Psychology

This programme delivers professional academic education combined with experiential training to produce graduates who are competent deliverers of evidence-based psychological therapy.

It emphasises a reflective practitioner approach, allowing the integration of psychological theory, skills and research alongside a highly developed capacity for self reflection and awareness. The core theoretical philosophy of the degree is that of an integrative/relational stance recognising the primacy of the therapeutic relationship. As such, the course is an integrated programme of study, utilising critical appraisal of psychological theory, practice and research.

What you study

Clinical, academic and research training are combined. You gain experience of applying therapeutic psychology to a range of clients and develop the skills required to work as an autonomous clinician.

In addition to taught modules, a self-directed doctoral thesis is produced which makes a significant and original contribution to the area of counselling psychology.

The first year of the programme includes an introduction to the broad field of counselling psychology, giving a strong grounding in psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural approaches to counselling psychology. During this first year research methods (qualitative and quantitative) are covered and trainees commence clinical practice. Trainees also form specific supervisory contracts with their supervisor, which emphasise their development of core therapeutic skills. Trainees are required to have a minimum of 40 hours of their own personal therapy.

The second year of the programme contains a stronger, more focused emphasis upon the therapeutic relationship via further training in psychodynamic therapy (in particular object relations) and an understanding of psychopathology from a variety of perspectives. Clinical practice continues and trainees attend a timetabled series of clinical workshops designed to build upon skills and enhance knowledge. Trainees then have substantial knowledge and skills and are integrating this through the framework of the therapeutic relationship.

The third year of the programme develops further integrative and relational ways of working and covers professional roles and relationships in more depth.

How you learn

A variety of teaching and learning methods is used on the programme. The programme provides lectures, seminars and workshops throughout, and makes use of case discussion groups, skills coaching sessions, supervised practice and personal development sessions.

The combination of a variety of teaching methods aims to encourage self-directed, trainee-led enquiry. The emphasis is upon integrating theoretical knowledge and research with clinically relevant practice experiences upon placement.

In addition to the standard forms of learning, you are expected to learn via experiential models as a result of receiving both clinical and research-based supervision.

How you are assessed

A variety of assessment methods is utilised throughout the programme to emphasise the broad range of skills being assessed. Assessment methods include an unseen ethics examination, critical review essays, case studies, process reports, research proposals, a thesis, oral presentation, written evaluations, supervisory reports, case work, client logs, evidence files and practical workbooks. It is expected that by using a variety of methods aimed at assessing academic and research skills alongside practical clinical skills, you will be given every opportunity to demonstrate your skills.

Career opportunities

The programme provides the relevant qualification for graduates to practise as counselling psychologists. Counselling psychologists work in a wide number of settings and this course prepares graduates for careers in the NHS, and the private and public sectors.

Professional accreditation

The Doctorate is approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC), the statutory regulator for practitioner psychologists in the UK. Graduates of the Doctorate are eligible to apply for HPC registration.

It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practise using a title protected by the Health Professions Order 2001 (for example Counselling Psychologist) is on the HPC register. For more information, please see the HPC website at www.hpc-uk.org.

The Doctorate is accredited by the British Psychological Society. Graduates are eligible to apply for Chartered Counselling Psychologist Status.

Entry requirements

All applicants should have:

• a good honours degree in psychology (normally 2.1 or above)
• Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society
• relevant therapeutic/counselling training to at least certificate level or equivalent
• relevant therapeutic/counselling experience is also desirable, for example NHS psychology assistant, paid or voluntary counselling work
• satisfactory Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure.

For additional information please see the undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements in our admissions section

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