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 250 hours professional experience. Internships conducted largely within the UQ Psychology Clinic, designed to extend skills in psychological assessment, therapy and report writing, and to develop understanding of professional issues.
All postgraduate clinical psychology placements include experiential training opportunities both within the UQ Psychology Clinic (first year) and in the wider community (second year and beyond). Such training has long been seen as essential for provisional psychologists to put into practice the theoretical knowledge acquired through university-based training. As such, provisional psychologists are presented with the opportunity to integrate the theoretical/research and clinical components of the scientist-practitioner model taught throughout the course work of the clinical program. Placements therefore provide provisional psychologists with the opportunity to apply the scientist-practitioner model in “real world” settings. They also provide provisional psychologists with a structured and supportive learning environment in which they can deliver clinical services to individuals, couples, and families (referred to the UQ Psychology Clinic for the assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychological, behavioural, and cognitive challenges). At times throughout this placement, provisional psychologists may also be afforded the opportunity to complete a portion of their placement at other sites as part of the outreach programs initiative.
We begin the semester, however, engaging in four workshops designed to provide the provisional psychologists with an overview of the clinical skills and professional issues key to working with clients in a psychology context. You will note that there is required reading (see Learning Resources), please ensure that you complete this reading before the first workshop. The workshops will include content on the following topic areas:
- Interviewing and microskills
- Contacting your first client
- Structuring a session
- Conducting an intake interview
- Risk assessment and crisis management
- Conducting a suicide risk assessment
Note that you are required to pass the competencies scheduled for early March in order to progress to seeing clients within the UQ Psychology Clinic.
Course Changes in Response to Previous Student Feedback
We are consistently adapting this placement course to better reflect real world situations and to ensure the focus of the experience is on what it is to be a psychologist incorporating not only the aspect of working with clients, but also the administration and other professional requirements of being a psychologist, which are just as important skills to learn as those of working with clients. The assessment for the placement has been reduced to cater to the fact that much of what was being assessed is happening during the process of supervision and therefore under the purview of the supervisory relationship.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Enrolment in this placementﾠassumes enrolment in a postgraduate program in Clinical Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology.ﾠ All enrolled studentsﾠmustﾠhave registration (provisional or general) with the Psychology Board of Australia. Students are also expected to meet all placement compliance requirements for their program (https://habs.uq.edu.au/prepare-your-psychology-placement). In addition, optional outreach program opportunities are available at times. In some instances, these require aﾠpolice checkﾠto have been completed and a copy of the documentation able to be forwarded to the appropriate liaison person.
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 students enrolled in the MClinClinNeuroPsy program.
Course contact
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This placement aims to :
(a) assist provisional psychologists in developing clinical skills relevant to clinical practice,
(b) provide training in evidence-based psychological treatments,
(c) encourage and support the highest standards of ethical and professional practice, and
(d) facilitate the integration of research and clinical practice in the scientist-practitioner tradition.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate competence in fundamental communication skills and interviewing techniques, including being cognisant of the needs of other cultures (e.g., First Nations people).
LO2.
Demonstrate competence in professional issues, including suicide risk assessment.
LO3.
Develop an appreciation of key professional and ethical responsibilities relevant to the field of psychology.
LO4.
Demonstrate a range of core clinical competencies required for clinical practice in the scientist-practitioner tradition.
LO5.
Demonstrate familiarity with the provision of evidence-based psychological treatments and assessments for clients presenting with a range of psychological, behavioural, and cognitive problems.
LO6.
Understand and respond to therapeutic process issues, utilising in particular, self-reflective practice.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role play/ Simulation | Intake interview and self-reflection | Pass/Recycle |
6/03/2025 3:00 pm |
| Role play/ Simulation | Suicide risk assessment | Pass/Recycle |
14/03/2025 8:00 am |
| Placement | Observation of clinical interaction - minimum of 4 | Assessed by supervisor |
24/03/2025 - 20/06/2025 |
| Placement | Mid Placement Review | Assessed by supervisor |
23/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration | Multi Station Assessment Task (MSAT) | Pass/Recycle/Fail |
12/06/2025 9:00 am |
| Placement | End Placement Review | Assessed by supervisor |
20/06/2025 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Intake interview and self-reflection
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- Pass/Recycle
- Due date
6/03/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
This assignment requires you to produce a video of a role-play intake interview (first session) with a class colleague who is playing the role of the client. This should be produced utlising the videoing facilities within the UQ Psychology Clinic consult rooms (more details on how to book these rooms to be discussed in class). The aims of this exercise are: to demonstrate your ability in using microskills, to demonstrate your ability in conducting a brief intake interview, and to assist you in building self-reflection skills.
In the recorded session, you are to follow an intake procedure (welcome the client, discuss limitations of confidentiality, and enquire about why they have presented for help). You will then clarify what the presenting problem(s) is/are and why the presenting problem(s) is/are an issue at this point in time (the video should be between 15 and 20 minutes long). You should end the session with a summary of the presenting problem(s). You will then view your video and assess your own performance. You will need to complete the self-evaluation Interview Checklist (available on the Blackboard site). And then use the checklist as the basis upon which to prepare a written critique of your video (1-2 pages max., APA 7th formatting as appropriate) – identifying any strengths and areas for further development, as well as any aspect(s) you found challenging. Be specific as to what you did well and where you could improve your interviewing skills (with some suggestions on what you can do to achieve this). You will also be asked to provide a dot point summary of the feedback (strengths and areas for further development) provided by your peer (no more than 1 page). Finally, and in consideration of the "Indigenous Clinical Psychology in Australia: A Decolonising Social-Emotional Well-Being Approach" chapter (available on Blackboard), offer a reflection as to how you might change aspects of your role play to appropriately incorporate elements of the social-emotional well-being model based on the presenting problem.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
If you are unable to complete your presentation you should submit your appropriate documentation (as per the extension policy) to your tutor and/or course coordinator to arrange for an alternate time to complete your presentation.
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.
Suicide risk assessment
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- Pass/Recycle
- Due date
14/03/2025 8:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Part 1: You will undertake a 13-minute role play with the course coordinator as the client and will conduct a portion of a suicide risk assessment with the client. You must cover the key areas required to be assessed when conducting a suicide risk assessment and have a basic plan of what to do next with the client by the end of the interview. Individual times will be offered closer to time of the assessment.
Part 2: You will spend up to a further 15-minutes writing up the risk assessment, including deciding on level of risk.
Submission guidelines
Individual times will be allocated.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
If you are unable to complete your presentation you should submit your appropriate documentation (as per the extension policy) to your tutor and/or course coordinator to arrange for an alternate time to complete your presentation.
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.
Observation of clinical interaction - minimum of 4
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Placement
- Weight
- Assessed by supervisor
- Due date
24/03/2025 - 20/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05, L06
Task description
At least four recordings of the provisional psychologist's sessions with clients is presented to the supervisor for analysis and to be viewed during the supervision session to allow for in-person reflection to occur. The supervisor and the provisional psychologist should complete the appropriate video reflection for the element being viewed (forms available viat the Blackboard site). All video reflections must be submitted via email to the course coordinator prior to completion of the placement (i.e., by the time of submission of the end-review paperwork).
The elements to be reflected on include:
- Microskills
- Psychoeducation
- Case conceptualisation/formulation
- Therapeutic procedure
Submission guidelines
Submit, via email, the Word doc versions of the documents to the Course Coordinator.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Deferments of this assessment will not be available in this course because assessment is based on the successful development of professional competencies over the period of the practicum.
Mid Placement Review
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Placement
- Weight
- Assessed by supervisor
- Due date
23/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Mid Placement Review conducted by the provisional psychologist and their supervisor of key clinical skills and overall case management. Word format is preferred so that the course coordinator can add comments and sign off on any paperwork as required.
Documents to be completed and emailed include:
Mid-review form
Mid-placement checklist
Supervisory relationship questionnaire
Submission guidelines
Submit, via email, the Word doc versions of the documents to the Course Coordinator.
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.
Multi Station Assessment Task (MSAT)
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass/Recycle/Fail
- Due date
12/06/2025 9:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05
Task description
The MSAT is a competency-based exam in which provisional psychologists will be required to demonstrate core clinical competencies across a series of key competency areas including therapeutic procedures, process issues, and assessment considerations.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
If you are unable to complete your MSAT you should submit your appropriate documentation (as per the extension policy) to your tutor and/or course coordinator to arrange for an alternate time to complete your presentation.
End Placement Review
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Placement
- Weight
- Assessed by supervisor
- Due date
20/06/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
End-placement review conducted by provisional psychologists and their supervisor of key clinical skills and overall case management. Word format is preferred so that the course coordinator can add comments and sign off as applicable.
Documents to be completed include:
End-review form
End-placement checklist
Supervisory relationship questionnaire
Logbooks (client hours, supervision hours, other related hours) - provisional psychologists must keep a record of all their activities during placements. This includes client contact hours, supervision hours, and client-related hours. Forms will be provided to ensure that you are collating the correct information for each of these categories.
Submission guidelines
Submit, via email, the Word doc versions of the documents to the Course Coordinator.
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.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| Pass | |
| Fail | |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not 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.
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 |
Microskills and communication in a therapy context Readings/Ref: 3rd edition Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Workshop |
Intake interviews and working with clients Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Workshop |
Crisis management and risk assessment Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
On being a psychologist Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Exam week 2 |
Placement |
Internship Client work, supervision, and other-related activities associated with working with clients seeking psychological support. Note that the placement carries on through to early August. More details on day one of workshops. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
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: