Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)/Doctor of Philosophy

This subject is intended as part of a student's preparation for writing their postgraduate psychology thesis by ensuring that they have an extensive knowledge of the contemporary literature in that area along with an understanding of the methodology underlying relevant research. This review of the literature will enable them to determine a pertinent research question by identifying a gap in the literature. Students will conduct their own research projects as outlined in PSYC90095 Thesis (Masters/coursework) Part 1 / PSYC90096 Thesis (Masters/coursework) Part 2.

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This field placement and clinical skills subject, extending over forty-three days, introduces students to clinical neuropsychology services in a variety of settings, which might include adult and paediatric care in neurological, neurosurgical, psychiatric, and rehabilitation settings. All principal field supervisors are registered supervisors with AHPRA, and Members (or eligible for Membership) of the College of Clinical Neuropsychologists of the Australian Psychological Society.

It is a requirement of the Australian Accreditation Council and the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Neuropsychologists that students complete a minimum of 1000 hours of placement training during the two-year Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) course. This first year placement subject requires a minimum of 150 hours of patient contact, 48 hours of case conference attendance, 40 hours of assessment workshops, and 7 hours of other clinical skills workshops.

Clinical Neuropsychology Placement 1 consists of the following components:

• Direct observation of, and some active work with, patients referred to neuropsychology services at teaching hospitals and the University of Melbourne Psychology Clinic.
• Attendance at hospital-based group supervision sessions and clinical meetings, involving intensive discussion of cases directly observed during component 1.
• Student case conference. These two-hour conferences are held weekly during semester 1 and 2 on the Parkville campus.
• Assessment seminars: The equivalent of four and one-half days (34 hours) of seminars on neuropsychological assessment techniques. These seminars are designed to enhance the development of practical professional-level skills.

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A year long lecture-based subject focussed on the neuropsychological effects of neurodegeneration, cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, alcohol-related brain damage, psychogenic disorders, multiple sclerosis, brain tumours, and paraneoplastic disorders of the brain. Detailed consideration will be given to issues such as nosology, formal diagnostic criteria, neuropathology and pathogenetic mechanisms, epidemiology, clinical spectrum, psychological co-morbidities, and current treatment​ including pharmacological approaches (where applicable).

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This subject is designed to equip students with core knowledge and skills in helping people who are experiencing psychological problems. Such problems may occur when things going awry in a person’s habitual ways of thinking, their behavioural patterns, their emotional functioning, or in their relationships, health, or life circumstances. The focus of this subject is on brief psychological interventions, mostly based in the CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) tradition, that have evidence of effectiveness for a range of common problems and disorders. The psychological interventions covered in this subject are frequently used in Australia and are approved as Focussed Psychological Strategies for those with a Mental Health Treatment Plan under the Medicare Better Access Scheme.

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This subject introduces students who are studying clinical psychology or clinical neuropsychology at the graduate level to the principles and practice of psychological and neuropsychological assessment, covering childhood and adulthood. Current trends in the theoretical understanding of personality, psychopathology and cognitive ability will provide the conceptual basis assessment practice. It will be shown that psychological and neuropsychological assessment is best understood to include all aspects of the clinical encounter which lead to diagnostic case formulation. In particular, the subject content will address the application of techniques derived from psychological science to enhance correct classification of psychological conditions.

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This subject provides an opportunity for didactic, case-based and experiential learning in cognitive-behavioural treatment models and techniques. Although the prime focus will be on cognitive-behavioural treatments for adult psychological disorders, attention will be paid to other treatment modalities (eg. pharmacological, psychosocial, etc.) where appropriate. Teaching may be composed of a combination of didactic input, class discussions, role plays and observation.

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A semester-long subject on human neuroanatomy, with particular emphasis on clinical and radiographic correlation. The content will be delivered through 12 lectures, accompanied by virtual brain dissection.

The primary objective of the subject is to provide a neuroanatomical framework that is relevant to an understanding of basic neurology, and clinical neurological examination, and neuropsychological disorders. Neurological, neuropathological, and neuroimaging issues will be considered wherever relevant throughout the subject. Students will come to understand (1) anatomical relations through an appreciation of their developmental origins, (2) the multiple ways in which developmental and acquired brain impairments manifest themselves neuroanatomically, (3) how major anatomical landmarks can be identified on virtual dissection and structural magnetic resonance imaging, (4) the neuroanatomical rationale underpinning the basic neurological examination, and (5) the derivation of neuroanatomical terminology and nomenclature.

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This subject focuses on research skills for students undertaking professional training in psychology. Emphasis is placed on the skills and methods that will assist students in the development and completion of their research thesis. Topics may include: major design and measurement decisions; survey approaches; sampling issues; practical management of research; the development of research proposals and theses; and data analysis options.

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A semester long, lecture subject focused on (1) advanced issues in neuropsychological testing in professional settings; (2) principles of clinical neuropsychological interaction, including interviewing, history-taking and intervention; (3) diagnostic formulation; and (4) report writing. The administration and interpretation of current tests of mood and personality will be considered in detail.

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The subject provides a cognitive neuroscience perspective on the brain mechanisms underlying cognitive processes that are commonly impaired in conditions confronted by neuropsychologists. The subject will describe the basic cognitive neuroscience (e.g., cortical structure, function and psychopharmacology) underpinning critical cognitive processes such as memory, executive function and attention, and application to understanding dysfunction of these processes in clinical conditions. Additionally, the subject will provide students with an introduction to medications used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

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This subject aims to present major approaches to psychological disorders, in which psychopathology is contrasted with "normal" functioning. Reference is made to various theoretical approaches to the aetiologies of disorders/problems, with a focus on recognising the clinical pictures of common psychological disorders/problems that occur in a variety of settings, including, depression, the anxiety disorders, substance abuse/dependence and neurocognitive disorders.

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This subject is organised around four major areas:

• risk assessment and management;
• theoretical foundations of ethics;
• ethical problems and the application of ethical principles to practice, and legal and institutional regulations; and
• codes of practice and guidelines.

The exploration, clarification and possible resolution of selected ethical dilemmas commonly faced by psychologists will be covered and may include:

• assessing and managing client risk;
• psychologist/client relationships (for example, confidentiality,
• boundary violations,
• assessment of dangerousness,
• patient and client rights,
• professional responsibility,
• special groups (such as children, employer-psychologist ethical differences);
• psychologist/institutional relationships (such as state regulation of professional practice, legal requirements, certification, mandatory reporting, guardianship, unprofessional conduct);
• research ethics; and
• personal ethical development.

Specific emphasis will be placed on awareness of cultural diversity and the role of culture in defining and influencing ethical practice.

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A 48 day external field placement concentrating on neuropsychological services in adult neurology/neurosurgery and adult psychiatry. Placement in each setting will extend over 12 weeks. Students will be expected to commit 2 days per week for a total of 24 weeks. Field placement activities include neuropsychological assessment of referred cases, case formulation and diagnosis, development of management strategies where appropriate, attendance at relevant clinical meetings and ward rounds under the supervision of field neuropsychologists who meet the standards of the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council. In addition students are required to attend, and present cases seen on field placement at a weekly case conference in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences over the course of their enrolment in Clinical Neuropsychology Placement 2A. Students are also required to attend 3 clinical workshops (18 hours in total) designed to enhance the development of practical professional-level skills.

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Students will acquire the capacity to carry out independent research, and will demonstrate the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in the discipline of psychology. The major difference between the Masters by Research and the PhD is that the former is more limited in scope.

Psychological Sciences hosts a number of well-equipped laboratories in which research is carried out by teams of staff members, often in collaboration with researchers from other University departments as well as affiliated institutions. Many of these laboratories have been successful in obtaining grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and other external granting bodies. These laboratories are very keen to accept postgraduate students to participate in their research programs.

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Coverage of the rapidly expanding field of neuropsychological rehabilitation is provided in this subject. The curriculum covers the nature of recovery following focal and diffuse brain injury from neurological, cognitive and psychosocial viewpoints, as well as frameworks for developing appropriate neuropsychological interventions for rehabilitation. Commonly encountered disorders such as stroke and brain injury will be discussed in the context of their cognitive, emotional, and social effects, including neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Approaches to the assessment and management of cognitive and behavioural disorders will be surveyed, with an emphasis on designing and implementing cognitive and behavioural interventions that are patient-centred and culturally responsive. During the semester students may be required to make observations regarding a patient's recovery, practice how to design and implement an intervention, or provide psychoeducation and feedback to patients and families, as they explore the various roles of clinical neuropsychologists in rehabilitation settings.

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Students will acquire the capacity to carry out independent research, and will demonstrate the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in the discipline of psychology. The major difference between the Masters by Research and the PhD is that the former is more limited in scope.

Psychological Sciences hosts a number of well-equipped laboratories in which research is carried out by teams of staff members, often in collaboration with researchers from other University departments as well as affiliated institutions. Many of these laboratories have been successful in obtaining grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and other external granting bodies. These laboratories are very keen to accept postgraduate students to participate in their research programs.

View detailed information in the Handbook

A 48 day external field placement concentrating on neuropsychological services in two of the following settings:

• Paediatric neurology/neurosurgery,
• acquired brain injury rehabilitation units, or geriatrics (including psychogeriatric rehabilitation and cognitive, dementia, and memory services).

Placement in each setting will extend over 12 weeks. Students will be expected to commit 2 days per week for a total of 24 weeks. Field placement activities include neuropsychological assessment of referred cases, case formulation and diagnosis, development of management strategies where appropriate, attendance at relevant clinical meetings and ward rounds under the supervision of field neuropsychologists who meet the standards of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. In addition, students are required to attend and present cases seen on field placement at a weekly case conference in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences over the course of their enrolment in Clinical Neuropsychology Placement 2B.

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This subject focuses on the interplay between developmental factors and psychological functioning across the lifespan. Students will learn about key developmental tasks and transitions at each developmental stagefrom the perinatal period to the end-of-life stage, and will practice applying this knowledge to clinical case formulation. The subject covers approaches to engagement, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention at each developmental stage , and ways in which interventions need to be tailored in light of maturational, cultural, and other contextual variables . Topics nclude mental health in the perinatal period; working with attachment-related concerns in clinical practice; social, emotional and behavioural problems of early and middle childhood; engaging adolescents; developmental tasks and transitions in early adulthood, mid-life and old age; and psychological intervention in the context of dementia.

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This subject introduces students to fundamental concepts in the neuropsychological assessment and management of children and adolescents. It explores brain development, the effects of neurological insult, and the interaction of biological, developmental, and sociocultural factors in shaping outcomes for children with a range of medical and neurodevelopmental conditions. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a central theme, with a focus on working with families, educators, and health professionals, to promote positive outcomes. Students will be introduced to clinical approaches unique to developmental neuropsychology, including assessment planning, gathering comprehensive developmental histories, formulation, diagnosis, effective communication of findings and recommendations, and rehabilitation. Emphasis is placed on clear, collaborative, and actionable approaches that support children’s participation and well-being.

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Students will acquire the capacity to carry out independent research, and will demonstrate the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in the discipline of psychology. The major difference between the Masters by Research and the PhD is that the former is more limited in scope.

Psychological Sciences hosts a number of well-equipped laboratories in which research is carried out by teams of staff members, often in collaboration with researchers from other University departments as well as affiliated institutions. Many of these laboratories have been successful in obtaining grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and other external granting bodies. These laboratories are very keen to accept postgraduate students to participate in their research programs.

View detailed information in the Handbook