UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

The focus of this unit is on developing student understanding of the societal and legislative expectations relating to the provision of services as a registered psychologist. This unit develops student awareness of the ethical and regulatory landscape (including the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce, the National Law for Health Practitioners, the Code of Conduct (Psychology Board of Australia), and Code of Ethics and associated guidelines published by the Australian Psychological Society). This unit investigates the role played by professional associations (such as the Australian Psychological Society, Society of Industrial & Organisational Psychologists of Australia) and regulators (such as the Psychology Board of Australia) in maintaining integrity and public trust in the psychology profession. This unit will address contemporary issues and challenges in the profession of I/O psychology. Students will develop their understanding of their responsibilities when working as a practitioner with individuals, groups and organisations. Students will develop awareness in culturally responsive practice, cross-cultural competence, and working effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. Students will learn how to identify and provide support to individuals experiencing common mental health issues in the workplace. This unit is a pre-requisite and preparation unit to enable students to commence their placement pathway.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) develop their understanding of the ethical and regulatory frameworks which set the standards of culturally responsive conduct and professional practice expected for Registered Psychologists.; (2) apply the Psychology Board Code of Conduct, National Practice Standards, APS Code of Ethics, Mental Health First Aid and other relevant legislation to a range of contexts in a culturally responsive and reflexive manner to make appropriate decisions within the work context.; (3) confidently discuss the professional responsibilities and standards expected of a Psychologist operating within the IO landscape including understanding how their role will change when working with individuals, groups and organisations and at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of intervention.; and (4) understand how placement activity, and the process of administering your placement, is a key aspect of demonstrating your ability to practice in a culturally safe and competently manner..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assessment 1; (2) assessment 2; (3) assessment 3; and (4) attendance. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the attendance component.

This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Liz Pritchard

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

53580 Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
or 01880/54580 Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology

and Successful completion of

three Unit(s) 53580 Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
and 6 points in your chosen degree

Contact hours

seminars: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks.

Note

Students enrolled in an APAC accredited program must hold provisional registration as a psychologist. It is the students' responsibility to ensure registration eligibility. Enrolled students are also responsible for maintaining provisional registration for the duration of their enrolment in the program.
Students must provide evidence of completion of Mental Health First Aid accreditation in order to be eligible to participate in placement activity.