School of Psychology - Edu & Dev Psychology

Educational & Developmental Psychology at UWA

The School of Psychology at UWA is one of eight departments in Australia that offer applied postgraduate programs that are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and are approved by the College of Educational and Developmental Psychology of the Australian Psychological Society as meeting their guidelines and standards.
Two of these programs, the M Psych (Applied Developmental) and the M Psych/PhD were established in 1991. The M Psych/Grad Dip Ed was added in 1996. In 2008 the name of the M Psych component was changed from Applied Developmental to Educational and Developmental but it is a continuation of this approved program.

The School of Psychology produces innovative and internationally recognized research that attracts substantial external funding. Accordingly the School has in place extensive infrastructure to support postgraduate research and teaching. Perhaps the most impressive facility supporting educational and developmental research is the Child Study Centre which incorporates a kindergarten, preprimary and a special education unit as well as a Learning Clinic, rooms for running groups and a neuropsychological laboratory.

Yes it does pay to get a Masters degree! A graduate with an M Psych degree is eligible to be registered as a psychologist and provide services that are rebatable under Medicare. If combined with the Dip Ed, the graduate meets the full requirements of the Department of Education and Training and the Independent Schools Psychological Services for employment as a school psychologist.

Graduates from the Educational and Developmental programs have been much sought after in a variety of settings, many being offered their first job towards the end of their training! Approximately 40% of past graduates have found employment in the public or private school system. Others now work in a variety of government agencies ranging from the Police Department to the Disability Services Commission, with applied research groups, in the tertiary education sector and in private practice.

M Psych (Educational and Developmental)
This two-year degree provides the essential knowledge and skills to work within the broad area of educational and developmental psychology. The core coursework units place emphasis on theoretical approaches to normal and atypical development and learning and on the applications of theory and research to practice in applied settings. Optional units allow students to undertake more advanced studies in areas of interest and to acquire skills relevant to such work places as schools, disability services or services for the elderly. The program also provides training in the skills required to work as a psychologist in educational or developmental settings. This is achieved through an internal placement based in the Child Study Centre Clinic, through workshops and field placements. Tuition also prepares students to be active researchers and discerning readers of research projects. A substantial individual research project is completed in an area of interest to the student under the supervision of staff.

M Psych (Educational and Developmental) and PGDipEd (School Psychology Major)
This unique combined degree is favoured by those who have the clear goal of working as a school psychologist. It is offered in collaboration with the Graduate School of Education and combines within a very full two years the M Psych (Ed & Dev) and the Dip Ed. The latter training meets the requirements of the Western Australian College of Teachers to become a provisionally registered teacher. It provides coursework in curriculum content, pedagogy and behaviour management as well as supervised teaching practice.

M Psych (Educational and Developmental) and PhD
This four-year combined degree provides the coursework and practical training of the M Psych degree together with a normal program of doctoral research. This combination is usually sought by those students who envisage a career in applied research or a university but also allows the graduate to work as a registered psychologist.

Application forms for the program become available in July and applications close at the end of October. Applicants are encouraged to apply for scholarships where appropriate.

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School of Psychology
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009

Phone: +61 8 6488 3246
Fax: +61 8 6488 1006
Email: info@psy.uwa.edu.au