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Clinical Practice & Professional Issues - PSY00113M

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

To introduce students to key clinical skills, appropriate for working with adults with mental health, cognitive or learning difficulties in a range of contexts.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content

  • To demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles of, and develop basic competence in, the clinical interview and observation skills appropriate to a psychotherapeutic situation.
  • To develop reflective writing and communication skills.
  • To consider and develop basic communicative skills needed to interact effectively with adults with a range of cognitive or communication disorders.
  • To demonstrate a critical understanding of approaches and critical issues in professional psychological practice.

Academic and graduate skills

  • To demonstrate a clear understanding of different psychotherapeutic contexts and approaches working with adults, particularly as organised in the UK.
  • Develop and demonstrate an appreciation of, and basic competence in, some of the key clinical skills necessary to work effectively with adults, particularly those with mental health, cognitive and communication difficulties.

Module content

  • Overview of Clinical Practice module and mental health disorders and treatment in a UK context
  • Introduction to the MDT and careers in adult mental health
  • Introduction to reflective practice
  • Conceptualising psychopathology - diagnosis and formulation
  • Reflective practice report practical experience
  • Diagnosis vs. Formulation debate and observational skills
  • Observational Report practical
  • Therapeutic alliance and interviewing skills
  • Adapting information both written and verbal for a wide range of support needs
  • Interview practical
  • Professional issues in clinical practice

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Essay/coursework 30

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Essay/coursework 30

Module feedback

Marks will be released via e:vision.

Indicative reading

None specified.


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.