Programme Specification for the 2017/8 academic year

BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Clinical)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Clinical) Programme codeUFS3PSYPSY06
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2017/8
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (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

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PSY1202 Introduction to Biological Psychology 15No
PSY1203 Introduction to Social Psychology 15No
PSY1204 Introduction to Clinical Psychology 15No
PSY1205 Introduction to Statistics [See note b above]15Yes
PSY1206 Introduction to Research Methods 15No
PSY1207 Cognition, Emotion and Development 15No
PSY1301 Professional Issues and Development [See note a above]15Yes
PSY1302 Evidence-based Psychological Therapy Practice 15No

Stage 2

120 credits of compulsory modules

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PSY2203 Social Psychology II 15No
PSY2205 Personality and Individual Differences 15No
PSY2206 Methods and Statistics in Psychology II 15Yes
PSY2301 Engagement and Assessment of Patients with Common Mental Health Problems [See note a above]15Yes
PSY2302 Evidence Based Low Intensity Treatment for Common Mental Health Problems [See note a above]15Yes
PSY2303 Cognition and Emotion 15No
PSY2304 Biological Basis of Behaviour 15No
PSY2306 Development Psychology and Psychopathology 15No

Stage 3

105 credits compulsory modules, 15 credits optional modules

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PSY3401 Psychology Research Project 45Yes
PSY3304 IAPT Applied Clinical Practice Placement [See note a above]45Yes
PSY3402 Methods and Statistics in Psychology III 15Yes

Optional Modules

CodeModule 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...
...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
2. Demonstrate clinical competency in the low intensity clinical method as defined by the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme
3. Demonstrate knowledge of, commitment to, and action based on a non-discriminatory and ethical recovery oriented values base to psychological care
4. Apply a range of methodological skills in psychology and health services research, including a variety of statistical and research techniques, to carry out empirical research both individually and collectively
5. Apply skills of scientific writing in psychology, with a focus upon the clinical applications of psychology, through a range of methods, at a level appropriate to an honours degree

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.


Clinical Competency: is developed through clinical skills modelling, case studies, role play, placement based supervision and self-practice/self-reflection, 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.
ILO1: examination, essays, presentations, reports.
ILO2 and 3: competency assessment, reflective commentaries, case studies, clinical planning presentation, practice based outcomes portfolio.
ILO4 and 5: completion of computer assisted learning assessments, examination, practical reports, project work.

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...
...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
7. Review and critically evaluate empirical evidence using a range of defined techniques
8. Explain the wider ethical issues relating to the subject and its application
9. Review and critically evaluate published work as well as the student's own work
10. Plan, execute and present an independent and original project

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.
ILO6: practical reports, project work.
ILO7 and ILO9: examination, practical reports, project work.
ILO8: practical reports, project work, examination, case study.
ILO10: practical reports, project work.

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
12. Demonstrate confidence and flexibility in identifying and solving complex problems
13. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of electronic information retrieval and management tools; able to access information from a variety of sources
14. Demonstrate effective interaction within a group
15. Work effectively on own or as part of a team
16. Demonstrate effective self-management (autonomy, time management, self-teaching, self-reflection, seeking and using feedback, personal responsibility, self-criticism)
17. Use supervision and personal reflection as a means to improve your personal effectiveness as demonstrated in the reflective commentaries
18. Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development

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.
ILO11: Examination, research project, practice outcomes document, reflective commentaries.
ILO12: Examination, research project, practice outcomes document, competency assessment, reflective commentaries.
ILO13: Research project, practice outcomes document, completion of computer assisted learning assignments.
ILO14: Practice outcomes document.
ILO15: Practice outcomes document.
ILO16: Practice outcomes document, reflective commentary, clinical planning presentation, competency assessment
ILO17: Competency assessment, reflective commentary.
ILO18: Practice outcomes document, reflective commentary.

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

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Psychology

23. Dates

Origin Date

28/02/2012

 Date of last revision

27/02/2017