UWA Handbook 2026

Unit Overview

Description

This unit examines the role of research in contemporary clinical psychology practice. Students explore the links between scientific evidence, clinical decision-making, and the development of effective interventions, and evaluate how research contributes to improved services and sustained wellbeing in mental health contexts. Key themes are evidence-based practice, quality assurance, and the translation of research into clinical applications.

Students are given the opportunity to discuss key issues, to design and conduct a systematic review, and to critically evaluate research on topics such as mental health interventions, service delivery, and emerging clinical findings. Workshops guide students in working effectively within inclusive research teams and in applying co-design principles and culturally responsive approaches, including research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Credit

6 points

Offering

Availability	Location	Mode	First year of offer
Not available in 2026	UWA (Perth)	Flexible

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature and its methods to inform professional psychological practice in culturally responsive, ethical, and evidence-based ways, including with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; (2) plan, conduct, and synthesise a substantive individual research project relevant to clinical psychology, demonstrating rigorous methodology and awareness of research designs; (3) communicate research findings clearly and professionally, both verbally and in written formats, using culturally appropriate and ethically appropriate language; (4) apply critical reasoning to the design and evaluation of clinical psychology and mental health research, including methodological strengths and limitations, ethical considerations, and applicability to clinical psychological practice, including working in research team contexts including in Aboriginal research contexts; and (5) demonstrate knowledge of ethical and professional frameworks governing health research, including obligations to participants and cultural considerations, and how inclusive research teams can support this. Apply this knowledge to evaluate research design, methodology, and reporting, including in contexts such as Aboriginal health research.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) systematic review; (2) in-class test; and (3) presentation and viva. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Prof Jeneva Ohan

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

70580 Master of Clinical Psychology

and Successful completion of

PSYC5651 Advanced Psychological Practice II

or Enrolment in

70560 Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)

Contact hours

36 hours (3-hour weekly workshops x 12)

Note

There is no textbook for this course.