Unit of Study PSYC4002 Advanced Topics in Professional Psychology (2024)

Unit description

Introduce students to advanced concepts and skills related to professional roles in psychology in both the clinical and research setting, as well as those that may apply in a wide range of employment settings. Students are provided with training in pre-professional communication and interviewing skills through introductory training in Motivational Interviewing. Students also develop knowledge about cultural responsiveness and Indigenous Knowledge regarding psychosocial factors affecting well-being. The content of this unit fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, ethical interpersonal behaviour, collaboration, and personal reflection. This unit employs a combination of hands-on practical experiences, student-led exploration and questioning, and group work.

Unit content

1. Engaging a client using Motivational Interviewing in practice
2. Helping a client move towards change using Motivational Interviewing
3. Ethical principles in applied psychology practice
4. Implementing standardised psychological test instruments in practice
5. Cultural awareness and responsiveness
6. Generic professional competencies and skills required for careers in psychology