Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) and Doctor of Philosophy for 2010

Course overview

Educational and developmental psychologists assist children and adults with learning and developmental issues by providing assessment, intervention and counselling services. The course aims to develop graduates with the therapeutic skills involved in educational and developmental psychology. Students develop high professional standards in the administration and interpretation of a comprehensive range of psychological, educational and developmental tests and assessments, and the planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based interventions with individuals and groups.

This program combines the coursework and practicum requirements of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accredited Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) degree with the thesis requirements of the PhD program. Graduates will develop as independent specialist professionals with a commitment to learning across the lifespan of the theoretical, research, assessment, and therapeutic skills involved in educational and developmental psychology. Students begin by undertaking coursework units of the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) degree (at least one unit of which involves a research project), while also preparing their research proposal for the PhD. Continuation to the PhD program is granted if performance on all components meets the required academic standard. A wide variety of thesis topics related to educational and developmental psychology across the lifespan are possible, subject to available supervision. On completion of the course, students submit a PhD thesis of 80,000 to 100,000 words.

Note: Off-campus is offered part-time every second year (the next intake is in semester 1, 2010) and only on a full fee paying basis.

Duration, campus, fees and application information

Career outlook

Graduates provide counselling and support to people of all ages, across a diverse range of organisations including primary and secondary schools, health and welfare services, care facilities, and within business and corporate environments. The PhD qualification will also allow graduates to work as academics in tertiary settings.