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Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology - PSY00023H

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module will introduce the student to a range of professional issues embedded within the work of a practising Clinical Psychologist. We will focus on some issues that affect the practice of applying psychological science within the NHS.

This module will begin with an introduction to the core competencies that need to be displayed in a practising clinical psychologist. This includes the importance of creating a positive relationship with a client, and some practical skills to begin to do this. We will consider professional ethical obligations and potential abuses of power. We will also discuss the importance of clinical supervision and how this may form part of a clinicians approach to managing their own needs. Finally we will consider the different aspects of working as a Clinical Psychologist in the NHS.

Module learning outcomes

  • Understand the core competencies of a Clinical Psychologist
  • Be aware of the importance of the therapeutic relationship
  • Be aware of potential abuses of power
  • Understand the role of clinical supervision
  • Understand the potential for occupational stress and how this may be managed
  • Understand the developing role of the clinical psychologist within the NHS

Module content

  • Introduction to the Module and Core Competencies
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Therapeutic Relationship
  • Ethics and Abuses of Power
  • Clinical Supervision
  • Self Care/Stress Management
  • NHS Organisation, Teams, Leadership and Clinical Psychology

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.

Indicative reading

This module uses a variety of primarily journal articles and there are no core texts per se. However, you may find the following books useful as a reference:

Beinhart, H., Kennedy, P., & Llewelyn, S. (2009). Clinical Psychology in Practice. BPS Blackwell
Marzillier, J. and Hall, J. (2006) What is Clinical Psychology? (3rd Edition) OUP.

These two texts provide introductions to the profession of clinical psychology.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.