Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
MSci (Hons) Applied Psychology (Clinical)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSci (Hons) Applied Psychology (Clinical) | Programme code | UFX4PSYPSY01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
Have you already established an interest in the clinical applications of psychology or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and would like to combine academic study with the development of applied clinical psychology skills within a mental health work placement? If so, this MSci programme will provide you with a unique opportunity to combine a thorough grounding in the core domains of psychology and its clinical application with the development of clinical competency in low-intensity CBT. The four-year programme provides you with all the training of a BSc but in Year 4 progresses to provide Masters-level clinical training to develop competencies associated with the role of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. Competencies will be consolidated within a clinical placement located in an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) mental health service. This will help you appreciate the academic, clinical, research and transferable skills learnt during the programme and prepare you for employment or future study.
Advantages of the programme are that you will:
- Study within a vibrant, stimulating and internationally-recognised research environment.
- Engage with a nationally recognised clinical psychology training group benefitting from the clinical practice experience of clinical training staff, some of whom have relevant national level committee membership, including the Department of Health.
- Experience will be enriched by nationally-recognised, innovative clinical teaching approaches.
- Focus upon clinical psychology, psychological intervention and mood disorders research.
- Leave the programme with the qualification and clinical hours to become a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner registered with the British Psychological Society.
Providing you have passed the first two modules in Stage 4 (PYCM067 and PYCM096) constituting the low-intensity CBT competencies associated with assessment and treatment you will progress to a clinical practice placement within an appropriate mental health service. In this clinical placement you will be involved in the delivery of low-intensity CBT to a caseload of patients with depression and anxiety.
Stages 1-3 are nine months each; Stage 4 is of 12-month duration.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The aims of the MSci (Hons) Applied Psychology (Clinical) are to provide you with:
- Core psychological knowledge and skills (including statistical analysis, research design and methodology) necessary to satisfy the criteria conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society.
- The thorough grounding in the taught curriculum and training for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners as specified by the Department of Health’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme, necessary to satisfy criteria for registration as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner with the British Psychological Society.
- A final year work placement where you are able to consolidate and apply acquired competencies in the low-intensity CBT clinical method adopting an inclusive values-based and ethical approach.
- Training in scientific skills of problem analysis, research design, evaluation of empirical evidence and dissemination supported within an internationally-recognised research environment.
- A range of academic, clinical, research and transferable skills preparing you for employment or future study.
4. Programme Structure
Providing you have passed the mandatory components in Stage 3 and the first two modules in Stage 4 (PYCM067; PYCM096) constituting the low-intensity CBT competencies associated with assessment and treatment there will be a clinical practice placement within an appropriate mental health service. In this clinical placement you will be involved in the delivery of low-intensity CBT to a caseload of patients with depression and anxiety.
Each stage is equivalent to an academic year, with the exception of Stage 4 which is a calendar year.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
http://psychology.exeter.ac.uk/currentstudents/modules/
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in Stage 1 as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take optional modules up to 30 credits at Stage 2 and 45 credits in Stage 3 as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You are also permitted to take the five-credit module PSY3910 Professional Development Experience in the second or final years. Registration on this module is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, this module will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
a The written Statistics examination component of PSY1205 must also be passed at 40%.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY1202 | Introduction to Biological Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY1203 | Introduction to Social Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY1204 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY1205 | Introduction to Statistics [See note a above] | 15 | Yes |
| PSY1206 | Introduction to Research Methods | 15 | No |
| PSY1207 | Cognition, Emotion and Development | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY S1 BSc-MSci-BA Psy-App Psy opt 2021/2 | |||
| PSY1105 | Introduction to Behaviour and Evolution | 15 | No |
| PSY1126 | Classic Studies in Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY1208 | Workplace Learning | 15 | No |
Stage 2
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules (in stage 2 you must take one practical module per term. You are required to take either one social or one cognitive practical. You cannot take two cognitive practicals, two animal behaviour practicals or more than one social practical.)
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY2203 | Social Psychology II | 15 | No |
| PSY2205 | Personality and Individual Differences | 15 | No |
| PSY2206 | Methods and Statistics in Psychology II | 15 | Yes |
| PSY2303 | Cognition and Emotion | 15 | No |
| PSY2304 | Biological Basis of Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY2306 | Development Psychology and Psychopathology | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY S2 BSc-MSci Psy-App Psy opt 2021/2 | |||
| PSY2209 | Cognition Practical I | 15 | No |
| PSY2210 | Social Practical I | 15 | No |
| PSY2212 | Cognition Practical II | 15 | No |
| PSY2213 | Social Practical II | 15 | No |
| PSY2214 | Observations and Experiments in Animal Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY2216 | Qualitative Methods and Interview Skills | 15 | No |
| PSY2217 | Wild Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY2218 | Social Practical III | 15 | No |
Stage 3
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
b You must choose three 15-credit seminar modules in the series starting PSY3410. Seminars are arranged into three groups: Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3. The groupings may vary slightly from one year to the next and so prospective students should contact Psychology before making any firm decisions. You must take one seminar from each group and the three seminars cannot all be taken in the same term.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY3401 | Psychology Research Project | 45 | Yes |
| PSY3402 | Methods and Statistics in Psychology III | 15 | Yes |
| PSY3403 | Contemporary Issues in Psychology | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY SF BSc-BA Psy S3 MSci Psy App - Group 1 2021/2 [See note b above] | |||
| PSY3411 | Psychology and Law | 15 | No |
| PSY3412 | The Psychology of Gender | 15 | No |
| PSY3416 | Work and Organisational Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY3432 | The Moral Mind | 15 | No |
| PSY3443 | The Social Psychology of Ageing and Ageism | 15 | No |
| PSY3439 | Social Exclusion and Inclusion in Childhood and Adolescence | 15 | No |
| PSY3452 | Social and Affective Neuroscience | 15 | No |
| PSY3458 | The Psychology of Inequality, Conflict and Social Change | 15 | No |
| LAW3169 | Equality and Diversity at Work | 15 | No |
| PSY3464 | The Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations | 15 | No |
| PSY SF BSc-BA Psy S3 MSci App Psy - Group 2 2021/2 [See note b above] | |||
| PSY3418 | Processes of Human Memory | 15 | No |
| PSY3420 | Brain Plasticity and Language Learning across the Lifespan | 15 | No |
| PSY3427 | Compulsive Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY3437 | The Psychology of Addiction | 15 | No |
| PSY3436 | Neuropsychology of Ageing and Dementia | 15 | No |
| PSY3449 | The Evolution of Social Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY3450 | Philosophy of Mind | 15 | No |
| PSY3051 | Virtual Reality and Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY S3 MSci App Psy - Group 3 2021/2 [See note b above] | |||
| PSY3425 | Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Mood Disorders | 15 | No |
| PSY3426 | Parental Psychiatric Disorders and Children's Development | 15 | No |
| PSY3446 | Prevention Science in Developmental Psychopathology | 15 | No |
| PSY3448 | Sleep and Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY3451 | Clinical Neuroscience: Brains, Drugs and Psychiatry | 15 | No |
| PSY3454 | Lifecourse Influences on Behaviour and Cognition | 15 | No |
| PSY3455 | Environmental Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY3456 | Cognitive Biases in Emotion and Psychopathology | 15 | No |
| PSY3460 | Health Neuroscience | 15 | No |
| PSY3457 | The Psychology of Play | 15 | No |
| PSY3462 | Women's Reproductive Mental Health | 15 | No |
| NEU3003 | Psychology Applied to Health | 15 | No |
Stage 4
120 credits of compulsory modules
c PYCM067, PYCM096, PYCM103 and PYCM085 are non-condonable compulsory stage 4 modules that must be passed to gain registration as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner with the British Psychological Society. Additionally, each individual component of PYCM067, PYCM096, PYCM103 and PYCM085 must be passed: the academic assignments must be passed at 50%; the pass/fail clinical competency assessments must be passed at 50% in line with the competency rating scale used in the national curriculum. In line with the national curriculum these modules have a 100% attendance requirement. Should your attendance fall below that level you will be contacted and an action plan put into place. Should your attendance fall below 80% on any individual module specified above, you will not be able to pass the module and you will be required to repeat the module or at your request, you may be awarded a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PYCM067 | Engagement and Assessment of Patients with Common Mental Health Problems [See note c above] | 20 | Yes |
| PYCM096 | Evidence-based Low Intensity Treatments for Common Mental Health Problems [See note c above] | 20 | Yes |
| PYCM103 | Values, Diversity and Context [See note c above] | 20 | Yes |
| PYCM085 | IAPT Applied Clinical Practice [See note c above] | 60 | Yes |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge about a range of core subject areas as defined by the British Psychological Society, with in-depth specialisation at the forefront of the subject surrounding the clinical applications of psychology | Knowledge and detailed informationis developed though lectures, tutorials, seminars and problem based learning, practical classes, research project work supported by directed research of texts and journals. Independent study and practice also form a major part of our teaching and learning methods. Clinical competency is developed through clinical skills modelling, case studies, role play, placement-based supervision and self-practice/self-reflection, supported by directed research of texts and journals. Independent study and practice also form a major part of our teaching and learning methods. | The ILOs are assessed by the following individual methods or a combination of these. ILO1: examination, essays, presentations, reports. ILO2 and 3: competency assessment, reflective commentaries, case studies, clinical planning presentation, practice-based outcomes portfolio. ILO4 and 5: completion of computer assisted learning assessments, examination, practical reports, project work. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. Demonstrate skills of scientific writing and presenting results | All ILOs are developed through lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, e-learning based teaching, and supervised research project work, supported by directed research of texts and journals. Independent study and practice also form a major part of our teaching and learning methods. | The ILOs are assessed by the following individual methods or a combination of these. ILO6: practical reports, project work. ILO7 and ILO9: examination, practical reports, project work. ILO8: practical reports, project work, examination, case study. ILO10: practical reports, project work. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
11. Think critically, creatively and independently | All ILOs are developed through participation in lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, use of the electronic managed learning environment and computer assisted learning packages, clinical skills role-play, problem based learning, working with others and supervisor on research project and practical classes, self-practice/self-reflection, working with personal, academic and clinical tutor, receiving individual and group based supervision in the clinical placement and university setting. Independent study and practice also form a major part of our teaching and learning methods. | The ILOs are assessed as part of the personal and professional portfolio and by the following individual methods, or a combination of these. ILO11: Examination, research project, practice outcomes document, reflective commentaries. ILO12: Examination, research project, practice outcomes document, competency assessment, reflective commentaries. ILO13: Research project, practice outcomes document, completion of computer assisted learning assignments. ILO14: Practice outcomes document. ILO15: Practice outcomes document. ILO16: Practice outcomes document, reflective commentary, clinical planning presentation, competency assessment ILO17: Competency assessment, reflective commentary. ILO18: Practice outcomes document, reflective commentary. |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Progression Rules
To progress to Stage 2 of this programme you must pass the non-condonable module PSY1205 Introduction to Statistics. If you do not pass PSY1205 you will be transferred to the 3-year BA Psychological Studies programme. If you subsequently take and pass PSY2206 Methods and Statistics in Psychology II as an optional module on the BA in Psychological Studies programme, you would have the opportunity to transfer onto the BSc Psychology programme.
To progress to Stage 3 of this programme you must pass the non-condonable module PSY2206 Methods and Statistics in Psychology II. If you do not pass PSY2206 you will be transferred to the 3-year BA Psychological Studies programme. Furthermore, to progress to Stage 3 you must also achieve a credit-weighted stage average of at least 60% in Stage 2, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the 3-year BSc Psychology programme.
In Stage 4 all individual assessments within modules PYCM067, PYCM096, PYCM103 and PYCM085 must be passed at 50% individually and cannot be condoned in order to pass the MSci and to gain registration as a PWP. The competency assessments are marked using the required competency assessment marking scheme whereby PWP clinical competencies are rated on a Likert scale (0-6) across each of the competencies being assessed. You must pass these assessments as described in the individual module descriptors. Failure to pass modules PYCM067 and PYCM096 will result in you being unable to complete the programme and progress to the clinical placement. In the event of failure on any of these modules, you will not be permitted to continue with the MSci (Hons) programme, your registration as a student will be terminated with immediate effect, and you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Psychology.
In line with PWP training accreditation requirements, there is a 100% attendance requirement. Should your attendance fall below that level you will be contacted and an action plan put into place. Should your attendance fall below 80% on any individual module above, you will not be able to pass the module and you will be required to repeat the module or at your request, you may be awarded a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree.
Programme-specific Award Rules
At the end of Stage 3, you may be permitted to exit with a BSc (Hons) Psychology provided that you have achieved 360 credits in total, you have taken no more than 150 credits at level 4 and at least 90 credits at level 6 or 7. If you do exit with a BSc (Hons) the award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
You will be allocated a personal tutor who will remain with them throughout the first and second year of the programme, where possible. Personal tutors are able to provide guidance and feedback on assessment performance, guidance in generic academic skills, and pastoral support. They are also able to refer students to more specialist support services, both within the College and elsewhere across the University. In the final year of the programme each student will be allocated a dissertation supervisor as part of the PSY3405 Psychology Dissertation module, who will also act as personal tutor, providing academic, tutorial, and pastoral support.
You will have access to the computer cluster in the Washington-Singer Laboratories (when not in use for teaching or assessment purposes) along with the pay-per-print laser printer installed there. The University IT Services provide a range of central services, including open and training clusters of PCs available on a 24/7 basis. Network access is available from all rooms in the hall of residence on site.
During year four you will be allocated a combined University personal and clinical tutor. As well as supporting your academic progress, the clinical tutor will also liaise with your supervisor within the placement service to ensure you are supported whilst on placement.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(British Psychological Society (BPS). BPS accreditation confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided that the student passes their research project and achieves at least a Lower Second Class Honours degree, or its equivalent (i.e. an overall pass mark of at least 50% for conversion programmes). This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
20
18. Final Award
MSci (Hons) Applied Psychology (Clinical)
19. UCAS Code
C811
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Psychology
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 21/09/2015 |
Date of last revision | 27/02/2023 |
|---|
