This unit contains mature or sensitive content and may not be suitable for some students.
This subject requires you to do a practical placement, please see Additional Requirements for more information.
Psychological Science: Putting Theory into Practice
UndergraduateMAQ-PSYX33992023
Previously MAQ-PSYX3999
Course information for 2023 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 18 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Psychological Science: Putting Theory into Practice
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to
- Identify a social issue and devise practical solutions that are supported by sound psychological theories and evidence
- Use skills and knowledge acquired over the psychology degree in a real world context and develop new practical skills and knowledge over the course of a volunteer placement
- Critically evaluate a body of literature on a social issue in relation to relevant psychology sub-disciplines
- Integrate and synthesise knowledge from various psychology sub-disciplines
- Critically reflect on how the different sub-disciplines in psychology link within the whole person and apply to wider social contexts, including the placement organisation's activities
- Reflect on your learning in psychology (including practical learning), and its application to professional and ethical practice (including at their volunteer placement)
- Demonstrate effective oral, written and visual communication skills that are appropriate to the purpose, medium and audience
- 1. Introduction to the unit
- 2. Finding a job
- 3. Research Ethics at Macquarie University
- 4. Psychological literacy
- 5. Pathways to registration; Masters/professional programs; Career opportunities in psychology
- 6. Integrating psychology disciplines; Case studies
- 7. Professional organisations. The Australian Psychological Society
- 8. Professional organisations and accreditation. National Practice Standards, and professional behaviour in psychology
- 9. Legislation: The Mental Health Act (2007), Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act (2000), Privacy, Human Rights, Discrimination Laws
- 10. Professional development: Self care in a high burnout profession and maintaining professional competence
This unit encourages students to reflect on their undergraduate degree, and to integrate their knowledge from the sub-disciplines of psychology into a more holistic understanding of psychology. This unit also assists students to understand their options with a psychology degree, the standards of professional practice that will be required of them as psychologists, and pathways to higher study or employment. In order to help students gain a more practical understanding of the psychology profession, and to make informed decisions about their own future, this unit includes mandatory participation in an online workplace placement in which students apply the psychology knowledge and skills attained during their undergraduate degree. Visit Employability Connect for important information on this unit including required preparation and closing dates for PACE activities.
- Online placement (Successful completion of practicum) (Pass/Fail)
- Literature review (700 words) (20%)
- Project Report (1,500 words) (40%)
- Invigilated examination (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- MAQ-PSY-DEG-2023 - Bachelor of Psychology
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- MAQ-PSYX2234-Social and Personality Psychology
- MAQ-PSYX2235-Developmental Psychology
- MAQ-PSYX2246-Cognitive Processes I
- MAQ-PSYX2247-Perception
and one of
- MAQ-PSYX2248-Design and Statistics II
- MAQ-PSYX2224-Psychology, Health and Wellbeing
- MAQ-PSYX2201-Counselling Approaches and Principles
- MAQ-PSYX3336-Personality and its Disorders
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or enrol in the following subject(s) to study at the same time or prior to this subject:
one of
- MAQ-PSYX3332-Principles of Psychological Assessment
- MAQ-PSYX3333-Social Interaction in the Modern World
- MAQ-PSYX3337-Psychopathology
Others
60cp from PSY or PSYU or PSYX units at 2000 level and 20cp from PSY or PSYC or PSYU or PSYX units at 3000 level and admission to BPsych (OUA)
Co-requisite 10cp in PSY or PSYC or PSYU or PSYX units at 3000 level
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PSY399
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
PSYU3399 Psychological Science: Putting Theory into Practice
Additional requirements
- Placement requirements - Mandatory participation in an online workplace placement
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
5 student respondents between 2 Nov - 18 Nov 2024.
100%of students felt the study load was manageable
60%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-PSY-DEG