UnitLevel 5Postgraduate

EDF5571 Advanced psychological assessment and diagnosis

Faculty of Education

EDF5571 Advanced psychological assessment and diagnosis is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Education, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
No exam
2 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

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Requisites

Before EDF5571

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After EDF5571

1 unit list EDF5571 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

Enrolment rules

Corequisite

Must be enrolled in D6007 Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology or D6016 Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology Advanced

Prerequisite

Students enrolled in D6007 must pass:

  • EDF5561

  • EDF5562

  • EDF5563

Overview

In this unit, you will develop advanced knowledge and skills in the psychological and psychoeducational assessment of learning, cognition, and development across the lifespan. You will examine contemporary theoretical, developmental, psychometric, and contextual frameworks that underpin assessment practice in educational and developmental psychology. Through applied and case‑based learning, you will build competencies in assessment planning, administration, interpretation, diagnostic formulation, intervention planning, and professional communication. The unit focuses on the assessment of cognitive functioning, academic achievement, adaptive functioning, and the broader psychological, developmental, cultural, and systemic factors that influence learning and development.

You will critically evaluate contemporary models of cognitive functioning, including Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) theory, and develop the skills to integrate multi‑method assessment data within culturally responsive and ethically informed practice. You will also develop advanced competencies in the assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental and learning‑related conditions, including Specific Learning Disorder, Intellectual Developmental Disorder, and Global Developmental Delay.

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus
Term 1ClaytonBld blk

Assessment

  • Assessment plan and case formulation (1600 words or equivalent)Written
    40%
  • Brief psychological report and feedback demonstration (2400 words or equivalent)Demonstration
    60%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    critically examine and reflect upon the theoretical, developmental, and psychometric foundations underpinning psychological assessment of learning and cognitive functioning across the lifespan, including contemporary models such as Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) theory

  2. 2

    evaluate culturally responsive, ethical, and contextually informed assessment practices within contemporary Australian society, including culturally safe practices for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and diverse populations

  3. 3

    demonstrate advanced competencies in the administration, interpretation, and integration of psychological and psychoeducational assessment data relating to cognitive functioning, adaptive behaviour, academic achievement, and associated developmental and contextual factors

  4. 4

    apply advanced clinical reasoning and case conceptualisation skills to formulate evidence-based diagnostic conclusions, intervention recommendations, and collaborative support planning in educational settings

  5. 5

    demonstrate effective and professional communication of assessment findings through advanced written and verbal communication tailored to diverse audiences, including clients, families, teachers, and health professionals.

Workload and teaching

  • Tutorials24 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study.
 
Usually, you can expect to engage with:
 
A. On campus enrolment
• 24 hours of scheduled learning delivered on campus via weekly/regular directed learning activities; and
• the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study
 
B. Flexible enrolment
• 12 hours (2 day intensive) of scheduled learning delivered on campus via directed learning activities;
• 12 hours of scheduled learning delivered online via synchronous directed learning activities; and
• the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study
 
Scheduled learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

You will be provided with the opportunity to engage with relevant literature and resources. Further, you will be encouraged to deepen your understanding of topic areas through, collegial discussion and debate, and by participating in activities designed to extend your understanding.

Learning resources

Recommended resources

Please visit the unit Moodle site for further information.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Ms Kerry Robertson

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for EDF5571?

EDF5571 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after EDF5571?

EDF5571 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including EDF5733.

When is EDF5571 offered?

In 2027, EDF5571 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

How much work is EDF5571?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does EDF5571 have an exam?

No. EDF5571 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
5
Study level
Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Education
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 4
Study abroad
Not available