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Course Outline

PSY703 Practicum Placement 1

Course Coordinator:Catherine Houlihan (choulihan@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Psychology

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

The UniSC postgraduate psychology program is committed to maintaining the primacy of public safety in the delivery of the program within the education and placement environments. Practical experience is an important component of the preparation for independent professional roles in clinical psychology. The essential purpose of the first practicum is to ensure that interns have appropriate opportunities to apply, under supervision, the knowledge and skills acquired in the program. During this practicum you will gain experience in providing clinical psychology services for clients within the UniSC Psychology Clinic, and will develop skills in the range of professional and administrative activities involved in professional clinical practice.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus workshops involving skills development and practice 2hrs Week 1 4 times
Placement – Placement attendance comprising direct client contact hours, client related hours and clinical supervision. Refer to format for details regarding breakdown of hours for each component. 250hrs Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Once Only

Course Topics

The workshop component of this course will cover foundational skills and techniques for working psychologically with clients (e.g., assessment, risk).

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
1 Demonstrate competency with knowledge and skills required to work as a clinical psychologist. Knowledgeable
Engaged 
4.2.1, 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2, 4.2.1.3, 4.2.2, 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.3, 4.2.2.4, 4.2.3, 4.2.3.1, 4.2.3.2, 4.2.3.3, 4.2.3.4, 4.2
2 Demonstrate competency/ strong knowledge and skills in the design and implementation of clinical psychological interventions. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker 
3, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.9, 3.14, 3.16
3 Demonstrate competency/strong knowledge and skills in dealing professionally with clients and with other professionals. Knowledgeable
Engaged 
3.1, 3.10, 3.12, 3.13
4 Demonstrate competency in ability to communicate knowledge and skills effectively in writing and through oral presentation. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered 
3.3, 3.8, 3.13
5 Demonstrate strong knowledge of ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice and understanding of using the APS Code of Ethics and its accompanying Guidelines, and other relevant sources, to resolve ethical questions. Ethical
Sustainability-focussed 
3.1, 3.11, 3.14, 3.15
6 Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the legal requirements and code of conduct relevant to psychologists. Ethical
Sustainability-focussed 
3.1, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
3 PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES: Graduates of programs at this level will have advanced knowledge and skills for professional practice and research in psychology. Programs for professional competencies are typically a Masters Degree (Coursework). Achievement of the professional graduate competencies is through a program of study which includes practice placement, with the latter designed to integrate theory and practice in an appropriate professional environment.
3.1 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically demonstrate successful (prior or concurrent) achievement of pre-professional competencies.
3.2 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
3.3 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
3.4 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically perform appropriate standardised psychological testing, as part of broader assessment, to assess and interpret aspects of functioning.
3.5 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically identify psychological disorders using a recognised taxonomy.
3.7 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically monitor outcomes/modifications based on evolving case formulation, including health concerns, family/support networks, & organisational/cultural/community contexts, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client.
3.8 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically interpret and communicate findings in oral and written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
3.9 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically implement appropriate, empirically supported interventions, and monitor clients’ progress and intervention outcomes.
3.10 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically demonstrate respect for the skills and contribution of other professionals.
3.11 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically work effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
3.12 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically operate within the boundaries of their professional competence, consult with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and refer on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate.
3.13 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures, including as they relate to referral management and record-keeping, across a range of workplace settings and with recognition of different organisational cultures and practices.
3.14 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
3.15 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
3.16 Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
4.2.1 Apply advanced psychological knowledge of the following to their practice in clinical psychology:
4.2.1.1 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge of the following to their practice in clinical psychology: psychological theories of the aetiology, progression and/or recovery, precursors and sequelae of psychological disorders, including incidence, prevalence and predisposing, risk, protective and maintenance factors
4.2.1.2 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge of the following to their practice in clinical psychology: both developmental systems and biopsychosocial models of health as they apply to psychological disorders as well as the multiple factors that impinge on mental health across the lifespan
4.2.1.3 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge of the following to their practice in clinical psychology: psychopathology and relevant international taxonomies of classification of psychological disorders, including severe, complex and chronic mental illness
4.2.2 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including:
4.2.2.1 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including: evaluation of psychological disorders with reference to relevant international taxonomies of classification, including disorders of moderate to severe level and complexity
4.2.2.2 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including: use of assessment tools and processes related to a wide range of psychological disorders, and including psychometric tests, structured or semi-structured interviews, behavioural observations, measures of functionality and processes that enable collection of collateral information from multiple sources, including groups and systems relevant to the client
4.2.2.3 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including: integration, interpretation, and synthesis of clinical psychological assessment data with the knowledge of psychopathology to inform case formulation, diagnosis and intervention
4.2.2.4 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including: evaluation of symptom reduction, therapeutic outcomes, the therapeutic alliance and client progress throughout therapy.
4.2.3 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology, including:
4.2.3.1 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology, including: selection, tailoring and implementation of appropriate evidence-based interventions on the basis of an initial case formulation, whether individuals, dyads or carers/dependents
4.2.3.2 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology, including: monitoring of outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation and intra- and interpersonal processes, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client or clients within their wider context
4.2.3.3 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology, including: consultation and collaboration with other professionals regarding clinical planning and referrals, particularly in the context of complex case presentations
4.2.3.4 Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology, including: evidence-based practice in the understanding and management of psychological disorders, including across the age range and across modalities such as e-health approaches.
4.2 CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: Taking into account the broad diversity of clients and development across the lifespan, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to competently and ethically:

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

PSY701 and PSY702 and PSY705

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Limited Grading (PNP)

Pass (PU), Fail (UF). All assessment tasks are required to be passed for successful completion of the course.

Details of early feedback on progress

Placement performance (weekly supervision meetings) which constitutes an ongoing formative appraisal of the students performance.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Practical / Laboratory Skills Individual 
Up to 3 hours
 Refer to Format In Class
All 2 Placement performance Individual 
1 hour
 Refer to Format To Supervisor
All 3 Placement performance Individual 
1 hour
 Refer to Format To Supervisor
All - Assessment Task 1:OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
Goal: 
To provide a summative assessment of course learning outcomes and APAC competencies to ensure that relevant competencies are met prior to progression to external placement.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills
Format: 
This assessment task will be due between weeks 5-6 of the teaching semester. The final date of submission for this task will be determined once public holidays and the course timetable have been published prior to the commencement of semester. Please refer to your course Canvas site at the commencement of the teaching semester to confirm the due date for this assessment task.

Students to rotate between timed assessment stations. A member of clinical staff present as an examiner will score student performance using a structured rubric for each assessment station. Assessment stations will assess core competencies for this course. These can be assessed using a combination of role plays, written tasks, and discussions with examiners.

Students who fail their OSCE will be provided an opportunity for remedial action and/or to resit the OSCE. Students who fail the OSCE a second time will receive a Fail grade for PSY703 and will need to reenrol in the course in the following year in order to progress.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills and competencies required to work as a clinical psychologist
 1 2 3 5 6
2 
Demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills and competencies in the design and implementation of clinical psychological interventions
 1 2 5
3 
Demonstrate competency and strong knowledge and skills in dealing professionally with clients and with other professionals
 1 3 5 6
4 
Demonstrate competency to communicate knowledge and skills effectively in writing and through oral presentation
 3 4
5 
Demonstrate strong knowledge of ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice and understanding of using the APS Code of Ethics and its accompanying Guidelines, and other relevant sources, to resolve ethical questions
 3 5
6 
Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the legal requirements and code of conduct relevant to clinical psychologists.
 3 5 6
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation
All - Assessment Task 2:Mid-placement review
Goal: 
Assessment of student progress against APAC competencies and required placement hours.
Product: Placement performance
Format: 
This assessment task will be due between weeks 11-13 of the teaching semester. The final date of submission for this task will be determined once public holidays and the course timetable have been published prior to the commencement of semester. Please refer to your course Canvas site at the commencement of the teaching semester to confirm the due date for this assessment task.

Submission of a completed mid-placement review form to the course coordinator, signed by both student and supervisor.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Knowledge and competent skills in a range of clinical/professional activities (including assessment, case formulation, diagnosis, treatment planning with on-going monitoring and revision of problem formulation and interventions where necessary.
 1 2 3 4 5 6
2 
Oral communication and interpersonal skills for effective communication with clients, other psychologists and other professionals and the ability to work as part of an active member of the clinical team and engaging in relationships in the clinic.
 4
3 
Maintain client files appropriately and accurately, consistent with the legal and ethical responsibilities of a registered psychologist. Each client progress note and report must be dated and signed by you and reviewed & cosigned by the supervisor.
 5 6
4 
Write client progress notes, reports and other documents in an informed, succinct, accurate, lucid and well-organised manner, and for a range of audiences.
 1 2 4
5 
Maintain a single log book that details your Direct Client Activities, Client-Related Activities and Supervision Hours. The log book must detail the nature and hours of all practica undertaken, as well as the dates, nature and hours of supervision.
 5 6
6 
Complete a mid-practicum review
 1 2 3 4 5 6
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving
All - Assessment Task 3:End of placement review
Goal: 
Final assessment of student meeting core developmental competencies and required placement hours.
Product: Placement performance
Format: 
This assessment task will be due after the teaching semester, between weeks 16-18 (i.e., at the end of the practicum). The final date of submission for this task will be determined once public holidays and the course timetable have been published prior to the commencement of semester. Please refer to your course Canvas site at the commencement of the teaching semester to confirm the due date for this assessment task.

Submission of a completed end of placement review form to the course coordinator, signed by both student and supervisor.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Knowledge and competent skills in a range of clinical/professional activities (including assessment, case formulation, diagnosis, treatment planning) with ongoing monitoring and revision of problem formulation and interventions where necessary.
 1 2 3 4 5 6
2 
Oral communication and interpersonal skills for effective communication with clients, other psychologists and other professionals and the ability to work as part of an active member of the clinical team and engaging in relationships in the clinic
 4
3 
Maintain client files appropriately and accurately, consistent with the legal and ethical responsibilities of a registered psychologist. Each client progress note and report must be dated and signed by you and reviewed and co-signed by the supervisor
 1 2 4
4 
Write client progress notes, reports and other documents in an informed, succinct, accurate, lucid, and well-organised manner, and for a range of audiences
 1 2 4
5 
Maintain a single logbook that details your Direct Client Activities, Client-Related Activities, and Supervision hours. The logbook must detail the nature and hours of all practica undertaken, as well as the dates, nature, and hours of supervision
 5 6
6 
Complete and pass an end of placement review
 1 2 3 4 5 6
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

You are required to attend all face to face workshops. For any workshops that are missed you will need to demonstrate to your course coordinator that you have covered the required material. This will usually take the form of a detailed summary and reflection of the Directed Study Activities for the missed lecture.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 5.1.1.3 and 5.1.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Academic Policy.
In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

Assessment: Submission penalties

You must contact your Course Coordinator and provide the required documentation if you require an extension or alternate assessment.
Refer to the Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs – Procedures.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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