Graduates should demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to work as clinical psychologists. These include

Knowledge:

• Graduates should understand and critically evaluate theories and taxonomies of psychological disorders, and integrate knowledge of developmental and biopsychoscial perspectives, including individual and cultural diversity, to understanding mental health across the lifespan.
• Graduates should demonstrate knowledge of psychopharmacology and the biological bases of disorders, including their application to severe mental disorders.

Skills:

• Graduates should demonstrate the ability to conduct culturally sensitive assessments of psychological disorders using standardised assessment tools, tests and interviews, as well as information and observations derived from the individual, and other sources relevant to the client, such as family systems.
• Graduates should be able to integrate, interpret, and synthesise clinical psychological assessment data with their knowledge of psychopathology to inform culturally sensitive case formulations, diagnoses and interventions relevant to the presentation of disorders across the lifespan.
• Graduates should demonstrate the ability to undertake a substantial piece of original research in clinical psychology and complete a research thesis which makes a distinct contribution to knowledge.

Application of skills and knowledge

• Graduates should demonstrate skills in selecting, tailoring and implementing appropriate interventions based on a culturally sensitive formulation. Throughout the course specific reference is made to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within this context. They will devise interventions with individuals, dyads and/or carers/dependents across the lifespan, as appropriate They will consider interventions in a range of modalities, including e-health.

Graduates should demonstrate knowledge of the range of settings in which clinical psychologists work. They will demonstrate the ability to consult and collaborate with colleagues, including those from other professions.  They should also demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles and reasoning in psychological research and practice, particularly with reference to the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics and NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.