Enriching Pedagogy through Self Reflection in a Postgraduate Professional Psychology Unit

The aim of postgraduate psychology education is to equip aspiring professional psychology students with the essential knowledge and practical skills necessary for proficient, and successful practice as professional psychologists. In Australia, individuals pursuing psychology training at the postgraduate level typically undergo a master’s program that emphasises the cultivation of professional competencies. This often involves completing a specialised program like the Master of Professional Psychology or the 5+1 pathway, enabling students to fulfill the requirements for registration as a professional psychologist. This pathway involves a year of training with a higher education provider, followed by a one-year internship. Macquarie University, for instance, offers a comprehensive degree program in this field, guiding approximately 30 students annually on their journey to becoming practicing psychologists.
These programs must align with the standards set by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), the primary accrediting authority for psychology education and training in Australia. They are obligated to offer an educational experience that, through program design and teaching methodologies, assists trainees in cultivating a defined set of graduate competencies to meet the minimum standards specified by the Psychology Board of Australia, also known as PsyBA (PsyBA, 2016).

Postgraduate psychology education aims to develop competencies critical for ethical and effective professional practice, including the cultivation of self-reflective practice, (Australian Psychology Accreditation Council [APAC], 2019).