This course will provide you with supervised experience in one or more professional psychology settings, where you will undertake a range of client-related activities under the supervision of a registered psychologist.
This 12 unit course provides 260 of the 300 hours of practicum and skills training required by APAC in the 5th year of the 5+1 pathway to registration. The aim is to provide you with practical experience and prepare you to enter an external internship in the 6th year of the 5+1 pathway to registration.
In this course, you will apply your knowledge and skills in assessment and intervention and develop your ability to provide safe, high quality, person-centered care. You will also gain experience of professional practice/ clinic management and the practical application of ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to work under supervision in an evidence-based manner.
2. Apply knowledge of relevant legal, ethical and administrative regulations and standards required by the profession and the workplace.
3. Demonstrate appropriate professional behaviour with supervisors.
4. Demonstrate ability to collaborate effectively with other professionals and support staff.
5. Demonstrate competencies in basic psychological assessment, formulation and intervention.

Research-Led Teaching

In this course, students will draw on clinical outcome research, professional practice research and best practice clinical recommendations as well as evidence generated by their clinical practice. They will learn how to apply the scientist practitioner approach and their clinical skills to psychological work in external professional service provider settings.

Required Resources

Readings and other resources will be provided by external field placement supervisors and by the Placement Coordinator as required.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Students must pass all assessment tasks in order to pass the course. Students should ensure attendance requirements as outlined in the Master of Professional Psychology program handbook.

Referencing Requirements

Psychology uses the referencing style endorsed by the American Psychological Association:

American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Student feedback to staff:

In addition to student feedback provided through ANU Student Experience of Learning Support (SELS) surveys, students may also be invited to provide course-specific feedback through a feedback survey developed by the lecturers within the Master of Professional Psychology program.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	On Campus Group supervision 1/8/2023	Supervision groups will continue throughout the placement period. Some students may need to extend placements beyond the end of the semester and so two additional supervision sessions are scheduled in November. These may not be required if all students complete placement by the end of semester.
2	On Campus Group supervision 15/8/2023
3	On Campus Group supervision 29/08/2023
4	On Campus Group supervision 12/9/2023
5	On Campus Group supervision 26/9/2023
6	On Campus Group supervision 10/10/2023
7	On Campus Group supervision 24/10/2023
8	On Campus Group supervision 7/11/2023

Tutorial Registration

N/A

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Logbook	30 %	1,4,5
Written case study	40 %	1,2,3,4,5
Assessment of student’s in-person and/or video-taped work	30 %	1,4,5
Supervisor report	0 %	3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are required to attend their placements for the appropriate number of hours and to complete the correct number of supervision hours to ensure that they attain the practicum hours required by the Psychology Board of Australia. If students are absent from their scheduled placement days, they will need to negotiate with the placement provider to make the hours up.

Students will be expected to attend all group supervision sessions provided on campus by the Placement Coordinator in line with the standards of a professional training program. Supervision sessions cannot be recorded because they will involve discussion of confidential material. Absences will result in students missing critical learning experiences and activities and may also mean that they do not attain sufficient supervision hours.

In the case of unavoidable absence, students will be required to make alternative arrangements in advance with the course convenor and to do so in a manner that is consistent with the professional behaviours expected in a psychology workplace. Relevant procedures will be outlined at the introductory session.

Examination(s)

n/a

Assessment Task 1

Logbook

A logbook template will be provided and will include daily log of direct client, client related activities and clinical supervision as well as placement summary and overall portfolio cover sheet. The template will be explained in detail and made available on Wattle. It will required student and supervisor validation and will be reviewed by the Placement Coordinator, who will determine whether CRS may be awarded.

Hurdle Requirement: 30%

Due Date: At completion of placement

Assessment Task 2

Written case study

The Case Report is a written report that describes the student's psychological assessment and formulation of a relevant problem presented by an individual, group or organisation as well as psychological interventions and their outcomes implemented by the student in their placement.

The length of each Case Report will be 2500 words.

A template, details of assignment requirements and a marking guide will be made available on Wattle.

The external field supervisor will mark the Case Report and the Placement Coordinator will also review them.

Hurdle Requirement: 40%

Due Date: to be negotiated with placement, but must be completed and marked prior to the end of placement.

Assessment Task 3

Assessment of student’s in-person and/or video-taped work

During the placement, external Field Supervisors are required to observe the student's performance in professional work on at least one occasion via direct observation, video recording (or where this is not possible, an audio recording).

Details of assignment requirements and a marking guide will be made available on Wattle.

The external field supervisor will assess the student's performance and report on this as part of the Mid Placement and/or End of Placement Review.

Hurdle Requirement: 30%

Due Date: to be negotiated with placement, but must be completed and marked prior to the end of placement.

Assessment Task 4

Supervisor report

The external Field Supervisors are required to assess the student's performance and professional behaviour at the mid and end points of the placement, and will be provided with an assessment guide. This is to be discussed with the Placement Coordinator.

CRS: 0%

Due Date: to be negotiated with placement, but Mid Placement Review will be scheduled to occur when the student has completed approximately 130 placement hours and the End Placement Review must be completed shortly before the end of the placement.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Assessment tasks will be returned electronically though the course site on Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Grading in the Master of Professional Psychology program reflects achievement of competencies as appropriate to developmental level. As such, students will be provided with grades indicating that competency has been met (Course Requirement Satisfied: CRS) or not met (Fail).

Failure to submit an assignment of a high standard which meets requirements for a passing grade (50%) will result in a student receiving feedback on the area/s requiring remediation and one opportunity for resubmission of the assignment to address these issues. This opportunity is provided only in circumstances where a genuine attempt to address the assignment requirements was determined to be made in the first submission. If the resubmission satisfactorily addresses the issues identified, a grade of CRS will be awarded for the task. The need to re-submit the same assignment twice due to inadequate performance will result in overall failure of the assessment piece, and thus the course, which will need to be repeated in a future offering.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students