Faculty of Science
Graduate Profile
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology, PGDipClinPsyc
2010
Introduction
The Graduate Profile is a statement of the generic and specific attributes and skills of graduates of
the programme including the body of knowledge attained (CUAP Functions and Procedures, 20132014). The framework for graduate outcomes in the Graduate Profile may vary depending on the
award, however attention should be paid to the development in graduates of lifelong learning skills.
A Graduate Profile may contain the personal attributes, interactive attributes and specific
programme attributes which should ideally be displayed by graduates.
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
Life-long Learning Skills and Attributes of Graduates
Graduates with a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology will have acquired the Core
Competencies for the Practice of Psychology in New Zealand as specified by the Psychologists
Board.
(see http://www.psychologistsboard.org.nz/conduct/competence.html#Corecomp).
These include:
Personal Attributes
 Advanced knowledge of the scientific discipline of psychology as required for
investigating, describing, explaining and modifying behaviour, cognition, and affect.
 Knowledge of relevant theories of human behaviour and psychopathology and the
evidence related thereto.
 Competence in the application of technical skills that aid in the amelioration of human
suffering through interventions based on well-founded theory and supported by research.
 Knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide culturally safe practice, including
understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the context of clinical psychology.
 The ability to plan, organise and conduct systematic assessment, evaluation and problemsolving with individuals, groups, and community organisations.
 The ability to think critically about the discipline and the graduate’s own practice, and to
engage in constructive self-reflection.
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The ability to acquire new knowledge in the field and to link this to clinical practice so as
to advance the goal of achieving continuing best practice in the graduate’s own field of
work.
Interactive Attributes
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The ability to conduct assessments and case-formulation in a collaborative way that is
respectful of the client(s) and the wider social context.
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in a range of contexts,
including communicating to clients, other psychologists and professionals, and to the
public.
The ability to plan and deliver interventions at the individual, group or system-family
based level in collaboration with clients, whanau and significant others, and other
professionals.
Willingness to seek external review and supervision of practice and to modify practice in
the light of feedback.
Specific Programme Attributes
 Awareness of and adherence to the ethical principles and legal requirements of the
profession.
 An ability to adapt to societal needs and changes in service delivery guided by evaluation
of the effectiveness of professional services.
This Graduate Profile is reviewed annually and was last reviewed in 2013.
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