Course coordinator
Professor Leanne Hides
I am available for consultation after class. Please email me if you would like to meet at another time.ﾠ
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
This course aims to develop foundational professional skills relevant to practicing psychology. This includes introductions to risk assessment, case formulation, treatment planning and evidence-based psychological interventions.
Delivered in an intensive format in the first half of the Semester, theﾠcourse consists ofﾠ6ﾠfull day workshops scheduled early in semester 1, with 5 accompanyingﾠtutorials.ﾠThe course is designed to provide students with a broad range of skills to draw on when embarking on their placements. As such, the workshops involve practical demonstrations and exercises, and self-reflective self practice assessment items.ﾠThe tutorials will present the opportunity to practice the skills learnt during the full day workshops via such activities as role plays and case studies.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students who enter the course have a degree within psychology and are completing further studies at the postgraduate level. As such, it is assumed that students have a basic understanding of human behaviour, psychological language and theory, and a basic ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people.
Restrictions
Restricted to MPsych students or with permission of Director of the Psychology program
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
It is a condition of courses in accredited postgraduate psychology programs that students are required to attend all coursework lectures, tutorials, and workshops.ﾠAs such, Course Coordinators are required to document class attendance on a weekly basis during the semester.
Students who miss more than two components of the workshops and tutorials will be asked to meet with the Program Director to explain why their enrolment in this course should not be cancelled. If you cannot attend, it is expected that you inform the Course Coordinator as soon as possible and provide any relevant documentation to justify your absence.ﾠ
Satisfactory coursework attendance (>80%) is required in order for the Program Director to make a recommendation to the PsyBA in respect to student applicationﾠfor generalﾠregistration.ﾠThus, repeated failure to attend class without appropriate notification and documentation may result in students having to complete an additional period of supervised practice or further coursework in order to satisfy the requirements of the program.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develop foundational professional skills relevant to practicing psychology. This includes introductions to risk assessment, case formulation, treatment planning and evidence-based psychological interventions.
Overall aims are:
ﾷ To develop skills in the core techniques of effective psychological intervention
ﾷ To become competent in accurately assessing suicide risk and intervening appropriately
ﾷ To develop the capacity to perform an appropriate case formulation and individualised treatment plan based on evidence-based principles
ﾠLearning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Competently conduct a psychological risk assessment.
LO2.
Have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of CBT.
LO3.
Show an understanding of a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches (e.g., trauma-informed approaches, mindfulness, ACT, & motivational interviewing).
LO4.
Demonstrate effective evidence-based psychotherapy techniques.
LO5.
Develop a case formulation for a client and put in place an individualised treatment plan using evidence-based principles.
LO6.
Demonstrate reflection and critical evaluation of various therapeutic approaches and skills.
LO7.
Demonstrates the ability to engage in professional reflexivity and apply principles of deliberate practice to enhance professional growth.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection |
Self-practice/Self-reflection
|
10% |
27/02/2025 - 11/04/2025
Due in class |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Competency: Risk assessment and CBT
|
40% |
7/03/2025 - 21/03/2025
Individual timeslots to be confirmed |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Case Study 1
|
25% |
1/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Case Study 2
|
25% |
2/05/2025 4:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Self-practice/Self-reflection
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
27/02/2025 - 11/04/2025
Due in class
Task description
Students are required to complete a worksheet that outlines a therapy skill learnt in class, and asked to provide a reflection on the therapy skills completed on the worksheet and practiced in class. The worksheet and reflections will be submitted in the tutorial each week, if there is no tutorial, you will be required to submit in the workshop. Five worksheets and reflections are to be completed across the duration of the course.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be attempted to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Competency: Risk assessment and CBT
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
7/03/2025 - 21/03/2025
Individual timeslots to be confirmed
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
This is a series of two competencies. The first competency students will be presented with case information and required to demonstrate appropriate assessment and management of risk. For the second competency students will again be presented with case information and required to demonstrate appropriate cbt intervention skills. Individual timeslots will be allocated, with times to be confirmed closer to the date of the competency.
Hurdle requirements
Students must achieve a grade of 70% on the competency task in order to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
If you are unable to attend your competency at the scheduled time please contact your Course Coordinator - preferably well before the set date.
Case Study 1
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
1/04/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
The students will be provided with a case study for which they must develop a formulation and treatment plan, first from a CBT perspective and second from an ACT perspective. Following this, students must compare and contrast the two approaches and make a justified recomendation for which approach they would take.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be attempted to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Via Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Case Study 2
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
2/05/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
The students will be provided with a case study and will be asked to develop a case formulation and evidence-based treatment plan. Students will also be asked to provide a justification and critical review of their chosen approach.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be attempted to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Via Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 39.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 40 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Students must achieve a grade of 70% on bothﾠcompetency tasks in order to pass the course. Students whoﾠdo not achieve the required marks (70% orﾠ14 marks) on either competency task will be offeredﾠoneﾠopportunity to resit.ﾠThe highest grade you can receive following a resit is a 14 (70%).
Although it is not necessary to pass each case study,ﾠall items of assessment must be attempted in order to pass the course.ﾠAn “attempt” is defined as addressing the question(s) posed in the assignment or exam to a minimal level, to the length of at least 50% of the maximum word length of the original request, or 500 words (one single-spaced typed page), whichever is shorter.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Required Learning Resources are all available as eBooks from the UQ library
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
O-week (17 Feb - 23 Feb) |
Workshop |
Workshop 1: Foundational Skills in Psych Practice This workshop will begin with an introduction to the course and the central role of evidence-based practice in psychology. The morning will include a three hour workshop on risk assessment. The afternoon will cover case formulation and treatment planning. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
Workshop 2: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Part I This workshop will introduce CBT, with a focus on behavioural strategies for depression and anxiety. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1: Foundational Skills & competency prep Students will engage in various activities to develop their practical skills in suicide risk assessment. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Workshop 3: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Part II This workshop will continue training in CBT, with a focus on cognitive strategies for depression and anxiety. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2: CBT and competency prep Students will have the opportunity to engage in activities to develop their skills in CBT interventions. |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3: CBT and competency prep part 2 Students will have the opportunity to engage in activities to develop their skills in CBT interventions. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
Workshop 4: Third wave approaches This workshop will introduce students to Mindfulness and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4: Third-wave approaches Students will have the opportunity to engage in activities to develop their skills in mindfulness and ACT interventions. |
Workshop |
Workshop 5: Motivational Interviewing This workshop will introduce the students to motivational interviewing strategies. |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5: Motivational Interviewing This tutorial will engage students in activities to develop their skills in motivational interviewing. |
Workshop |
Workshop 6: Groups and Trauma-Informed approaches The morning will discuss Trauma-Informed Care approaches in delivering interventions, as well as how and when to apply psychological interventions in practice and broader factors that need to be considered when delivery interventions. The afternoon will discuss delivering interventions in groups, including group development, group processes, and managing group therapy. Students will also have the opportunity to ask about any content previously covered in the Semester. |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6: Trauma-Informed approaches Students will engage in activities developed to build on their skills in delivering trauma-informed care. |
Workshop |
Workshop 7: Process and Attachment in Therapy A trans-theoretical and diagnostic approach to thinking about psychological intervention: an attachment informed approach. The morning will discuss a brief history of attachment theory and research and its clinical applications. The afternoon will deepen the learning and discussion around how the theory may be applied in practice as a model of treatment. |
Additional learning activity information
This tutorial will engage students in practical exercises for engaging in trauma-informed care.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: