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Unit of study_
PSYC6089: Research, Ethics and Professional Practice
2026 unit information
This unit introduces students to the current standards of ethical and professional practice in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on reflective practice we aim to promote and starting a process of lifelong professional development for students. Students will critically engage with the current legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, and ethical codes of practice – with particular reference to the Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct. The unit strengthens connection between theory and practice, through exploration of the relevant ethical and professional issues that clinicians are likely to encounter in clinical settings – both in their training in the Psychology Clinic, and later in their professional life. These topics include culturally safe practice, and working effectively and ethically with diverse populations. Students will also attend lectures on various research methodologies relevant to clinical psychology research, and engage in a series of seminars in which second year MCP students present and reflect on clinical cases and research projects. Students in this course will also begin planning their own research project for their thesis, and submit a preliminary research proposal after meeting with their allocated research supervisors. All students are required to attend and contribute to active discussion during case and research seminars, and attend the School Colloquium.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Psychology Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Demonstrate a knowledge and practice of clinical psychology within the code of ethical practice
- LO2. Work responsively with a broad range of socially and culturally diverse clients
- LO3. Undertake practice that is consistent with current relevant legal frameworks and mental health practice standards
- LO4. Apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment and interventions in the area of clinical psychology
- LO5. Operate within the boundaries of professional competency, using peer consultation, and instigating appropriate referral practices
- LO6. Critically evaluate the scientific literature to inform practice
- LO7. Use a range of research methods to investigate questions to inform clinical practice.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Additional advice
Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney