Course coordinator
Associate Professor Michael Noetel
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
Supervised placement course to develop professional skills in applied psychology. Theories and techniques are applied to build core competencies as a psychologist.
The placement component of the postgraduate program is designed to develop skills in workingﾠacross a range of professional competency areas.ﾠStudents undertake placements to gain knowledge, skills, and experience in an applied setting.
This is the first placement unit out of four. You are assumed to have completed this before PSYC7820, PSYC7830, and PSYC7840.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Provisional or full registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Restrictions
Restricted to MPsych students or with the permission of Director of the MPsych Program
Course contact
Course staff
Placement manager
Mrs Fiona Williams
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Students undertake placements to gain knowledge, skills, and experience in an applied setting. The placement experience forms one part of an integrated program to assist student progress towards full registration as a psychologist in Australia. Due to the nature of the placements, it may be possible not all learning objectives below are covered in this course. All learning objectivesﾠwill be met throughout all four of placement courses.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Relational skills - Includes ability for empathic understanding, application of basic counselling techniques, and collaborative goal formulation with clients.
LO2.
Assessment Skills - Includes ability to perform adequate assessments in a time efficient and in a personally/socio-culturally sensitive manner. Ability to demonstrate appropriate diagnostic skills, prioritise issues, and assess risk.
LO3.
Psychological Testing Competencies - Applies knowledge to correctly select, administer, score and interpret common psychological tests, and to generate psychology reports. Demonstrates knowledge of psychological issues and testing theory
LO4.
Case Conceptualisation - Appropriately integrates information from multiple sources to inform and formulate appropriate case conceptualizations, diagnosis, and generate realistic treatment plans.
LO5.
Intervention Competencies - Skilfully implements appropriate, empirically supported treatment interventions, monitors treatment progress and outcomes.
LO6.
Ethical Attitude and Behaviour - Demonstrates knowledge of ethical/professional codes, standards and guidelines, and commitment to their application. Maintains appropriate and respectful boundaries and seeks consultation on ethical issues.
LO7.
Scientist Practitioner Approach - Demonstrates knowledge of theoretical and research evidence related to diagnosis, assessment and intervention. Shows respect for scientific methods and empirical evidence and commitment to their application to clinical practice.
LO8.
Professionalism - Demonstrates effective organisation and time management. Clear and professional expressive skills, professional dress and demeanour. Good interactional skills with colleagues and other professionals.
LO9.
Reflective Practice - Demonstrates self-care, self- awareness and reflectivity reflection on own emotions, beliefs, values and behaviour and their effect on others. Appropriately self corrects when required.
LO10.
Response to Supervision - Demonstrates good preparation and collaboration within supervision, openness to and effective use of feedback. Ability to self-reflect and self-evaluate accurately.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Placement |
Placement Contract
|
Pass/Fail |
The contract should be submitted 2 weeks following the first day of placement. |
| Placement, Reflection |
Mid-Point Review
|
Pass/Fail |
Mid-point review must occur halfway through the placement |
| Placement |
Professional Development Log
|
Pass/Fail |
Logs must be reviewed regularly by supervisor(s) and submitted in the folio at the end of each placement (4 weeks after the end of placement activities). |
| Placement, Reflection |
End-Point Review
|
Pass/Fail |
The End-Point Review will take place at the end of the placement. |
| Placement, Portfolio |
Placement Folio
|
Pass/Fail |
Due 4 weeks after the end of placement activities. |
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
Placement Contract
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Placement
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
The contract should be submitted 2 weeks following the first day of placement.
- Learning outcomes
- L06, L08
Task description
Your first meeting with your supervisor is to discuss and record (using the Contract) the specific responsibilities of you and your supervisor during the placement, specific goals or competencies you wish to focus on, projects you or they may have in mind, and any other considerations. Please state these points clearly in the Placement Contract and ensure you and all approved supervisors sign the Contract.
The contract is due to the Placement Manager two weeks after confirmation. Email the document to your Placement Manager for their signature.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be passed to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Directly to the relevant Placements Manager
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
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.
Mid-Point Review
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Placement, Reflection
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
Mid-point review must occur halfway through the placement
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
A Mid-Point Review meeting is held between provisional psychologist and supervisor(s) approximately half way through the placement. If there are any concerns regarding the placement, the Placements Manager may also attend the Mid-Point Review meeting. Provisional psychologist and supervisor(s) use the review to evaluate work in progress including placement goals outlined in the Placement Contract and identify possible areas for focus. The provisional psychologist must submit the completed and signed Mid-Point Review form to their Placements Manager within two weeks following the Mid-Point Review.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be passed to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
Directly to the relevant Placement Manager
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students should discuss their progression through the placement with the Placement Manager
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.
Professional Development Log
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Placement
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
Logs must be reviewed regularly by supervisor(s) and submitted in the folio at the end of each placement (4 weeks after the end of placement activities).
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
Provisional Psychologists must maintain logs that details activities undertaken during the placement. The logbook provides a mechanism for recording and reporting on the three key components of the placement: direct client activities, client related (other) activities, and supervision. The logs also serve as a means to monitor progress and adherence to the Placement Contract, so that any challenges can be identified and addressed early on. Logs must be reviewed regularly by supervisor(s) and submitted in the folio at the end of each placement. Failure to maintain a completed logbook may result in failure of placement.
Every entry in the supervision log must have a corresponding Record of Supervision form. Records of Supervision provide details regarding the content discussed during supervision sessions, including any action items or areas for improvement. All Records of Supervision must be signed by provisional psychologist and supervisor.
Refer to the Master of Psychology Placement Handbook for in depth information about logs.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be passed to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submit as part of the Folio item, via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students should discuss their progression on placement with the Placement Manager
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.
End-Point Review
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Placement, Reflection
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
The End-Point Review will take place at the end of the placement.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
An End-Point Review meeting is held between provisional psychologist and supervisor(s) toward the end of your placement. If there are any concerns regarding the placement, the Placements Manager may also attend the End-Point Review meeting. The End-Point Review meeting is an opportunity to evaluate the placement, including achievement of placement goals as outlined in the Placement Contract. The review provides an opportunity for all parties to review the placement experience. The provisional psychologist must submit the completed and signed End-Point Review form in the folio at the end of the placement to the relevant Placement Manager.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be passed to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
Directly to the relevant Placement Manager
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
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.
Placement Folio
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Placement, Portfolio
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
Due 4 weeks after the end of placement activities.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
Placement folios will differ in content for each student, depending on students’ unique placement experiences. Only one main folio item and one organisational project description needs to be included in the folio. A Folio Checklist included in templates is provided and is submitted as a table of contents in your folio. The order of the Folio is as follows:
- Completed and Signed Folio Cover Sheet
- Completed Title Page
- Completed Placement Folio Checklist (Table of Contents)
- Summary of Placement Hours Form
- Section 1: Placement description and reflection
- Section 2: Main folio item
- Section 3: Organisational project report
- Section 4: Logs and other placement forms
- Section 5: Placement Contract and Signed Reviews
Refer to the Master of Psychology Placement Handbook for full details.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be passed to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
Submission via relevant link on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
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.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| P |
Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or competent in the course. In order to achieve a pass grade, all relevant documentation must be submitted in the Placement Folio. Required documentation includes: placement contract; placement activity logs; placement supervision log; records of supervision;ﾠand mid-point and end-point reviews. Assessment is based on academic and professional judgment of staff of the Master of Psychology Program. The final grade (Pass/Fail) is based on an overall assessment of whether the student has demonstrated a satisfactory level of professionalism and competence in meeting the learning objectives for the placement. This determination is based on evidence contained within the assessment documentation submitted, in consultation with the placement supervisor(s), and with due regard to the level of the student's experience on the program. |
| F |
Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying ALL basic requirements for Pass. One or more learning goals have not been achieved to a satisfactory level. Some or all of the required documentation has NOT been submitted.ﾠ Assessment is based on academic and professional judgment of staff of the Master of Psychology Program. The final grade (Pass/Fail) is based on an overall assessment of whether the student has demonstrated a satisfactory level of professionalism and competence in meeting the learning objectives for the placement. This determination is based on evidence contained within the assessment documentation submitted, in consultation with the placement supervisor(s), and with due regard to the level of the student's experience on the program. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for this course.
Additional assessment information
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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
There is a detailed placement handbook on Blackboard. This handbook covers everything you need to know about placements including staff roles and responsibilities, placement requirements and processes, expectations for supervision, assessment and documentation requirements, policies around issues that may arise during placement, competency frameworks, and support services available to students during their placement journey.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From O-week To Exam week 2 |
Placement |
Placement Includes direct client contact and other activities. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Placement |
Supervision Sessions Supervision includes GAPS and required placement supervision. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10 |
Workshop |
Group and Peer Supervision (GAPS) Group and Peer Supervision (GAPS) is a two-year program designed to provide additional support translating coursework into practice while students are on placement. The aim is for GAPS to allow provisional psychologists to come together, share, learn, grow, practice, support and challenge each other. Therefore, the sessions will be working towards more interactive, integrative, and reflective than is possible in other course activities. The aim is to develop a space for activities that may include case presentations by provisional psychologists. GAPS schedule will be provided at the start of Semester. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10 |
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:
- Fitness to Practise Policy
- Vaccinations and Immunisation Procedure
- Work Integrated Learning and Work Experience Policy
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
Course guidelines
All provisional psychologists are expected to have read, understood and comply with the Master of Psychology Placement Handbook, accessible on Blackboard.
A typical placement involves approximately 250 hours of placement-related activities. In general, provisional psychologists are expected to be engaged in their placement (i.e. either attending the placement site or be engaged in placement-related work off-site) for two days per week across a 20 week period.
Please note that the number days attended each week, total placement hours, and placement duration may be shorter or longer than a "typical" placement, depending on the individual needs of the provisional psychologist and/or the placement host.
Provisional psychologists are required to maintain regular contact with their external and/or internal supervisor AND the Placement Manager for the duration of the placement.
All provisional psychologists are required to attend a placement intensive seminar (GAPS) during semester. Dates and days will be confirmed. A schedule for this will be provided.
For their first placement, provisional psychologists are required to participate in one hour of supervision with their assigned supervisor(s) for each full day of placement (i.e. 1 hour of supervision per 7.5 hours of placement). For subsequent placements, provisional psychologists are required to participate in one hour of supervision with their assigned supervisor(s) for every two full days of placement (i.e. 1 hour of supervision per 15 hours of placement).
Provisional psychologists are expected to comply with placement organisation requirements. For example, provisional psychologists undertaking a placement at the UQ Psychology Clinic are required to comply with all additional assessment and paperwork requirements relevant to this placement organization. This includes completing case presentations and attending all additional meetings.
Provisional psychologists are expected to comply with the UQ Fitness to Practise Policies and Procedures and Placement Policies and guidelines All placement participants are expected to remain compliant with relevant legislation and provisional psychologists are required to adhere to placement-specific requirements, including:
- legislative requirements;
- occupational health and safety and security requirements;
- workplace confidentiality requirements;
- other workplace policies and procedures; and
- their rights within the placement organisation.
The provisional psychologists is responsible for immediately notifying their placement supervisor in the case that they have a concern regarding their health and safety or in the instance of an incident, injury or illness.
The University’s Fitness to Practise policy reaffirms the University’s commitment to early intervention (where possible) whilst also providing a framework within which the University will manage Fitness to Practise concerns. Fitness to practise at UQ encompasses a broad range of factors including:
Conduct: Conduct outside the bounds considered acceptable or worthy of the membership of the profession
Performance: Performance that is not consistent with the profession’s established standards at a student’s respective stage of their program
Compliance: Disregard for, or are unable to meet, the rules, regulations or standards for practising as a member of the profession or for undertaking practical placement with a placement provider
Health: A disability or health condition that impairs their capacity to practise as required by the profession
It is important to note that if your performance, behaviour or condition poses a serious concern for the welfare of others, or is unreasonably disruptive to the community in which they are learning, or results in an inability to meet the requirements of a program, the University may require that your studies be interrupted or, in cases where remediation is impracticable, discontinued.