Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology - PSY00023H

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2025-26

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2025-26

Module aims

This module will introduce the student to a range of professional issues embedded within the work of a practising Clinical Psychologist. We will focus on some issues that affect the practice of applying psychological science within the NHS.

This module will begin with an introduction to the core competencies that need to be displayed in a practising clinical psychologist. This includes the importance of creating a positive relationship with a client, and some practical skills to begin to do this. We will consider professional ethical obligations, potential abuses of power and how we may navigate these. We will also discuss the importance of clinical supervision and how this forms part of a clinician’s approach to managing their own needs and building resilience. We will consider the wider role of reflective practice, understanding how this is of central importance to all aspects of clinical practice. We will look at the approach of Trauma Informed Care and how this can be maximised. Finally, we will consider the different aspects of working as a Clinical Psychologist in the NHS.

Module learning outcomes

  • Describe and explain the core competencies of a Clinical Psychologist
  • Recognise the importance of the therapeutic relationship
  • Recognise potential abuses of power
  • Explain the role of clinical supervision
  • Recognise the potential for occupational stress and how this may be managed
  • Explain the developing role of the clinical psychologist within the NHS

Module content

  • Introduction to the Module & Core Competencies of the Profession
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Understanding Therapeutic Relationships
  • The role of Clinical Supervision
  • Building Resilience within a Psychological Framework
  • Reflective Practice
  • Working within Teams
  • Trauma Informed Care
  • NHS Organisation (exact date may change)
  • Review and Revision

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.

Indicative reading

This module uses a variety of primarily journal articles and there are no core texts per se. However, you may find the following books useful as a reference:

Beinhart, H., Kennedy, P., & Llewelyn, S. (2009). Clinical Psychology in Practice. BPS Blackwell

Llewelyn, S. and Murphy, D. (2014) What is Clinical Psychology? (5th Edition) OUP

These two texts provide introductions to the profession of clinical psychology.