no)Is the supervising staff member different from the supervisor for theinternal placement?

(NA/yes/no)

4.2.33 Does supervision of all placements involve on average one hour of directcontact for each full day of placement?

(yes/no)If supervision comprises a mix of individual and small group formats, isthere a minimum of 50% individual supervision?

(NA/yes/no)

4.2.34 Has a member of psychology academic staff, who is either a member or

eligible for membership of the appropriate APS College, been appointed asplacement co-ordinator?

(yes/no)Does this staff member have the responsibility for liaising directly with allfield supervisors and for ensuring that students have an appropriate rangeof placement experiences?

(yes/no)

4.2.35 At the beginning of each placement, is a supervision contract completed

and signed by the student and the supervisor stating the objectives for theplacement including the range of activities to be covered and the skill base

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to be developed?

(yes/no) Are such forms approved by the placement co-ordinator?

(yes/no)

4.2.36 When half the placement has been completed, are interim reviewsconducted which involve the student and supervisor reviewing progress,the student’s performance and the extent to which the placementobjectives are being met?

(yes/no)Is a copy of this review given to the placement co-ordinator?

(yes/no)Is any action that is required as a result of the review taken?

(yes/no)

4.2.37 When the placement has been completed, does the supervisor complete afinal assessment and make a recommendation whether the student hascompleted the placement at an acceptable level, whether further timeshould be spent on that placement because the student has not yet metrequirements, or whether the student has failed to meet the requiredstandards and is not likely to do so with further work?

(yes/no)Does the placement co-ordinator made the final decision regarding

whether the student has passed or failed the placement in full consultation with the field supervisor?

(yes/no)

4.2.38 Is entry to the course with advanced standing resulting from the prioraward of a Masters coursework degree in the same professional areapossible?

(yes/no) Are students required to complete a new thesis, equivalent in standard tothat required for the course?

(yes/no)Is credit for coursework restricted to that which can be demonstrated to beequivalent in terms of content and depth of study to the course subjects?

(yes/no)Does the course, where credit has been granted, still contain at least 18months of full-time study or its equivalent?

(yes/no)52



Is credit capped at a minimum of 50% of the total course content,including the thesis?

(yes/no) Are an additional 500 practicum hours required?

(yes/no)Is the student required to complete all coursework subjects for whichcredit cannot be awarded?

(yes/no)

Recommendation: That the ____ at ____ receive the grade of (full/conditional/failed) accreditation as providing a 5th and 6th year of study in psychology on the basis that it (meets all of/meets some but notall of/does not meet) the APAC Accreditation Standards.


•

•

•

•

Recommendation: That the ____ at ____ receive the grade of (full/conditional/failed) approval for the purpose of the grade of Memberof the APS College of ____ Psychologists on the basis that it (meets allof/meets some but not all of/does not meet) the College Course ApprovalGuidelines.


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•

•

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•

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•

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POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PSYCHOLOGY

Course title:_______________________________________________________

Relevant College/s:__________________________________________________

4.3.1 Have all students been awarded a postgraduate professional degree in aspecified accredited specialisation?

(yes/no)Do all students have eligibility for or been awarded full membership of theCollege 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 College?

(yes/no) Was the original postgraduate thesis appropriate to the area of the secondor additional College?

(yes/no)

4.3.2 Does the course contain 500 hours of relevant placement experience?

(yes/no)Is the placement experience supervised by psychologist(s) who aremembers of the second or additional College?

(yes/no)Is the supervised practice in parallel with the additional coursework?

(yes/no)

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4.3.3 Are all topics required for the second or additional speciality covered eitherin the original postgraduate training in psychology, or by additional unitsin the course?

(yes/no)Does the additional coursework include at least four semester-long units

covering knowledge, competencies, and skills in the new speciality andinclude placement requirements?

(yes/no)

Recommendation: That the ____ at ____ receive the grade of (full/conditional/failed) accreditation as providing a post(doctoral/masters) sequence of study in psychology on the basis that it(meets all of/meets some but not all of/does not meet) the APAC Accreditation Standards.


•

•

•

•

Recommendation: That the ____ at ____ receive the grade of (full/conditional/failed) approval for the purpose of (AssociateMembership/the grade of Member) of the APS College of ____Psychologists on the basis that it (meets all of/meets some but not allof/does not meet) the College Course Approval Guidelines.


•

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•

•

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HIGHER DEGREE BY RESEARCH (HDR) PROGRAMS – SECTION 5

2.1.3 Does the Psychology AOU offer research higher degree programs?

(yes/no)

If yes, which programs are offered?

5 Are there sufficient qualified staff to provide adequate supervision andteaching across all research and professional programs offered?

(yes/no)

Are there any further comments to be made about the research higher degree programs?

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

Documents

APAC [Australia Psychological Accredition Council] Checklist February 2008