MSc Clinical and Health Psychology / Course details

Year of entry: 2027

Course unit details:
Psychology in Clinical Practice 1

Course unit fact file
Unit code PSYC69741
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Offered by Division of Psychology and Mental Health
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

This unit covers the theory and practice around the key stages of providing effective psychological interventions as a health or clinical psychologist. This unit is linked to Semester 2 course Psychology in Clinical Practice 2 (for MSc Clinical & Health Psychology). Psychology in Clinical Practice 1 content includes understanding the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT); assessment and formulation; and CBT and related approaches for the treatment of various mental health difficulties.

Aims

  • Provide an introduction to the core principles and features of contemporary, theory- and evidence-based approaches to facilitating psychological change in people with mental and physical health problems.
  • Introduce students to key stages in the psychological treatment process – assessment, formulation, intervention
  • Provide opportunities for simulating clinical assessment and formulation.
  • Encourage a critical analysis of the strengths and limitations of psychological interventions with an emphasis on CBT and related therapies.
  • Equip students with an awareness of the reciprocal links between theory, research and clinical practice in the development and evaluation of psychological interventions.
  • Introduce students to cultural factors affecting the provision and success of psychological interventions. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the importance of assessment and formulation.
  • Understand the science and practice of CBT.
  • Understand the extent and limitations of the evidence-base for CBT and related therapies.
  • Gain an appreciation of how a range of interventions are practiced across settings.
  • Understand the features of good communication and interviewing skills
  • Critically analyse and evaluate the science and practice of interventions.
  • Develop an understanding of the importance of culture in psychological models and practice 

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching will be delivered in 10 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions and will include lectures, group discussions, experiential tasks and demonstrations of interventions. To assist in preparation for the sessions, students will be provided with access to asynchronous/preparatory resources on Canvas including PowerPoint slides, key papers, web links and discussion boards. 

Assessment methods

Assessment Task

Length

Weighting

Case study-based assignment: using clinical assessment material, write a letter to a client’s referrer describing your initial assessment, formulation, and intervention plan

3 pages

100%

Feedback methods

The unit will include a formative piece of work preparing students for completion of the letter task. Student will receive feedback individually and in a group session. 

Recommended reading

To be provided by individual session facilitators 

Ë®¶à¶àµ¼º½ hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 20
Independent study hours
Independent study 130

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Sarah Tully Unit coordinator

Return to course details