
- UCAS course code
- C800
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Clinical Psychology
Unit code | PSYC31222 |
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Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 3 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Offered by | Division of Psychology and Mental Health |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Clinical psychologists use interventions based on psychological theory and research to “reduce distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being” (BPS, 2013). They work with different client groups (e.g. adults, young people, learning disabilities, older adults), within numerous settings (e.g. outpatient, inpatient, community) and across all stages of lifespan development. Clinical psychologists are trained in a range of therapeutic approaches and apply these to working with people who experience a range of physical, intellectual and mental health problems that can impact significantly on their thinking, emotions and behaviour.
Aims
The unit aims to:
- Provide an introduction to the discipline of clinical psychology and the ways in which clinical psychologists work to reduce distress and improve psychological wellbeing of clients.
- Provide an understanding of the core principles and features of contemporary, theory- and evidence-based approaches and how they are applied to facilitating change in people with a range of physical, intellectual, and mental health problems.
- To familiarise students with using some basic therapeutic skills used in everyday clinical practice.
- To discuss the effectiveness of treatments in clinical practice in a range of problems common in people accessing clinical psychology services.
- Encourage a critical analysis of the strengths and limitations of clinical psychology and equip students with an awareness of the reciprocal links between theory, research and clinical practice in the development and evaluation of psychological work.
- Facilitate an appreciation of service user perspectives and awareness of the diversity of experiences of people with a range of physical, intellectual, and mental health problems from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds.
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Teaching and learning methods
This unit will be delivered via lectures and seminars.
Knowledge and understanding
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Intellectual skills
Critically evaluate scientific theories, evidence & practice & their reciprocal links in the development of applied practice within clinical psychology.
Recognise that clinical psychology involves a range of research methods, theories, evidence and applications.
Ability to solve problems and reason scientifically.
Make critical judgements and evaluations to gain different perspectives based on multiple theoretical perspectives and solutions.
Ethical awareness and sensitivity to cultural, contextual and interpersonal factors.
Practical skills
Ability to make clear, structured arguments and support them with evidence, write with clarity and precision and to write concisely.
Acquisition of some of the basic skills necessary for working with people experiencing psychological difficulties (e.g. listening skills and be able to ask curious questions to talk to people helpfully).
Transferable skills and personal qualities
To develop key transferrable skills in critical and analytical thinking, reflectivity, team working, writing skills, communication, oral presentation and personal development.
To begin to develop the ability to identify different strategies and approaches to solving problems commonly seen within the practice of clinical psychology.
Assessment methods
A exam worth 50% and coursework worth 50%
Feedback methods
Coursework feedback will be given to students via BB before exam period.
Exam feedback will be available after exam board.
Recommended reading
- Beinart, H., Kennedy, P. & Llewelyn, S. (Eds.) (2009) Clinical Psychology in Practice. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
- Cromby, J., Harper, D. & Reavey, P. (2013) Psychology, mental health and distress. Basingstoke : Palgrave Macmillan.
- Hall, J., Pilgrim, D., & Turpin, G. (2015) Clinical psychology in Britain : historical perspectives. Leicester : British Psychological Society.
- Newnes, C. (2014) Clinical psychology : a critical examination. Ross-on-Wye : PCCS Books
- Gruber, J., Prinstein, M. J., Clark, L. A., Rottenberg, J., Abramowitz, J. S., Albano, A. M., ... & Forbes, E. E. (2020). Mental health and clinical psychological science in the time of COVID-19: Challenges, opportunities, and a call to action. American Psychologist. https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2020-58594-001.pdf
Study hours
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 160.5 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Louisa Jackman | Unit coordinator |
Warren Mansell | Unit coordinator |