Skip to main content
Start of main content.

PSYC71-509: Health Psychology

Description

This subject provides formal academic training in health psychology, behavioural medicine, and rehabilitation. The subject is designed to develop students' understanding of the processes of, and developmental issues in acute and chronic illness, and evidence-based interventions for dealing with health risk factors. Topics include the aetiology, assessment and treatment of significant health problems such as chronic pain, drug and alcohol addiction, and sleep and eating problems. Students learn motivational interviewing and relapse prevention strategies. Formal academic training in specialised evidence-based interventions for health problems is also provided.

Subject details

Type: Postgraduate Subject
Code: PSYC71-509
EFTSL: 0.125
Faculty: Faculty of Society and Design
Credit: 10
Study areas:
  • Psychology, Criminology, and Social Sciences
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2023: $5,640.00
  • Commencing in 2023: $6,070.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
  2. Capacity to work effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
  3. Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence.
  4. Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
  5. Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
  6. Evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
  7. Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
  8. Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
  9. Knowledge of current theories, systems, regulatory and statutory authorities.
  10. Demonstrate advanced psychological knowledge for clinical psychology formulation, diagnosis, and psychopharmacology.
  11. Apply advanced psychological knowledge in formulation, and culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology.
  12. Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner.
  13. Apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology.
  14. Perform appropriate standardised psychological testing, as part of broader assessment, to assess and interpret aspects of functioning.
  15. Identify psychological disorders using a recognised taxonomy.
  16. Utilise assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment and management of risk.
  17. Understand how to monitor outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation
  18. Interpret and communicate findings in oral and written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
  19. Knowledge of supported interventions, and monitor clients’ progress and intervention outcomes.
  20. Demonstrate respect for the skills and contribution of other professionals.

Enrolment requirements

Requisites:

Nil

Assumed knowledge:

Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.

Restrictions: This subject is not available to
  • Study Abroad Students

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Master of Professional Psychology programs are accredited pathways towards registration as a Psychologist. Entry into these programs is based on a calculated GPA derived from a completed four year sequence of study in Psychology as accredited by APAC as well as invitation into the degree. As such, this subject can only be taken by those students successfully admitted to the degree.

This subject is not available as a general elective. To be eligible for enrolment, the subject must be specified in the students’ program structure.

Related programs