Ethical and Professional Issues
Overview
This unit helps prepare students for provisional psychologist registration by advancing their knowledge of psychologists’ professional obligations to adhere to the APS Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines across a diverse range of psychologist workplace settings. Using an established ethical decision making model, students will be able to apply in-depth knowledge of the APS Code and Guidelines to a variety of psychological practice dilemmas. Students will study contemporary issues in professional practice including working with people from different cultural backgrounds, working with children, and working with inter-professional teams. Students will also gain an increased understanding of the primary role of AHPRA and the Psychology Board of Australia.
Requisites
Rules
Pre-requisite
300 Credit Points and Admission into BH-PSY Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) Standard Entry
OR
Admission into BH-PSYSC Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours)
OR
Admission into BH-PSY1 Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) Graduate Entry
Equivalent
HAY457 - Ethical and Professional Issues
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Apply the APS Code of Ethics and APS Ethical Guidelines to professional psychological practice
- Apply the Koocher and Keith-Spiegel Ethical Decision Making Model
- Make ethical and professional decisions when faced with complex ethical dilemmas in psychological practice, including working with children and clients from different cultural backgrounds
- Communicate and defend psychological decision-making in the context of professional and ethical responsibilities when engaged with different types of clients and other health care professionals in psychological practice.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn Online
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 3 weeks | 6 |
| Live Online Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 10.00 | 12 weeks | 120 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Analysis | Individual | 50% | 1,2,3 |
| Examination | Individual | 50% | 1,2,3,4 |
Content
- The PsyBA and registration requirements and the Australian professional psychology association.
- Ethical and professional issues such as competence, confidentiality, informed consent, boundaries, professional conduct, multicultural and Indigenous issues, and working with vulnerable groups
- Ethical report writing and record keeping
- Ethical decision making models
- Issues surrounding psychology and the law, including the psychologist’s role in court
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.