- Academic Registry
Programme & Unit Catalogues


PS50181: Fundamentals of clinical and health psychology

[Page last updated: 02 August 2022]

Academic Year: 2022/23
Owning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Credits: 18 [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 360
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Critical & Ethical Review (CW 60%)
  • Case Analysis (CW 40%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: After completing this unit students will be able to
* Critically evaluate different ways of conceptualising mental and physical health problems in adults and children, including links between mental and physical health
* Critically evaluate models of psychopathology
* Demonstrate an understanding of methods relevant to epidemiological research
* Critically evaluate psychological interventions designed to change behaviour and cognition in children and adults
* Integrate psychological theory with clinical practice
* Critically evaluate the major theories underpinning clinical psychology practice

Aims: The aims of this unit are:
* To develop a critical understanding of the different ways of conceptualising physical and mental health problems in adults and children
* To develop a critical understanding of epidemiological research
* To develop a critical appreciation of psychological theories accounting for physical and mental health problems in adults and children (For example Humanistic, Behavioural, Cognitive, Neurological and Systems theories)
* To develop critical appreciation of the role of the clinical psychologist within and outside the UK
* To understand models of health service provision
* To develop knowledge and skills at integrating psychological theory with clinical practice

Skills: Intellectual Skills
* To communicate an argument (TFA)
* To evaluate others arguments and research (TFA)
* To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information (TFA)
* To communicate an argument to other health professionals (TF)
Professional and Personal Skills
* To effectively and efficiently apply principles of clinical psychology within a variety of health contexts. (TFA)
* To be able to identify and deploy appropriate assessment strategies in the clinical setting (TFA)
* To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of others (TFA)
* To develop the knowledge of the governance, ethical and organisational issues of working in a mental health context. (TFA)
Transferable Skills
* Study and learning skills.(F)
* Basic information and computing technology skills.(F)
* To be aware of ethical issues in carrying out research. (TFA)
* Inter-personal and communication skills.(F)
* Essay, research, preparation and writing skills. (TFA)
* Presentation skills and verbal communication. (TFA)
* To prioritise workloads.(F)
* Independent and group working skills (F)
* To understand career opportunities and challenges ahead.(F)

Content:
* This unit will provide students with a theoretical background to key professional issues in mental and physical health across the lifespan.
* The unit will evaluate the main theoretical approaches to mental and physical health across the lifespan
* The unit will examine the major psychological disorders of infancy, childhood and adolescence.
* The unit will consider the increasing importance of evidence-based practice.
* The unit will consider the distinctive contribution Clinical Psychology can make in a multi-disciplinary workplace
* This unit will enable students to develop their skills at integrating psychological theory with clinical practice via clinical case illustrations
* This unit will enable students to understand models of health service delivery and organisational issues.

Programme availability:

PS50181 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Psychology

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2022/23.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.