The aim of this paper (PSYCH543) is to, through supervising students' day-to-day practice throughout the period of enrolment, develop skills in the practice of Community Psychology. Students who have completed this course will have develped skill sin applying psychological knowledge to practical concerns in the field of community psychology. The University will provide supervision in addition to the supervision provided by the employer, and will work with the employer to make sure appropriate training is provided.

A Project/Casework Folio is submitted which provides a description of the student's work (a summary of their Weekly Practice Log completed for PSYCH541), the major projects and reports completed and a summary of their professional work roles. Reflection of the work engaged throughout the internship period will include comment on the ethical and professional issues faced and how these were addressed.

This is a one-year, post-masters, qualification that once completed will enable registration as a psychologist. While undertaking the 3 papers concurrently students will need to qualify, and be accepted by the New Zealand Psychologist's Board, for registration as an "intern psychologist". Intern psychologists will need to undertake intensive supervised professional practice. This opportunity to develop practical skills in applying psychological techniques to a range of issues in a fair and culturally sensitive manner takes into account the increasing recognition of Māori as tangata whenua and diversity in New Zealand society.

Students enrol in all three papers either full-time or part-time. Students enrol in this paper (PSYCH543) concurrently with PSYCH541 and PSYCH542. Combined with these, PSYCH543 involves regular coursework/supervision updates. This paper (PSYCH543) has a particular focus on supervision. The meetings will cover material relevant for the practice of community psychology and will help to develop professional skills and knowledge, as well as aid in the preparation of all paperwork relating to the PGDipPsych(Comm).The PGDipPracPsych(Comm) takes twelve months full-time or twenty four months part-time (ie. half-time) to complete. Papers are taken concurrently:

• Full-time students are required to provide weekly updates that alternate in focus between coursework and supervision.
• Part-time students are required to provide fortnightly coursework updates and attend relevant supervision meetings.

• regularly attended coursework/supervision meetings, and
• undertaken the pre-examination review meeting, and
• submitted all of the following:
  • 5 case studies (3 of which have been externally reviewed; PSYCH541)
  • their completed weekly practice logs(PSYCH542)
  • their case work folio (PSYCH543)
  • all supervisor assessments
  • stakeholder feedback

Students are expected to enrol in PSYCH541, PSYCH542 and PSYCH543 concurrently. This means that each paper is directly relevant to the other and should be considered as a programme of learning.