Doctor of Clinical Science (Psychotherapy)
- Awarding Institution/Body
- Teaching Institution
- Teaching Site
- Programme accredited by:
- Final Award
- Programme
- UCAS Code (or other code)
- Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s)
- Date of production/revision
- Applicable cohort(s)
- Educational Aims of the Programme
1. Provide a high-quality programme of research-informed academic study of the major theories of psychotherapy, delivered by qualified practitioners, with the option of qualifying for professional registration with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
2. Develop your capacity to critically evaluate the relevance of a variety of theoretical concepts in psychotherapy and to apply them in the clinical context with reference to evidence-based practice
3. Integrate clinical theory and concepts with your workplace experience through practice-based teaching and learning methods with reference to principles of ethical practice
4. Meet normal requirements for Continuing Professional Development in the NHS Trusts and professional bodies
5. Offer opportunities for multi-disciplinary learning with a variety of mental health professionals
6. Develop your competence in communicating with clients and colleagues relevant to your present or intended employment context, including the enhancement of key skills which are professionally relevant
7. Develop your competence in using one or more of the mainstream models of psychotherapy in making clinical interventions in the context of your workplace and professional role
8. Develop your analytic and problem solving skills in devising treatment plans
9. Develop your ability to resolve problems in teamwork settings with reference to evidence-based practice
10. Develop your knowledge and critical understanding of psychotherapy research, and the ability to apply principles of research in your clinical dissertation
11. Prepare students to become independent practitioners eligible for private practice or in specialist NHS psychotherapists posts
12. Develop your in-depth knowledge and understanding of the clinical concepts of a specific model of psychotherapy through practice based teaching and learning methods
13. Develop a critical understanding of the assessment and diagnosis of presenting clinical symptoms, including the psychiatric diagnostic categories
14. Develop critical awareness of the ethical, cultural and diversity issues of good clinical practice
15. Develop your ability to engage with other mental health professionals in managing administrative systems, making use of supervision, and communicating clinical information in an appropriate and ethical manner in the context of clinical service
16. Develop the ability to understand and implement the principles of evidence based practice
17. Develop the skills needed to undertake practice based research
18. Support the development of research active practitioners who can contribute to the development of health and care services
19. Develop an ability to cultivate and manage practice based research projects in the context of health and social services with respect for ethical research practice
20. Develop an ability to critically analyse ethical and professional dilemmas in healthcare
21. Develop a critical understanding of organisational dynamics in the context of healthcare
- Programme Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding / Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
- Knowledge and Understanding of:
Diploma modules:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the historical development of psychotherapy (SBC&P 6.7a, 6.7f, 6.8b
- Critical understanding of the similarities and differences between the theoretical concepts of the major schools of psychotherapy (SBC&P 6.6i, 6.6i, 6.6p, 6.8a
- Critical understanding of the key findings of psychotherapy research and their relevance to clinical practice (SBC&P , 6.6h
- Critical understanding of the theoretical basis and core clinical concepts of one or more of the main models of psychotherapy SBC&P 6.8a
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles of ethical practice (SBC&P 6.3a,6.5L
- Critical understanding of social and cultural factors influencing psychotherapy research and practice (SBC&P 6.3b, 6.5h, 6.6g, 6.7e, 6.8b
- Knowledge and understanding of the theoretical concepts of the major psychological theories of child development. SBC&P 6.8a
- Understanding of the basic principles of research design and methods relevant to psychotherapy research SBC&P 6.8a
9.Knowldege and in-depth understanding of the basic clinical concepts of a method of psychotherapy (SBC&P 6.5a, 6.5b, 6.6p
10.Knowledge and in-depth understanding of the major metapsychological concepts and theories underpinning clinical practice of a method of psychotherapy (SBC&P 6.7a, 6.8a
11.Knowledge of the main psychiatric diagnostic categories (SBC&P 6.5j, 6.5k, 6.8c
12.Knowledge and critical understanding of the diagnostic principles of a method of psychotherapy (SBC&P6.5c, 6.6a
13.Knowledge and critical understanding of the evidence base for different forms of psychotherapeutic intervention (SBC&P6.5o, 6.7d. 6.76.7g,
14.Knowledge and critical understanding of the methods of psychotherapy research
15. Comprehensive knowledge of the professional codes of practice (SBC&P 6.7i
16.Knowledge of psychotherapy practice systems in the mental health and social care context of the NHS (SBC&P 6.3b, 6.5g, 6.5k, 6.7h, 6.7k, 6.7g
An in addition: Doctoral modules
17.Knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of evidence based practice and how they apply to policy making (SBC&P 6.5n, 6.7b, 6.7f
18.Knowledge and critical understanding of a range of approaches to practice-based research (SBC&P 6.7k
19 .Knowledge and understanding of the ethical and legal requirements and procedures for undertaking practice based research (SBC&P 6.3b, 6.7k
20. Knowledge and critical understanding of the epistemological basis of differing approaches to research
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual Skills: / Teaching of theory is in the form of lectures followed by seminar discussion/small group discussion of the concepts, in which you will be expected to take part.
Clinical theory and concepts will be explored in-depth and will be taught by a combination of seminars led by tutors and students. Case examples from clinical practice will be used throughout to link theory to practice. Theoretical understanding will also be supported in the clinical supervision groups.
The research training component of the programme, teaching and learning will be based on a combination of web-based learning and practical workshops which will provide hands on experience of data analysis, individual research supervision, and supervisor led research practice groups. Workshops will be scheduled at intervals during the academic year, in a block format. Students will be expected to agree their particular learning needs with the supervisor at the beginning of registration, and a programme of modules, workshops and seminars will be agreed. Students will then be expected to undertake their chosen programme through self –directed, web-based study, and to attend workshops/seminars as they are offered during the period of registration.
All students will be expected to present their research formally, within CPP and where possible in an external setting, and also to present their research informally, in ordinary language, to non-specialist groups during the course of their training
Assessment methods
Essays which demonstrate your critical understanding of clinical theory, principles of ethical practice and knowledge of research methods.
You will demonstrate increasing ability to link theory to practice through the journal; through a clinical case study; through reports from seminar and group leaders’ and through clinical dissertation(s) based on workplace experience.
Assessment of all knowledge and understanding, subject specific and intellectual skills learning outcomes for the research modules will be by dissertation. Additionally, the ability to apply skills to practice, to communicate and to work in collaboration (the transferable skills) will be assessed through observations and reports of the supervisors and seminar leaders in the process of the student’s participation in workshop and research practice groups, as well as through formal and informal presentations within the department.
Diploma modules / Teaching and Learning Methods
Seminar based teaching delivered in the form of lectures followed by group discussion will provide the basic underpinning knowledge for clinical applications. Case examples will provide the focus for small group discussion, concentrating on the application of theoretical concepts to clinical practice.
Further teaching will take place in tutor and learner led clinical seminars in which case presentations will provide a major source of input. These will provide the focus for small group discussion concentrating on the application of theoretical concepts in clinical practice. Learning will be supported by the keeping of a workplace journal.
Teaching and learning in seminars and supervision (group and individual) will be practiced based, enabling you to develop the critical skills necessary to evaluate understanding appropriately with patients in the workplace. Additionally, collaborative study in the clinical and research seminars will enable you to develop and present research and clinical findings to and with colleagues.
The development of practical research skills will be supplemented by individual supervision, at regular intervals to be agreed between supervisor and student. Research practice groups will be formed in a flexible way to reflect and support the students’ research needs and interests. The student will be expected to join a practice group, which will provide support through the phases of data collection and analysis, and writing up, in negotiation with the programme director and the supervisor.
- Critically compare and contrast the theoretical concepts of the major models of psychotherapy SBC&P 6.6b
- Critically analyse the relevance of developmental concepts related to explanations for adult psychopathology and treatment (SBC&P 6.5o
- Critically evaluate the relevance of the clinical concepts of one or more of the major models of psychotherapy to a variety of clinical settings (SBC&P 6.4i
- Critically assess the clinical utility and limitations of a theoretical approach studied with reference to evidence based practice.(SBC&P 6.5d, 6.6j
And in addition: MSc Modules
- Apply ethical principles to conflicts arising in the clinical context (SBC&P 6.4d, 6.5l, 6.6j
- Integrate theoretical concepts and clinical practice with reference to a variety of presenting problems encountered in the workplace setting (SBC&P 6.6q
And in addition: MClinSci modules
- Critically evaluate the clinical utility and limitations of a specific theoretical model with reference to evidence based practice (SBC&P 6.6b, 6.6n
- Formulate and communicate your clinically informed assessment appropriately to colleagues and clients in an ethical manner (SBC&P 6.5d, 6.5e, 6.6a, 6.6d
- Develop an ability to integrate the underpinning theory of the chosen therapeutic model into clinical practice
Learning will be assessed through essays, which must demonstrate your increasing ability to link theory and practice. Through the journal; through a clinical case study; through reports from seminar and group leaders; and through a final clinical dissertation based on workplace experience.
You will be assessed for your ability to critically evaluate and apply and present your clinical research and knowledge and understanding in the dissertation, in written work for seminars and in your research project showing awareness of relevant cultural influences. Additionally, reports from supervisors and tutors will assess your capacity to integrate clinical knowledge and understanding with ethical practice in the context of clinical case discussion in seminars and clinical supervision.
Assessment of all knowledge and understanding, subject specific and intellectual skills learning outcomes relating to clinical research will be by dissertation.
- Develop an ability to evaluate in-depth the use of clinical concepts and justification of your interventions with a variety of presenting problems in an ethical manner (SBC&P 6.3f, 6.5m, 6.6m, 6,7c
- Critically examine the process of clinical observation in the context of the therapeutic encounter, with reference, where relevant, to cultural elements (SBC&P 6.5m, 6.6g, 6.6o, 6.7e
And in addition: Doctoral modules
- Ability to design a research study and critically analyse a clinical text using one of the major research methods, and present your findings appropriately SBC&P 6.8e
- Ability to develop a research question, based on a critical review and understanding of the relevant research literature in a specific field of practice (SBC&P 6.7, 6.8ej
- Ability to design a research project, relevant to a practice-based research question
- Ability to undertake a comprehensive data analysis, using methods appropriate to the research design
- Ability to critically analyse data and draw conclusions relevant to the research question and other research contingent to the findings (SBC&P 6.6h, 6.8e
C. Subject-specific Skills:
Diploma modules
1. Ability to apply core clinical concepts (psychodynamic, group, systemic, or CBT) to clinical case examples and/or to client’s actions (SBC&P 6.6i, 6.6k, 6.7d / Teaching and Learning Methods
Learning will take place in tutor and student led seminars, making use of audio-visual presentations where appropriate to demonstrate the application of theory to practice, clinical skills and to provide support for and evaluation of developing clinical skills.
The keeping of a journal will provide the opportunity to develop links between theory and practice.
Presentations based on clinical material in seminars and group supervision will enable you to develop the clinical skills necessary for competent practice.
All students will be expected to present their research formally, within CPP, and where possible in an external setting, and also to present their research informally, in ordinary language, to non-specialist groups during the course of their training
Assessment methods
Your ability to communicate and reflect on our own and others actions in an ethical manner will be assessed by tutor reports on your seminar and group participation. Your ability to integrate theory and practice will be assessed through your essays and your participation in seminar discussion.
Your clinical skills will be assessed in the clinical dissertations, and through your supervisors’ reports. The self assessment questionnaire submitted with each dissertation will be assessed alongside your supervisor’s report. Tutors reports on your oral presentations and smaller pieces of written work in seminars will additionally provide evidence of your ability to apply clinical knowledge and understanding to practice.
Y Your ability to communicate and reflect on your own and others actions will be assessed by tutor reports on your seminar and group participation.
Your ability to integrate theory and practice will be assessed through your journal, the case study (ies) and your dissertation.
2. Ability to reflect on your own and others actions and respond appropriately to unpredictable event in the interpersonal context of experiential groups and seminars (SBC&P 6.3e, 6.3h, 6.6l
3.Ability to access the ethical implications of actions and judgements in the clinical context (SBC&P 6.3d, 6.3i
4. Ability to relate empathically to colleagues and in the clinical setting (SBC&P 6.4h, 6.5g
5. Ability to develop a capacity for self reflective awareness. (SBC&P 6.3e, 6.4b
And in addition: MSc modules
6. Ability to develop and implement treatment plans in the context of workplace clinical practice (SBC&P 6.5a, 6.5b, 6.5f, 6.6e,6.6r
7. Ability to make appropriate interventions in the clinical setting (SBC&P 6.6k
8. Ability to integrate clinical and research relevant information into your current clinical practice, taking into account and making use of the practice and knowledge of colleagues and supervisors.(SBC&P 6.6s, 6.6t,
And in Addition: MClinSci modules
9. Critically assess the suitability of the chosen model to a variety of presenting clinical problems with reference to evidence based practice (SBC&P 6.3c, 6.4b, 6.4i, 6.5f, 6.5h, 6.5n, 6.6b, 6.6f
10.Apply the core clinical concepts of the chosen therapeutic mode to your own and your clients’ actions (SBC&P 6.5b, 6.6d, 6.6f
11. Reflect on your own and others’ actions and respond appropriately to unpredictable events in the clinical context (SBC&P 6.3f, 6.3h, 6.6m, 6.8c, 6.8d
12. Make therapeutic interventions appropriate to the needs of the client and the clinical setting (SBC&P 6.3i, 6.4e, 6.5i, 6.6l, 6.6n
13. Negotiate and plan an ending appropriate to the chosen model, the client and the treatment setting (SBC&P 6.6q
14. Evaluate the therapeutic process in the context of the treatment setting, and communicate appropriately with colleagues and clients (SBC&P 6.3c,6.4a, 6.6e, 6.7h
15. Apply ethical and cultural principles to making and sustaining the therapeutic contract, to reporting clinical information, and to conflicts or dilemmas, which may arise in the clinical setting. (SBC&P 6.3c, 6.4e,6.6c, 6.6o, 6.7l
And in Additions: Doctoral modules
16. Critical ability to apply advanced research skills to a specific domain within the field of inquiry (SBC&P 6.7j, 6.7d
17. Ability to select and apply specific procedures to the solution of practice-based research
18 .Ability to relate your practice-based research to the setting of the inquiry, including undertaking relationships with service-users, with reference to principles to ethical practice, where applicable (SC&P 6.7c, 6.7i
D. Transferable Skills:
Diploma modules
1. Ability to communicate effectively to others both orally and in written form, and to understand and respond to others’ communications (SBC&P 6.5i / Teaching and Learning Methods
Formal teaching will take place in seminars in which discussion of clinical practice will provide the opportunity to participate in case discussion and will form the major learning resource in linking theory and workplace practice. Interpersonal skills will be acquired through the experiential group, which will give you the opportunity to explore your own and others’ patterns of relating.
Interactive groups of various sizes, enabling you to gain experience in communicating clinically in a variety of contexts. Teaching and learning will also include web-based teaching and learning materials, and support in the use of a wide variety of information sources to support the writing of clinical case and research reports.