| Type: | Postgraduate Subject |
|---|---|
| Code: | PSYC71-509 |
| EFTSL: | 0.125 |
| Faculty: | Faculty of Society and Design |
| Semesters offered: |
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| Credit: | 10 |
| Study areas: |
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| Subject fees: |
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Description
This subject provides formal academic training in health psychology. 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 stress, chronic pain issues, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, skin issues, stroke and grief counselling. This includes the clinical psychopathology core with health conditions. Students learn motivational interviewing and relapse prevention strategies. Formal academic training in specialised evidence-based interventions for health problems is also provided.
Subject details
Learning outcomes
- Apply motivational interviewing and relapse-prevention skills in a simulated consultation with a client presenting with a health-related concern.
- Analyse the psychological, behavioural and social processes contributing to the onset, course and management of acute and chronic health conditions.
- Communicate a health psychology intervention plan in written form, using professional conventions and culturally appropriate language.
- Select evidence-based psychological interventions for a specified health presentation, accounting for assessment findings, health literacy and cultural context.
- Reflect on the influence of own values and assumptions on practice with clients experiencing illness, disability or grief.
- Critically evaluate the evidence base for psychological interventions in health settings.
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.
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| Restrictions: |
This subject is not available to
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. |
Subject outlines
- September 2026 [Intensive - Health Psychology]
- September 2025 [Intensive - Health Psychology]
- September 2024 [Intensive - Health Psychology]
- May 2022 [Intensive - Health Psychology]
- May 2021 [Intensive - Health Psychology]
- May 2020 [Standard - Health Psychology]
- May 2019 [Standard - Health Psychology]
- May 2018 [Standard - Health Psychology]
- May 2017 [Standard - Health Psychology]
Subject dates
September 2026
| Non-Standard Offering | |
|---|---|
| Enrolment opens: | 19/07/2026 |
| Semester start: | 21/09/2026 |
| Subject start: | 21/09/2026 |
| Last enrolment: | 24/09/2026 |
| Teaching census: | 18/10/2026 |
| Withdraw - Financial: | 19/10/2026 |
| Withdraw - Academic: | 05/11/2026 |
| Non-Standard Offering | |
|---|---|
| Enrolment opens: | 19/07/2026 |
| Semester start: | 21/09/2026 |
| Subject start: | 21/09/2026 |
| Last enrolment: | 24/09/2026 |
| Teaching census: | 18/10/2026 |
| Withdraw - Financial: | 19/10/2026 |
| Withdraw - Academic: | 05/11/2026 |