Clinical Applications of Psychology MSc

This module aims to build upon the knowledge of cognitive psychology gained at undergraduate level, to show how cognitive theories have enabled the development of a wide variety of tests, which can now be used to assess patients in a range of domains of cognitive functioning. The types of neuropsychological assessments will be discussed at some length, providing students with an understanding of the tests that are available, and why and how they should be used. The course will focus on the primary text but will also draw heavily on key studies and reviews. The assignments are designed specifically to develop students’ knowledge and information searching skills, while building on their analytical and evaluative skills.

This tutored sixty credit module provides students with the opportunity to select an area of particular interest to them relevant to the field of Clinical Psychology and to design, plan and execute an in-depth research project in their chosen area. The research design should include either quantitative and/or qualitative analyses and draw upon and critically evaluate a range of both classic and contemporary research findings throughout. The resulting project should be submitted following University conventions and be to a publishable standard.

The module explores the major clinical disorders and problems that are a focus of clinical attention in childhood. It will consider behavioural disorders, emotional disorders, developmental and learning disorders and problems related to physical and mental health. The potential causes of these clinical problems will be considered, including cultural, social and biological/genetic factors. Attention will also focus on assessment, diagnosis and treatment of these clinical problems. The module will also consider theoretical issues pertaining to the role of development in pathogenesis of particular disorders associated with childhood. The module will aim to emphasise the role of research in advancing our understanding of childhood mental health and the need to be able to disseminate information to different types of audience.

This module will begin with an overview of mental health and the theoretical perspectives in the area. Then follow up with an in-depth analysis of the disorders that can be displayed in adulthood by way of applying the knowledge of text material in critical thinking and activities/discussions/case analyses related to controversies in abnormal psychology. The course will focus on the primary texts but will also draw heavily on key studies and reviews. The assignment is designed specifically to develop students’ knowledge and information searching skills, while building on their analytical, evaluative and presentation skills. Also allowing students to develop, describe, justify and apply their own theoretical model of adult mental health, explaining the development, maintenance, and treatment of based on information acquired during the module.

This module aims to help students develop an awareness of the nature and the practice of Clinical Psychology in the UK, with a particular focus on the key areas of ethics and diversity, but also covering a range of professional issues such as: supervision, self-care and reflective practice. There are ongoing changes both in the structure of the National Health Service (NHS) and the role of Clinical Psychology within the NHS and this wider context is considered as well. This module is intended to provide a foundation on which those students entering doctoral training programmes will be able to build, but it will also support students who want to gain a better understanding of key issues facing Clinical Psychology in the UK.

This module offers students the opportunity to expand their clinical knowledge through exploration and analysis of competing perspectives of some of the major ongoing issues in psychotherapeutic theory & practice. Students will be encouraged to directly relate theory and practice to their clinical and personal experience, fostering a reflective approach to training and practice and demonstrating critical thinking within this area.

This module aims to orientate students to the kinds of issues and concerns found within psychological research methods. Students’ knowledge of research methods from their undergraduate studies will be consolidated and expanded and they will be encouraged to consider clinical applications of this knowledge. To equip students with the skills necessary to carry out empirical research, they will be given exercises to develop their awareness of ethical issues and they will be provided with data sets to analyse and interpret using appropriate research techniques. Finally, students will design a research proposal which will incorporate an in depth literature review and they will be encouraged to focus this upon the broad area within which they may eventually wish to focus their dissertation.