
Programme Specification for the 2017/8 academic year
BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Clinical)
1. Programme Details
Programme name | BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Clinical) | Programme code | UFS3PSYPSY06 |
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Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2017/8 |
Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
Have you already established an interest in the clinical applications of psychology or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)? Would you like to combine academic study alongside the development of applied clinical skills? Are you attracted by an opportunity to apply your knowledge and clinical skills developed during a degree within a mental health work placement where you will be able to deliver low intensity CBT? Would you like to undertake a degree programme, that soon after graduation with some further clinical experience, would enable you to apply to work as a trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services? If the answer to these questions is yes then this may be the programme for you. This programme will provide you with a unique opportunity to combine a thorough grounding in the core domains of psychology and its clinical application with the development of clinical competency in low intensity CBT. A strong emphasis throughout the programme is placed upon your personal and professional development. This will help you appreciate the academic, clinical, research and transferable skills you will have learnt during the programme and better prepare you for employment or future study. Advantages of the programme are that:
- You will study within a vibrant, stimulating and internationally-recognised research environment.
- Your learning experience will be enriched by nationally-recognised, innovative, clinical teaching approaches.
- You will benefit from the clinical practice experience of many of the clinical training staff.
- You will focus upon mood disorders research.
- You will leave the programme with the academic qualification and some clinical hours towards becoming a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP).
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The aims of the BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Clinical) are to:
- Provide you with a thorough grounding in core psychological knowledge and skills (including statistical analysis and research design and methodology) necessary to satisfy the criteria conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society.
- Provide you with a thorough grounding in the curriculum for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners as specified by the Department of Health’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme, which is necessary to satisfy the criteria for accreditation as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner with the British Psychological Society or British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, following a brief period of relevant clinical practice.
- Develop your clinical competency in the low intensity CBT clinical method as specified by the Department of Health’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme, and enable you to consolidate and apply these clinical competencies within a work placement.
- Enable you to employ an inclusive values based and ethical approach to work.
- Provide you with a high quality and stimulating learning experience in a supportive environment that is enriched by an internationally-recognised research environment, nationally recognised innovative clinical teaching approaches and current clinical practice.
- Provide you with training in scientific skills of problem analysis, research design, evaluation of empirical evidence and dissemination supported within an internationally-recognised research environment.
- Provide you with a range of academic, clinical, research and transferable skills that will prepare you for employment or future study.
- Support your subsequent employability by providing you with tutor supported personal and professional development throughout the programme.
4. Programme Structure
During Stages 2 and 3 however there will be a clinical practice placement which will take place within an appropriate, local, mental health service. In Stage 2 the placement will be at observation level and in Stage 3 of the placement you will deliver low intensity CBT to a caseload of patients with depression and anxiety, providing that you have passed the mandatory components of Stages 1 and 2.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site
You may take option modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the College web site.
www.exeter.ac.uk/psychology/undergraduate/degrees/bscapplied psychology/structure/
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
You may take optional modules up to 15 credits in stage 3 as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
a PSY1301, PSY2301, PSY2302, PSY3304 are the non-condonable compulsory modules constituting the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme and must be passed to gain both Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner course accreditation status and the award of BSc (Hons). Additionally each individual component of PSY1301, PSY2301, PSY2302, PSY3304 must be passed: the academic assignments must be passed at 40%; the pass/fail clinical competency assessments must be passed at 50% in line with the competency rating scale used in the national curriculum. In line with the national curriculum these modules have a 100% attendance requirement. Should your attendance fall below that level you will be contacted and an action plan put into place. Should your attendance fall below 80% on any individual module above, you will not be able to pass the module and you will be required to repeat the module or at your request, you may be considered for transfer to the BSc Psychology.
You are also permitted to take the five credit module PSY3910 Professional Development Experience in the second or final years. Registration on this module is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, this module will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
120 credits of compulsory modules
b The written Statistics examination component of PSY1205 must also be passed at 40%.
Compulsory Modules
Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
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PSY1202 | Introduction to Biological Psychology | 15 | No |
PSY1203 | Introduction to Social Psychology | 15 | No |
PSY1204 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology | 15 | No |
PSY1205 | Introduction to Statistics [See note b above] | 15 | Yes |
PSY1206 | Introduction to Research Methods | 15 | No |
PSY1207 | Cognition, Emotion and Development | 15 | No |
PSY1301 | Professional Issues and Development [See note a above] | 15 | Yes |
PSY1302 | Evidence-based Psychological Therapy Practice | 15 | No |
Stage 2
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
---|---|---|---|
PSY2203 | Social Psychology II | 15 | No |
PSY2205 | Personality and Individual Differences | 15 | No |
PSY2206 | Methods and Statistics in Psychology II | 15 | Yes |
PSY2301 | Engagement and Assessment of Patients with Common Mental Health Problems [See note a above] | 15 | Yes |
PSY2302 | Evidence Based Low Intensity Treatment for Common Mental Health Problems [See note a above] | 15 | Yes |
PSY2303 | Cognition and Emotion | 15 | No |
PSY2304 | Biological Basis of Behaviour | 15 | No |
PSY2306 | Development Psychology and Psychopathology | 15 | No |
Stage 3
105 credits compulsory modules, 15 credits optional modules
Compulsory Modules
Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
---|---|---|---|
PSY3401 | Psychology Research Project | 45 | Yes |
PSY3304 | IAPT Applied Clinical Practice Placement [See note a above] | 45 | Yes |
PSY3402 | Methods and Statistics in Psychology III | 15 | Yes |
Optional Modules
Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
---|---|---|---|
Psy Stage 3 BSc Applied Psy optional modules 2017-8 | |||
CSC4003 | Psychology Applied to Health | 15 | No |
PSY3425 | Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Mood Disorders | 15 | No |
PSY3426 | Parental Psychiatric Disorders and Children's Development | 15 | No |
PSY3427 | Compulsive Behaviour | 15 | No |
PSY3430 | Women's Mental Health | 15 | No |
PSY3433 | Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Working with Children with Common Mental Health Disorders | 15 | No |
PSY3434 | Mindfulness-based Interventions: Practice, Theoretical Backgrounds and Findings | 15 | No |
PSY3436 | Neuropsychology of Ageing and Dementia | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
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...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge about a range of core subject areas as defined by the British Psychological Society, with in-depth specialisation at the forefront of the subject surrounding the clinical applications of psychology | Knowledge and Detailed Information: is developed though lectures, tutorials, seminars and problem based learning, practical classes, research project work supported by directed research of texts and journals. Independent study and practice also forms a major part of our teaching and learning methods.
| The ILOs are assessed by the following individual methods or a combination of these. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
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...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. Demonstrate skills of scientific writing and presenting results | All ILOs are developed through lectures, tutorials, seminars practical classes, e-learning based teaching, and supervised research project work, supported by directed research of texts and journals. Independent study and practice also forms a major part of our teaching and learning methods. | The ILOs are assessed by the following individual methods or a combination of these. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
---|---|---|
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
11. Think critically, creatively and independently | All ILOs are developed through participation in lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, use of the electronic managed learning environment and computer assisted learning packages, clinical skills role-play, problem based learning, working with others and supervisor on research project and practical classes, self-practice/self-reflection, working with personal, academic and clinical tutor, receiving individual and group based supervision in the clinical placement and university setting. Independent study and practice also forms a major part of our teaching and learning methods. | The ILOs are assessed as part of the personal and professional portfolio and by the following individual methods, or a combination of these. |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Progression Rules
All individual assessments that make up the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner accredited training within modules PSY1301, PSY2301, PSY2302, and PSY3304 must be passed individually and cannot be condoned. Additionally you are required to pass all individual competency assessments across all modules; the pass mark for these competency assessments is 50% in line with the competency rating scale used in the national curriculum. Failure to pass the competency assessments for modules PSY2301, PSY2302, and PSY3304 will result in you being unable to complete the programme and progress to the clinical placement. In the event of failure on these competency assessments, as long as you have passed the required academic components of assessment across the programme to that point, upon your request, a transfer to the final year of the BSc Psychology programme to complete your studies will be considered.
In line with PWP training accreditation requirements, there is a 100% attendance requirement. Should your attendance fall below that level you will be contacted and an action plan put into place. Should your attendance fall below 80% on any individual module above, you will not be able to pass the module and you will be required to repeat the module or at your request, you may be considered for transfer to the BSc Psychology.
Direct progression to the PGDip Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) from the BSc Applied Psychology (Clinical) is not possible as you must be employed on a paid or voluntary basis within a healthcare setting that has access to patients with depression or anxiety, and is compliant with the requirements associated with an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service (specifically in receipt of weekly case management supervision and fortnightly clinical skills supervision or its equivalent).
Programme-specific Award Rules
The interim awards of CertHE or DipHE are not available on this programme since modules PSY1301, PSY2301, PSY2302, and PSY3304 constitute the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme and all components must be passed to gain Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner course accreditation status.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Regular scheduled meetings with your academic and personal tutor will provide you with support concerning academic and personal issues, and additionally integrate this with a focus upon personal and professional development within the form of a portfolio developed throughout the programme. This additional focus upon personal and professional development will help to foster continuing professional development upon graduation.
IT Support within Psychology
Within Psychology there is a suite of 50 PCs dedicated for undergraduate use, with further support provided by a dedicated IT and statistics helpdesk.
Student Support Services
A range of services are available to support your study both from within Psychology. These include:
- Team development programme.
- Personal and professional development planning.
- Student handbooks and programme guides.
- Range of specialist advisors for female students, non-school leavers, and overseas students.
- Computing and Statistics Help Desk.
- Virtual Resource Room and other web-based learning materials.
- General Seminar Series for final year students (careers and CV advice, invited psychologists).
- Clinically-focused seminars, the ‘Think Tank’, provided by the Mood Disorders Centre.
- South West Undergraduate Conference – option for final year students to give a presentation attended and supported by their peers.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.
Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter. (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/index.html)
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
This programme has been granted two levels of accreditation with the British Psychological Society (BPS). The first, confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS which is subject to the minimum standard of qualification of second class honours being achieved with the dissertation being passed. The other accreditation granted by the BPS is based upon the programme meeting the standards required for accreditation as an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner course provided students pass all clinical modules.
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of educational provision. The College documents the performance in each of its taught programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Programme Monitoring cycle:
- Admissions, progression and completion data
- In Year Analysis data
- Previous monitoring report
- Monitoring of core (and optional) modules
- External examiner's reports and University and College responses (reported to SSLC)
- Any Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body/accrediting body or other external reports
- Consultation with employers and former students
- Staff evaluation
- Student evaluation
- Programme aims
Subject areas are reviewed every four years through a periodic subject review scheme that includes external contributions. (http://admin.exeter.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/Part%209/9JREVISEDPSRSCHEME.pdf)
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Clinical)
19. UCAS Code
C810
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
CATS credits | ECTS credits |
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22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Psychology
23. Dates
Origin Date | 28/02/2012 |
Date of last revision | 27/02/2017 |
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