PhD Clinical Field Placement I

6 unitsSem 1In Person

School of Medicine and Psychology · ANU College of Science and Medicine

About this course

The Initial Placement, which occurs in the ANU Psychology Clinic, is where students commence their professional training. It is separated into two components over 10 months (Clinical Field Placement I and Clinical Field Placement II). The Initial Placement is typically completed at a rate of 3 days a week for approximately 10 months. Under the supervision of clinical staff, students are expected to undertake a range of professional, clinical and administrative duties including clinical assessment, case formulation, treatment planning and individual therapy with child and adult clients, cognitive assessment, group therapy, as well as attend individual and group/peer supervision.

Learning outcomes

1Apply advanced psychological evidence-based knowledge and skills to their practice of clinical psychology with clients and in a professional setting, acting consistently with relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, codes of ethical practice, and occupational health standards.
2Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice with clients across the lifespan and with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
3Establish appropriate therapeutic relationships with their clients (and/or relevant carers) in a culturally responsive manner and communicate professionally and effectively with them to obtain and provide information.
4Select and administer appropriate instruments for assessment or other methods for data collection, and analyse and evaluate the results.
5Integrate and interpret information from a range of sources in order to arrive at a formulation (describe clients and problems within a psychological framework, assess risk).
6Devise and implement the most appropriate intervention and treatment plan which is evidence based and clearly derived from the formulation, including management of risk.
7Monitor and evaluate the effects of the intervention and make modifications as required.
8Provide clear, comprehensive, accurate, and relevant verbal and written reports of their activities to the client, families, and external agencies where required.
9Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner, while operating within the boundaries of their professional competence, and ensuring the safety of clients and colleagues in all aspects of professional work.
10Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking into account the impact of their own experiences, values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result to ensure professional practice is maintained, including developing effective self-care strategies.
11Understand the organisation of the workplace setting and work effectively and co-operatively within that organisation with recognition of different organisational cultures and practice.
12Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.

Assessment

Weights and hurdle requirements come straight from the imported ANU record.

Professional Placement Portfolio - includes a Placement Agreement, Written Clinical Case report, Supervisors evaluation of competence, and Log books indicating activities conducted over the course of the placement.

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

100%

Study expectations

Study information

The Initial Placement, which occurs in the ANU Psychology Clinic, is where students commence their professional training and is separated into two components over 10 months (Placement I and Placement II). The Initial Placement is normally 120 days in duration, at a rate of 3 days a week for approximately 10 months. This course continues through PSYC8202. Work Integrated Learning Placements All students will engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a major component of the course Other Information Pre-Placement Requirements: - Provisional Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, - National Police Certificate - Students must complete a National Police Check. - Immunisation Record – Students must ensure their immunisations are current. - Working with Vulnerable People Registration – Students must complete a WWVP check.

Texts and reading

Please check Wattle for details.

Course essentials

Academic year: 2026
Course subject: PSYC
Subject name: Psychology
Academic career: RSCH
School: School of Medicine and Psychology
College: ANU College of Science and Medicine
Convener: Not listed
Delivery: In Person
Unit value: 6 units
EFTSL: 0.125
Last source update: Not listed

View the ANU course source

Fees

International fee paying students: International · 2026 · Course basis; $7,380
Student Contribution Band Code 4B: Commonwealth supported · 2026; **Student Contribution Band:** [4B]

Areas and attributes

Areas of interest

Psychology