Core Professional Skills

Code School Level Credits Semesters
MEDS4082 School of Medicine 4 30 Autumn UK
Code
MEDS4082
School
School of Medicine
Level
4
Credits
30
Semesters
Autumn UK

Summary

This module introduces students to the theoretical foundations and key skills that will be needed for their first clinical placement. There is a particular emphasis on establishing understanding of, and competences in, assessing and formulating clinical casework from a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) perspective and introducing students to alternative Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) models. Relationship to External Bodies Approved by Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Accredited by British Psychological Society (BPS).

Target Students

Students registered on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Classes

Module learning is delivered through a combination of lectures; student led and tutor led seminars; skills workshops; role-plays; reflective practice groups; clinical presentations; peer supervision; group and individual tutorials; personal study and group learning. The module timetable also accounts for time attending NHS Trust induction programmes.

Assessment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

The aim of the module is to teach students the basic skills in assessment and formulation that they will need for their first clinical placement. It includes an introduction to CBT and other theoretical models necessary to formulate the basis for a clinical intervention. There is an emphasis on the key skills of assessment in clinical psychology that are common across a range of client groups and referral problems. The core intervention skills in clinical psychology that are common across a range of client groups and referral problems are also considered.This module is embedded in the context of the core philosophy of the profession of Clinical Psychology in the NHS and develops high standards of professional practice and reflective skills to prepare students for clinical placements.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of:

Core assessment procedures and underpinning theory, including:

· Psychometric testing.

· Engagement and interview skills.

Knowledge and understanding of:

Formulation of clinical problems using primarily CBT but also informed by other EBP based models

Context of NHS and other professional practice:

· Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Code of Ethics and Practice

· Core philosophy of Clinical Psychology and British Psychological Society (BPS) Codes of Ethics and Practice

· Other key frameworks (e.g. professional, HEI, NHS, legislative)

Intellectual skills – the ability to:

· Critique and synthesise material from a variety of sources and begin to develop the capacity to create new

and original knowledge.

· Use academic skills to review existing literature and apply it to clinical practice in a critical and creative

manner.

· Evaluate a referral.

· Consider appropriate assessment methods to generate a formulation, develop hypotheses and plan an

assessment strategy drawing on CBT and other EBP models.

· Be critical and aware of key ethical and social considerations.

· Show an understanding of users’ lived experience.

· Reflect critically on the process of assessment and formulation and re-formulate where appropriate.

Professional and practical skills – the ability to:

· Conduct an initial interview, evaluating the appropriateness of the referral and considering alternatives.

· Identify and critically evaluate relevant sources of information to complete an assessment.

· Adapt assessment to take account of diversity issues (for instance age, gender, sexual orientation,

abilities, and ethnic grouping) and presenting problem.

· Be aware of the limits of different assessment methods and the limits of clinical psychological

assessments.

· Apply the skills of engagement and interviewing to develop a working alliance across a range of client

groups and presentations.

· Recognise professional boundaries.

· Work effectively in teams.

· Employ basic group work skills.

Transferable skills – the ability to:

· Use oral, written and audio-visual media to communicate with individuals, teams and larger groups; both

formally and informally.

· Administer standardised tests.

· Employ client engagement skills including making introductions, obtaining informed consent, clarifying

confidentiality and demonstrating active listening.

· Use academic skills, applying psychological knowledge to solve problems.

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.