BSc Psychology

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. Increasingly, clinical psychology is adapting to societal change, as mental health awareness increases and yet the unmet need persists, owing to a range of issues regarding inaccessibility, inequity, cultural factors, and limited resources.  

The aim of this unit is to introduce undergraduates to the nature and scope of clinical practice, by debating some of the key issues in clinical psychology and becoming familiar with the range of approaches used within applied practice, and the variety of roles clinical psychologists might perform. This unit will provide students with an awareness of the wealth of transferrable skills necessary for assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation that are applied at all levels of working – from direct client work to indirect team and service development work. There will be an opportunity for students to gain some experience in practicing-strategies and techniques used in clinical practice. There will be an emphasis on developing an understanding of the deeply entrenched contextual factors that contribute to mental health problems and an invitation to question the concept and use of ‘diagnosis’ in mental health.  

The unit will look at Clinical Psychology in terms of approach (the epistemological position of the practitioner), method (the mechanisms of intervention) and technique (specific therapy-based strategies aligned with the therapy position).  

This unit also aims to provide students with an understanding of the way in which research provides the foundation upon which clinical psychologists operate as “reflective scientist practitioners” (BPS, 2013) and how to critically draw on evidence to inform work as well as continuing to develop practice-based evidence. Finally, the unit aims to instill important skills of critical analysis and reflection through discussion of the potential limitations of clinical psychology and its future directions and applications.    

The course is an optional Final Year unit for the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree. Students keen on a career in clinical psychology, counselling psychology and allied professions should find this find this course particularly useful.    

This unit aims to introduce students to the theory and practice of clinical psychology. Students will learn more about the connection between psychological theories, models of mental health, research and interventions which underpin the ‘scientist-practitioner’ model. Theories of, and approaches to, clinical psychology will be critically evaluated for their efficacy in a multicultural society and the stages of psychological intervention will be reviewed through the lens of cultural humility. Lecturers will present illustrative examples of a variety of roles undertaken by clinical psychologists with a range of client groups and in different contexts and clinical settings and seminars will provide students with opportunities to observe and practice some practical methods and techniques practiced by clinical psychologists in the field. 

The unit will be split into weekly lecture modules.    

Each week will involve a 2-hour face-to-face lecture. This lecture will be recorded and available from the University lecture podcast service. Lectures will be delivered by clinicians and clinical researchers.  

Content delivery will be complemented via Canvas through online materials (e.g. videos, case studies, podcasts, visuals and text) and a reading list to accompany each lecture.  

Seminars are designed to complement the lecture material and deepen student learning. Students will be introduced to some practical aspects of the profession of clinical psychology and to reflect on the practice of clinical psychology. They are led by Dr Anna Hood and supported by other staff and GTA’s. 

• Describe the breadth and scope of the roles of a clinical psychologist in working with people with a range of needs in different clinical settings and alongside other professionals.

• Demonstrate awareness of issues of equality and diversity currently and historically in clinical psychology theory and practice
• Evaluate scientific theories, evidence & practice & their reciprocal links in the development of applied practice within clinical psychology
• Identify and communicate through a presentation how aspects of the therapeutic process can be adapted to work with clients from diverse backgrounds

• Practice using methods and techniques from the discipline of clinical psychology and reflect on the process  

• Explain the importance of including service-user perspectives at all stages of research, theory-derivation, service development and clinical practice 

See Assessment Methods

Each lecture will be supported by a set of recommended references from the lecture lead.