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Courses

Postgraduate Programme Specification

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Programme Code PSY-DCL-CL UCAS Code HECoS Code 100494 - Clinical psychology - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

Yes

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

tbc

Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Research Length of Programme Full Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 540
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Psychology

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 8

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Clinical psychology (2004)

Accreditations (PSRB)

British Psychological Society

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 17-05-19

Health and Care Professions Council

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 10-02-11

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Exit award – Masters awards. Should students not pass sufficient modules to be awarded the Doctorate, a Masters in Applied Psychology may be awarded depending on the number of modules passed and CATs points accrued. At least 180 CATs points must be accrued in this instance. This award will be at the discretion of the Board of Examiners and does NOT confer eligibility to apply for HCPC registration. If a student fails to be awarded the Doctorate due to his or her major piece of research failing to reach doctoral quality, an MPhil may be awarded. The award of an MPhil will be at the discretion of the Board of Examiners. Such an award would not confer eligibility to join the HCPC Register. Students may only be awarded ONE of these exit awards depending on modules examined and stage of exit.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Yes
Fitness to Practise programmes are those which permit students to enter a profession which is itself subject to Fitness to Practise rules.

Educational Aims Of Programme

On completion of the programme the student will be able to:

To train students to the standards required by the HCPC Standards of Proficiency and BPS Committee for Training in Clinical Psychology accreditation criteria and the requirements for registration as Clinical Psychologist with the HCPC, and Chartered Psychologist with the BPS, for professional practice in the NHS and other health and social care settings.

To promote clinical psychology knowledge and skills, and related research skills, to doctoral level standards, which equip graduates to work effectively with a range of clients, across the lifespan - with a range of acute and enduring, functional and organic, presentations - and in a range of settings from primary care to tertiary and residential services.

To promote essential skills in psychological assessment utilising psychometric, neuropsychological, clinical interview and observational methods with individuals, families and groups.

To promote competence through academic learning and placement experience in at least two formal models of psychological interventions, one of which must come from the Cognitive Behavioural school. Graduates of the programme should also be able to draw from and integrate interventions from a range of intervention knowledge bases as appropriate.

To promote a reflective, scientist-practitioner, approach to psychological assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation. An ethos pervades the course of integrating psychological theory with practice, drawing from the evidence base and service user positions to inform practice and research activities.

To promote knowledge and skills of consultation, leadership and multidisciplinary working which foster the capacity for indirect work to promote health and well-being.

To promote doctoral level research knowledge and skills which will enable the graduate to critically engage with the evidence base of the profession as a contributor, as well as a consumer.

To promote personal awareness and development, in particular with respect to how personal and interpersonal factors and diversity of cultural and sub-cultural contexts, impact on therapeutic processes and professional practice.

To foster the highest calibre of ethical practice in clinical work and research activities, in accordance with the HCPC Guidance on Conduct and Ethics, BPS Code of Conduct, professional practice and statutory guidelines at national and regional levels.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Select and synthesise prior knowledge and experience in order to apply this critically and creatively in complex and novel clinical and research situations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Think in a critical, reflective and evaluative way in order to make informed judgements on complex issues and in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete information.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Think critically and reflectively with regards to personal and professional development.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Exercise personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations in professional practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Communicate psychologically-informed ideas and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Manifest doctoral level research skills – critical appraisal of knowledge base; form research partnerships; conduct service related applicable research; conduct conceptual and generalisable applied research to a level which merits publication; disseminate and report in appropriate research outputs.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Adapt practice to a range of organisational contexts; provide appropriate levels of supervision and leadership.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Psychological theory and evidence, related to the clinical presentations of various specialist client groups, and across the lifespan, which underpins clinical practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

At least two formal models of psychological interventions, their evidence base, protocols and implications for psychological assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Research design and analysis, application and evaluation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Personal, professional and ethical issues as they pertain to the practice of clinical psychology.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Psychological assessment – development of working alliances; capacity to choose, use and interpret findings from a broad range of assessment protocols including interview, psychometric and observational methods; conduct appropriate risk assessment; assess within socio-cultural contexts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Psychological formulation – create a psychological formulation of presenting problems which integrates information from assessment, utilising a coherent theoretical framework and incorporating interpersonal, socio-cultural and biological factors; communicate to clients and relevant others in a way which is helpful and assists with planning interventions; capacity to revise in light of intervention outcomes and new information.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Psychological intervention – implement a formulation based plan of intervention in appropriate collaboration with clients, carers, services; utilise as appropriate at least two formal models of psychological therapy from the cognitive behavioural school and one other; carry out such interventions when working with key clinical presentations of adulthood (e.g. depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis), childhood (e.g. mood, conduct, developmental) and specialist populations (e.g. neurological, dementia, challenging behaviours, forensic); promote therapeutic programmes through indirect working (e.g. with families, carers, multidisciplinary teams).

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Evaluation of psychological intervention – capacity to select appropriate methods to evaluate effectiveness, acceptability and broader impact of interventions; skills in formal and informal audit procedures.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Working in a critically reflective and self-aware way – capacity to reflect on how personal processes impact on professional practice; formulate personal and professional development plans; use supervision and critical feedback to reflect on practice; develop strategies to handle the emotional impact of practice with awareness of boundary issues.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Ethical decision making in complex clinical and research contexts with the capacity to ensure informed consent underpins engagement with clients and research participants.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Communication and teaching of psychological skills and opinion – adapting to different recipient needs; providing expert opinion in formal and informal settings; providing appropriate level of supervision, training and leadership.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Seminars and tutorials
Workshops
Directed and self-directed reading – textbooks and journals
Problem based and experiential learning exercises
Video analysis and role-plays
Clinical practice and supervision
Research activity and supervision
Personal mentoring
Reflective practice and personal awareness groups

Methods of Assessment

Critical and systematic literature reviews
Reports of clinical activity including case studies, single participant experimental designs, process analysis and reports of psychological assessment and formulation
Reflective practice assignments
Class test
In vivo assessment of the application of knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical and research supervisor ratings of specified clinical and research competencies demonstrated on placement and through research activity
Service-related research report
Research proposal
Research portfolio of two papers in format for publication

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Applied Research 2 PSY9021 8 20 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Clinical Psychology 1 PSY9053 8 55 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Clinical Psychology 2 PSY9054 8 55 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Clinical Psychology 3 PSY9055 8 20 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Applied Research 3 PSY9026 8 60 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Applied Research 1 PSY9015 8 60 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Placement 2 PSY9022 8 55 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Placement 4 - Specialist Services 1 PSY9027 8 50 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Placement 3 PSY9023 8 50 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Placement 5 - Specialist Services 2 PSY9028 8 50 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Placement 1 - Foundations of Psychological Therapy PSY9016 8 65 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%

Notes

Pre-requisites:
PSY9015 Applied Research 1 - None
PSY9016 Placement 1– Foundations of Psychological Therapy - None
PSY9053 Clinical Psychology 1 - None

PSY9021 Applied Research 2 - PSY9015, PSY9016 & PSY9053
PSY9022 Placement 2 - PSY9015, PSY9016 & PSY9053
PSY9023 Placement 3 - PSY9015, PSY9016 & PSY9053
PSY9054 Clinical Psychology 2 - PSY9015, PSY9016 & PSY9053

PSY9026 Applied Research 3 - PSY9015, PSY9016, PSY9053, PSY9021, PSY9022, PSY9023 & PSY9054
PSY9027 Placement 4 – Specialist Services 1 - PSY9015, PSY9016, PSY9053, PSY9021, PSY9022, PSY9023 & PSY9054
PSY9028 Placement 5 – Specialist Services 2 - PSY9015, PSY9016, PSY9053, PSY9021, PSY9022, PSY9023 & PSY9054
PSY9055 Clinical Psychology 3 - PSY9015, PSY9016, PSY9053, PSY9021, PSY9022, PSY9023 & PSY9054