ObjectivesThis program provides an in-depth analysis of the interface between Psychology and Law in relation to the Criminal Courts, as well as Family and Civil matters. The program covers all stages of the Criminal Justice system from investigation and interview through to pre-trial psychological assessment, involvement at the pre-sentencing stage and the treatment of convicted offenders. There is an emphasis on the Scientist-practitioner approach. This program is also designed to provide education, knowledge, training and clinical skills in professional psychology to meet the requirements for State registration as a psychologist. Placements are an integral part of this program. Students will undertake practical placements as part of their training.
Entry requirementsCompletion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited 4 year sequence of study in psychology (eg Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) Honours; Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology), or equivalent. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and are assessed on academic performance, referee reports and personal suitability via interview.
Academic titleMaster of Psychology (Forensic)
Course descriptionProfessional Outcomes:
The program meets the requirements set out by the QPRB. Graduates will be eligible to apply for full registration with the QPRB after two years of probationary registration. Graduates will be eligible to apply for membership to the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Accreditation:
This program has been granted Conditional Accreditation by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Condition of Enrolment:
Probationary registration from the Psychologists Board of Queensland (QPRB).
Important notes for students:
Students will find all the information required on obtaining registration from www.psychologyboard.qld.gov.au. Go to ‘Registration’ then click on ‘Registering in Queensland’ and then click on the link which relates to your situation. The University will assist students as far as possible with their application to the Board. Students should contact the Program Advisor in the School of Social Sciences for further assistance.
You should note to obtain all the required documentation for registration and for this to then be assessed by the Board for registration can take up to three months. Students will not be permitted to enrol in the Master of Psychology (Clinical/Forensic) without submitting a copy of the registration to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Bond University takes no responsibility for students who have not fulfilled all the requirements of admission and condition of enrolment for the program.
Program Structure
Candidates must complete the following 16 subjects:
core Subjects (7)
Seven (7) coursework subjects:
* PSYC 71-503 Counselling Psychotherapies and Clinical Skills
* PSYC 71-504 Advanced Psychological Assessment
* PSYC 71-525 Research Methods, Professional Practice and Ethics (Forensic)
* PSYC 71-516 Special Category Offenders
* PSYC 71-517 Psychology and the Law
* PSYC 71-518 Psychology in Corrections
* PSYC 71-519 Forensic Psychopathology
* PSYC 71-731 Internship: Part A
* PSYC 71-732 Internship: Part B
* PSYC 71-733 Externship I
* PSYC 71-734 Externship II
Students complete the first two-semester internship at the psychology clinic located on campus under staff supervision, and two externships in a clinical community setting under external supervision.
Dissertation (4)
* PSYC 71-631 Masters Dissertation - Part 1
* PSYC 71-632 Masters Dissertation - Part 2
* PSYC 71-633 Masters Dissertation - Part 3
* PSYC 71-634 Masters Dissertation - Part 4
Dissertation: students undertake a research project that allows them to investigate, and report on, a specialised topic in the area of forensic psychology.