Course coordinator
Mrs Danielle Walsh
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- UQ Medical School
PXMH7116 is the second of two research-focused courses in the Master of Mental Health (MMH) program. In this course, students complete and write up an independent research or practice-based project, building on the proposal developed in PXMH7115. The course focuses on applying research skills in a meaningful and methodologically sound way, with support from regular supervision. Students will also develop advanced skills in research implementation, data analysis, academic writing, and communicating findings in mental health contexts.
In PXMH7116, your focus will shift from planning to implementation. You’ll work closely with your supervisor to carry out your project and develop a manuscript-style report suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. Whether your project involves collecting data, conducting a systematic review, or using another approved methodology, the emphasis is on applying research skills in a meaningful and methodologically sound way.
If your project required ethics approval, this should be finalised at the commencement of PXMH7116. For projects that do not involve human participants (e.g., systematic reviews or heuristic self-inquiries), your search strategy or data analysis plan should be finalised early in the course.
By the end of the semester, you will have completed a research report and developed the skills to present your findings in both academic and professional settings. For students interested in further research, such as PhD study, this course provides a strong foundation.
Course requirements
Assumed background
PXMH7115 or equivalent research course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PXMH7115
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PXMH7115 or equivalent research course
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PXMH7068
Course contact
Course coordinator
Dr Jaya Valvoi
School enquiries
Medical School Student and Academic Administration Team
Course staff
Field coordinator
Ms Louise Leotta
Program director
Dr Jaime Yasky
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
You are required to participate in a minimum of three individual supervision sessions (maximum 6 supervision sessions) across the semester at times to be negotiated with your supervisor.
Group supervision sessions will be scheduled separately, according to your program stream.
Research Workshops will be held on Wednesday 6 August 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Herston Campus. Attendance is required.
Aims and outcomes
Develop capacity to design an independent project relevant to mental health.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Implement an independent research project in an ethical and methodologically sound manner.
LO2.
Analyse and interpret research findings using critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.
LO3.
Communicate research outcomes clearly and professionally, using formats suited to mental health practice and research settings.
LO4.
Engage in supervision and demonstrate reflective capacity throughout all stages of the research process.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Research Process and Scholarly Engagement
|
20% |
28/07/2025 - 31/10/2025 |
| Presentation |
Peer Research Showcase
|
20% |
6/10/2025 - 23/10/2025
Your Course Coordinator will confirm the date of your presentation at the beginning of the semester. |
| Thesis |
Thesis
|
60% |
31/10/2025 1:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Poster |
Exhibition
|
Pass/Fail |
15/11/2025 10:00 am
Please note, the submission of exhibition tasks to a set timeline with firm deadlines is required across the semester in preparation for the in-person exhibition on 15th November. A preparation timeline will be provided at the beginning of semester. |
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
Research Process and Scholarly Engagement
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
28/07/2025 - 31/10/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This assessment evaluates your engagement with the research process and your use of supervision throughout the course. It is designed to recognise the professional and reflective capacities that underpin high-quality research practice.
Your supervisor will assess how you:
- Demonstrated preparedness, initiative, and professionalism in supervisory meetings
- Engaged with feedback and integrated it meaningfully into your evolving project
- Showed increasing reflective awareness and self-direction across the semester
- Maintained ethical awareness and research integrity throughout the project
This component acknowledges that the process of research is not only technical, but also reflective and relational. Your ability to engage thoughtfully with supervision is an important marker of your development as an independent practitioner or researcher.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Have completed a minimum of 3 supervision meetings over the course of the semester. Completion of this task is required to pass the course.Submission guidelines
No student submission is required. The supervisor will submit a mark based on a standardised rubric provided on Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Not applicable.
Peer Research Showcase
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
6/10/2025 - 23/10/2025
Your Course Coordinator will confirm the date of your presentation at the beginning of the semester.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04
Task description
You will present a brief engaging presentation on your research project (approx. 5minutes) followed by a Q&A session. This presentation should summarise the background, rationale, methodology, and progress of your research to date. You will then respond to questions relating to your research process, methodology, or interpretation to demonstrate authorship and understanding.
This presentation simulates a professional research environment and provides an opportunity to receive feedback prior to thesis submission.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Completion of the presentation and Q&A is required to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Thesis
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
31/10/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The thesis is the major summative assessment for this course. It provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to design, conduct, and communicate an independent project relevant to mental health research or practice.
Your final submission should:
- Clearly articulate the research aims or questions and their relevance to the mental health field
- Demonstrate appropriate and ethical use of research methodology
- Analyse and interpret data or findings with critical insight
- Integrate relevant literature and theoretical frameworks
- Reflect on limitations and implications for practice, policy, or further research
- Adhere to the conventions of academic or professional research writing
The thesis must represent your original work. You are expected to demonstrate clear authorship, including consistent engagement with supervision across the course. Supervisors may provide feedback on planning and editing drafts but cannot co-author the final submission.
Format and length:
Your thesis should follow the structure of a scholarly article or professional practice report, tailored to a relevant journal or audience.
- 5000-7000 words (excluding references)
- You should identify a target journal or audience and align your structure and tone accordingly
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.
Exhibition
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Poster
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
15/11/2025 10:00 am
Please note, the submission of exhibition tasks to a set timeline with firm deadlines is required across the semester in preparation for the in-person exhibition on 15th November. A preparation timeline will be provided at the beginning of semester.
- Learning outcomes
- L03
Task description
This assessment provides an opportunity for all students to publicly present aspects of their completed research project in a format appropriate to their discipline. This exhibition allows students to showcase their work and communicate their findings in a professional and accessible way. Participation in the in-person exhibition is expected for all students.
Art Therapy stream (AT):
You will exhibit 6–10 artworks in both an online and in-person exhibition. These pieces should link together, and provide a reflection throughout the research process. Any materials can be used, but be cognisant of the confines of the exhibition space. There will not be capacity to display electronic artworks/videos/etc.
Requirements:
- Participate in exhibition preparation tasks with firm deadlines throughout the semester.
- Write a 350–400-word artist’s statement.
- Submit digital versions of your artworks along with titles, media, dimensions, and a short 40-word description about each piece.
- Hang/install your artwork on the morning of the in-person exhibition, and pack down following the exhibition.
A preparation timeline will be provided by the Art Therapy Stream Course Coordinator.
Psychotherapy stream (PT):
You will produce a research poster that visually communicates the key elements of your project: research aim, rationale, methodology, findings, and implications, in a clear and professional format.
Requirements:
- Submit a printed version of an A3 poster to be displayed at the exhibition venue
- Attend the exhibition event to be present with your poster and respond to informal questions from attendees
Poster design, printing guidelines and due dates, will be provided by the Psychotherapy Stream Course Coordinator.
Hurdle requirements
Submission of artwork or research poster for Exhibition is required to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extensions available - deadlines are firm.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 65 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 66 - 75 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 76 - 85 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 86 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Please note that all submission dates for assessments are in Brisbane time - Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course 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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
General contact hours |
Monthly Group Project Supervision Zoom-based group supervision Dates and Zoom links for both Art Therapy and Psychotherapy groups will be provided on Blackboard at the commencement of the semester. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 2 |
Workshop |
Research Workshop In person workshops will be held at Herston Campus on Wednesday 6th August;
Information including room bookings will be send via email. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.