UnitLevel 4Postgraduate

PSY4180 Contemporary issues and new directions in psychology

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

PSY4180 Contemporary issues and new directions in psychology is a level 4, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. It isn't offered in 2025. It needs PSY4111 and PSY4122.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2025
Other periods
Monash Online
Assessment
No exam
3 tasks

This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before PSY4180

After PSY4180

No unit lists PSY4180 as a prerequisite in the 2025 handbook.

Enrolment rules

Must be enrolled in either of the GDP course codes (M5013 or 4525).

Overview

In this elective unit you will develop your capacity to critically engage with contemporary issues, emerging trends and new directions in psychology. The unit will highlight the social, political, and cultural contexts that influence the discipline of psychology, as well as the contemporary challenges facing psychologists in both research and practice. Specific topics include: cutting edge developments in psychological treatment, challenges in psychological research, new directions in psychological theory and practice, and contemporary applications of psychology for individual, social, and environmental change. There is a focus on authentic assessment tasks designed to improve your critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and your ability to communicate effectively with key stakeholders in research, practice, and policy arenas.

Offerings in 2025

Teaching periodCampusMode
Teaching period 4Monash OnlineMo

Assessment

  • Critical Reflection (1,400 words)Written
    30%
  • Critical Reflection (1,800 words)Written
    35%
  • Podcast Debate (8 minutes)Presentation
    35%

Learning outcomes

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

  1. 1

    Critically reflect on the current issues within the discipline of psychology and their impact on research, policy, clinical practice, and broader society.

  2. 2

    Evaluate the contemporary political, cultural, and societal influences on the discipline of psychology.

  3. 3

    Analyse the emerging trends and novel applications of psychology.

  4. 4

    Generate innovative and effective solutions to complex individual, social, and cultural problems.

  5. 5

    Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills when working collaboratively with peers.

  6. 6

    Communicate professionally to diverse audiences about issues, new directions, and applications of psychology using a variety of formats.

Workload and teaching

  • Tutorials6 hours
You should expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week on this unit to achieve the learning outcomes.
 
This time will cover:
a) video lecture materials;
b) synchronous & asynchronous discussion;
c) synchronous web-based 'class-time' for skills-based activities;
d) weekly readings;
e) skills-based assessment tasks; and
f) content-based assessment, including revision and formative assessment.
 
Each week there will be a one-hour ‘Live class’, facilitated by your instructor. This will be followed by a live office hour, where you can ask questions and chat with your classmates and instructor about anything to do with the unit or psychology in general. There is also a one-hour live chat with the Senior Instructor that you can attend each week for additional discussion and guidance.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Jessica Michael
Chief Examiners
Natalie Doring

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for PSY4180?

You need PSY4111 and PSY4122 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.

When is PSY4180 offered?

PSY4180 has no offerings listed in the 2025 handbook.

Does PSY4180 have an exam?

No. PSY4180 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
4
Study level
Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational unit
School of Psychological Sciences
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 4
Study abroad
Not available
Handbook years
20232024202520262027