Master of Psychiatry (University of Melbourne)
/Master of Psychological Medicine (Monash University)
Summary
- Coursework (new course from 2002 onwards)
- Three years, part time
- Application Form
- Course handbook
Introduction
The new course was developed after consultation with the academic staff, students, and the RANZCP. Although significant changes have been made to the course, it continues to maintain the high quality teaching and standards that have been developed through the history of these important programs.
The Postgraduate Psychiatry Program is a 3-year part time course that continues to be jointly run by the Department of Psychological Medicine, Monash University and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne. Candidates who successfully complete the course will be awarded the degree, Master of Psychological Medicine or Master of Psychiatry, from the 2 universities respectively. There is no longer a thesis requirement in the new course. There is also the possibility of taking some or all of the course on a continuing education, rather than a degree base. A Fellowship examination preparation module will also be offered as a separate program.
The course aims to develop the knowledge and skills of medical practitioners working with patients with mental illness. The course fosters attitudes of tolerence to the diversity within our community and our geographical region, equity to appropriate treatment for all individuals and encourage the practitioner to consider the sociocultural factors in their interactions with patients and their broader community. The course is designed to encourage the student to explore the theoretical concepts in psychiatry and their relationship to clinical practice. The seminar format of the course, led by a facilitator/lecturer, encourages student participation, self-directed learning, problem solving and the integration of theory with clinical practice. This will hopefully lead to a culture of lifelong learning that will be maintained throughout their professional career. Students will complete a number of core subjects as well as be offered selective subjects in the second and third years in order to reflect the ever-increasing current state of knowledge in psychiatry.
In the past this course has been specifically targeted to those medical practitioners engaged in specialist psychiatry training. With the awareness of the need to improve psychiatric care to a broader cross section of the community, this course will now be offered to other medical practitoners with an identified interest in working with patients with mental illness.
Doctors in Victoria now have the opportunity to gain an academic qualification in psychiatry through these programs. Psychiatric trainees will particularly appreciate the benefits of this program, as they complement the new College Bylaws to be introduced in 2004.
Course Objectives
Specific aims of the course include:
- To encourage students to become critical thinkers and pursue lifelong learning and self-directed professional development
- To provide education about the specific attitudes, knowledge and skills needed to effectively work in the area of mental health
- To promote research and critical evaluation in clinical practice
- To provide students with a broad understanding of the cultural, differences that exist in our community and their relationship to its individuals and mental illness
- To facilitate the professional development of the student by providing the opportunity for students to engage in critical discussion of the scientific literature or clinical psychiatry with their collegues and lecturers who are experts in the field.
Course Structure
| Year | Code | Subject | Semester | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 554-609 | Foundations of Psychiatry | S1 | 18.75 |
| 1 | 554-603 | Neurosciences of Psychiatry | S2 | 12.5 |
| 1 | 554-611 | Personality Theory and Human Behaviour | S2 | 18.75 |
| 2 | 554-610 | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | S1 | 18.75 |
| 2 | 554-xxx | Selective I | S1 | 6.25 |
| 2 | 554-xxx | Selective II | S2 | 6.25 |
| 2 | 554-606 | Adult Psychiatry I | S2 | 18.75 |
| 3 | 554-607 | Adult Psychiatry II | S1 | 18.75 |
| 3 | 554-xxx | Selective I | S1 | 6.25 |
| 3 | 554-xxx | Selective II | S2 | 6.25 |
| 3 | 554-640 | Psychiatry in Physical Health & Illness | S2 | 18.75 |
| Selective I | 554-615 | Working with Families: Theory and Practice | S1 | 6.25 |
| Selective I | 554-616 | Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities | S1 | 6.25 |
| Selective I | 554-622 | Transcultural Mental Health | S1 | 6.25 |
| Selective I | 554 631 | Cognitive Behaviour Therapy | S1 | 6.25 |
| Selective I | 554-618 | Skills in Critical Appraisal of Research | S1 | 6.25 |
| Selective II | 554-624 | Forensic Psychiatry | S2 | 6.25 |
| Selective II | 554-625 | Psychopharmacology | S2 | 6.25 |
| Selective II | 554-631 | Cognitive Behaviour Therapy | S2 | 6.25 |
| Selective II | 554-633 | Advanced Skills in Community Psychiatry | S2 | 6.25 |
| Selective II | 554 616 | Drug and Alcohol Use Disorders | S2 | 6.25 |
| Selective II | 554-632 | Psychiatric Ethics: Theory and Practice | S2 | 6.25 |
Please refer to course handbook for a comprehensive description of the course structure.
Admission Requirements
This course will be offered to RANZCP trainees and other medical practitoners with an identified interest in working with patients with mental illness. Applicants need to have a current registration with the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria. Each university may also have specific entry requirements.
Further Information
To receive an application form or a course handbook, or to discuss your professional development interests, please contact:
Mrs Ros Hendy, Course Administrator
Department of Psychiatry
Level 1 North, Main Building
Royal Melbourne Hospital Vic 3050
T: +61 3 8344 6090
F: +61 3 9349 2792
E: roslynjh@ unimelb.edu.au
The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. The University of Melbourne reserves the right to make any necessary amendments.