Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Psychology Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Oliver Lester, oliver.lester@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	School Colloquium Participation Participation	0%	Multiple weeks	2 hour weekly	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	In-Class Engagement Participation	0%	Multiple weeks Due date: 22 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Apr 2026	3 x 3 Hour Seminars (Weeks 1, 2, 3)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Clinical Case Seminars Discussion Participation	0%	Multiple weeks	4 x 3-hour seminars (Weeks 9,10,11,12)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Clinical Viva Ethics Clinical viva - ethical scenarios	0%	Week 08 Due date: 16 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 May 2026	20 minutes (Wk 7,8)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Preliminary Research Proposal Written assignment	0%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 Jun 2026	250 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Clinical ethics viva: Students will be asked to demonstrate knowledge of ethical principles and ethical decision making in response to two ethical dilemmas relevant to clinical psychology practice.
In-class engagement participation: Students will participate in a series of discussions on ethical and professional practice in class. Students will be marked on their participation and contribution to the in-class discussion in Weeks 1, 2, and 3.
Clinical case seminars participation: Students will participate in a series of clinical case presentations by second year students. Students must attend all scheduled seminars.
Preliminary research proposal: Students will submit a short overview of their planned research project to demonstrate feasibility and methodological soundness.
Colloquium participation: Students will participate in the School of Psychology Colloquium presentations. They must attend 50% of the scheduled presentation, depending on their preference
Preliminary research proposal (other required activity): Students will complete the research preferences form, to assist with research supervisor allocation.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

Result	Code	Description
Pass with Merit	PM	The material or clinical practice substantially exceeds the expected level of competence for the stage of training. Reserved for work of an exceptionally high standard that demonstrates independent thought, originality and comprehensive knowledge of the subject area. In order to be awarded a ‘Pass with Merit’, a student needs to perform in the top 10% of students.
Pass	P	The material or clinical practice meets the expected level of competence for the stage of training. A pass is considered to signify work that is of a good to very good standard, according to the relevant expectations.
Meet with Marker	MEET	The written material or clinical practice demonstrates some misunderstanding or a minor deficiency in level of competence. The student must meet with the examiner to discuss the problems with the work. If the marker is satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, the work is given a pass. Alternatively, the student may be required to resubmit or repeat the work.
Resubmit	RE	The written material or clinical practice does not meet the required competency. The student must resubmit or repeat the work within a period of time determined by the CPU and the work will be re-marked. Resubmitted or repeated work that on this basis fails to meet the required competency will then be marked independently by a second marker, and a third marker if the two initial markers disagree. Work that is deemed to have failed to meet course requirements by two markers will be assigned a Fail.
Fail	F	The written material or clinical practice is of a sufficiently low standard, or demonstrates unethical or dangerous practice. Any piece of written work that is marked with Fail will be marked independently by a second marker, and by a third marker if the two initial markers disagree. Where required, the three markers meet to decide upon a final mark to be awarded. Work that is deemed to have failed to meet course requirements by two markers will be assigned a Fail. In most cases, written assessments and clinical practice assessments examine core clinical competencies, and the Fail mark will result in the Unit of Study being failed. For case reports awarded a Fail mark by two independent markers, the student is required to submit a new case report within one month. The case must not have been previously assessed through case report or case presentation but come from the same clinical placement as the failed case report. If the student fails the second case report, the student fails the Unit of Study and is required to repeat and re-enrol in that Unit of Study. Any Unit of Study that the student is deemed to have failed will have to be repeated, and the student will be required to re-enrol in that Unit of Study. Students are only eligible to repeat Units of Study once.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

If you do not submit an assessment by the due date, and do not have an approved special consideration application, late penalties will apply. The following penalties apply for any assessment submitted late without an extension approved through special consideration: Less than 1 week late > Meet with Marker (MEET) Requirement: Student to meet with Unit Coordinator plus either Director of Clinical Training or Head of the Clinical Psychology Unit. 1-2 weeks late > Resubmit (RE) Requirement: Student to complete a new piece of work and resubmit within one week (eg. new assignment or new case report or new research report). Unit Coordinator to provide new assignment question or instructions. 2 weeks late > Fail (F) Requirement: Result reported as Fail for unit of study on student academic transcript.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Ethical and legal aspects of confidentiality and consent (Lester)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Ethical and legal aspects of evidence based practice and working within your competency (Lester)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Ethical and legal aspects of clients who pose a risk to themselves or others (Lester)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Ethical and legal aspects of boundaries, dual relationships, and self-disclosure; Ethical and legal aspects of telehealth and social media (Lester)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Child protection (Ha)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Ethical and legal aspects of the registration and regulation of psychologists/report writing (Hunt)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Cultural Safety and Responsiveness (Hirvonen)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander considerations for wellbeing (Hirvonen)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Working with Interpreters & Culturally Reflective Practice with CALD Communities (Ha)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Clinical case seminar (Hunt & Hawes)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Self Care (Rhodes)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Clinical case seminar (Hunt & Hawes)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Research methods and evaluation: Empirical designs (Hawes)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Clinical case seminar (Hunt & Hawes)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Research Methods and evaluation: Qualitative Design (Rhodes)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Clinical case seminar (Hunt & Hawes)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Research methods and evaluation: Systematic reviews and the ethics of clinical research (Todd, 1hr); Culturally Safe Research Practice (Hirvonen and Lester, 1.5hrs)	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes face to face.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.1. Demonstrate successful (prior or concurrent) achievement of pre-professional competencies.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.1. Demonstrate successful (prior or concurrent) achievement of pre-professional competencies. 3.3. Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.1. Demonstrate successful (prior or concurrent) achievement of pre-professional competencies. 3.10. Demonstrate respect for the skills and contribution of other professionals. 3.11. Work effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements. 3.12. Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence, consult with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and refer on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate. 3.3. Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients. 3.6. Conduct professional interviews and assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions, including management of risk.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.2. Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsiveways.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.1. Demonstrate successful (prior or concurrent) achievement of pre-professional competencies. 3.16. Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice. 3.2. Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsiveways.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.17. Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Lectures have been extended to up to 3 hours. The Child Protection lecture is now stand alone to allow more time to capture preliminary learning, with further teaching on aboriginal perspectives now moved to a different course later in the MCP. Further initial teaching on indigenous people's perspectives is added through Wk7, 8, and 13 lectures.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PSYC6089: Research, Ethics and Professional Practice

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links