Systems and Contexts 2

Code School Level Credits Semesters
MEDS4097 School of Medicine 4 30 Spring UK
Code
MEDS4097
School
School of Medicine
Level
4
Credits
30
Semesters
Spring UK

Summary

This module builds on the skills and knowledge, acquired through previous modules, about individuals, groups and families and competencies in indirect intervention. Students develop a sophisticated framework to understand, and the skills needed to influence, systems and organisations. The emphasis in this module is on the organisational contexts within which clinical psychologists work, particularly in the NHS, but also in Local Authority, education, forensic and third sector agencies.

Relationship to external bodies: Approved by Health & Care Professions Council. Accredited by British Psychological Society

Target Students

Students registered on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Classes

Learning in this module is delivered through lectures, reflective practice groups, group and individual tutorials, personal study and group learning.

Assessment

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

In this module students consolidate their skills in working indirectly by being introduced to organisational and systemic theory and models of change management, community psychology, and workplace stress. They further develop competencies in leading teams, in consultation and in supervision, which are introduced in SYC1.Methods for intervening systemically with organisations and with the community are taught and practiced and there is a continuing focus on the involvement of users and carers.Students consolidate their knowledge of the structures of the NHS and are introduced to recent professional and organisational developments. They are prepared for leadership roles by learning about commissioning and the instigation of service developments.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of:

Systemic and organisational theories

Models of organisational change and stability

Theory and practice of community psychology

Leadership and managing change in organisations

Culture and diversity

Structure of the NHS

Intellectual skills – the ability to:

Critique, synthesise and generate theoretical models and approaches for application to systems and organisations.

Integrate the social context of treatment into formulations and plans. 

Professional and Practical skills – the ability to:

Demonstrate clinical psychology skills and abilities to form alliances in order to influence complex systems and organisations.

Help organisations adapt to change.

Interpret, adapt and implement health care policies. 

Transferable skills – the ability to:

Demonstrate flexibility and reflectivity in applying knowledge across different levels and structures of an organisation.

Employ psychological thinking to critique existing organisational practice and inform new ways of resolving organisational conflict. 

Conveners

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