Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

GradCert Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

1. Programme Details

Programme name	GradCert Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)	Programme code	LCT0PSYPSY02
Study mode(s)	Part Time	Academic year	2024/5
Campus(es)	Streatham (Exeter)	NQF Level of the Final Award	6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

Are you interested in a career as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner? Would you like to develop your clinical competency in the low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy clinical method? Would you like to have an understanding of ways to adapt your practice to accommodate diversity and increase access to evidence-based psychological therapies? If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’ then this may be the programme for you. This programme will provide you with an outstanding opportunity to develop the competencies and knowledge associated with practice as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. A strong emphasis throughout the programme is placed upon your personal and professional development. Advantages of the programme are that:

You will study within a vibrant, stimulating and internationally recognised research environment, where members of your teaching team have first-hand experience within the clinical setting.
Your learning experience will be enriched by nationally recognised, innovative, clinical teaching approaches, designed to develop you on your terms.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The aims of the GradCert Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) are to:

Provide you with a thorough grounding in the National Curriculum for the Education of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners working within an NHS Talking Therapies Service .
Develop your understanding and clinical competency in the low intensity CBT clinical method and enable you to adapt your practice to work effectively with adult patients with diverse needs.
Provide you with the foundations to establish a commitment to continuing professional development and becoming an evidence-based practitioner.
Provide you with a high quality and stimulating learning experience in a supportive environment that is enriched by an internationally-recognised research environment, nationally-recognised innovative clinical teaching approaches and current clinical practice.

4. Programme Structure

The GradCert Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) programme is a twelve-month part-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is offered in a single stage.

5. Programme Modules

http://cedar.exeter.ac.uk/programmes/

Stage 1

60 credits of compulsory and non-condonable modules

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PYC3019	Engagement and Assessment of Patients with Common Mental Health Problems	20	Yes
PYC3020	Evidence-based Low Intensity Treatments for Common Mental Health Problems	20	Yes
PYC3021	Values, Diversity and Context	20	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. Describe the low intensity clinical method as defined by the NHS Talking Therapies Service and demonstrate clinical competency in low intensity CBT assessment and supporting low intensity interventions. 2. Outline the skills required to effectively engage and maintain therapeutic relationships, even in the face of difficulties and ruptures. 3. Apply an understanding of health behaviour change to inform, and demonstrate competency in providing support for low intensity CBT interventions. 4. Apply skills of scientific writing with a particular focus upon enhancing clinical practice associated with the clinical applications of psychology, through a range of methods, at a level appropriate to a Level 6	Knowledge and detailed informationis largely developed and critically evaluated through lectures, seminars, tutorials, group and individual problem-based learning, directed reading of texts and practice-based learning. Independent but highly directed and supported study and practice is therefore a key part of our teaching and learning methods. Clinical competency is developed through clinical skills modelling, role play, case studies, clinical skills sessions, vignette and scenario based learning, placement-based learning, supervision, self-practice/self-reflection, supported by directed research of texts and journals.	The ILOs are assessed by the following individual methods or a combination of these. ILOs 1-4: competency assessment, essay, reflective commentaries, clinical planning presentation, practice based outcomes portfolio, examination.

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. Describe the low intensity clinical method as defined by the NHS Talking Therapies Service and demonstrate clinical competency in low intensity CBT assessment and supporting low intensity interventions.
2. Outline the skills required to effectively engage and maintain therapeutic relationships, even in the face of difficulties and ruptures.
3. Apply an understanding of health behaviour change to inform, and demonstrate competency in providing support for low intensity CBT interventions.
4. Apply skills of scientific writing with a particular focus upon enhancing clinical practice associated with the clinical applications of psychology, through a range of methods, at a level appropriate to a Level 6

Knowledge and detailed informationis largely developed and critically evaluated through lectures, seminars, tutorials, group and individual problem-based learning, directed reading of texts and practice-based learning. Independent but highly directed and supported study and practice is therefore a key part of our teaching and learning methods.

Clinical competency is developed through clinical skills modelling, role play, case studies, clinical skills sessions, vignette and scenario based learning, placement-based learning, supervision, self-practice/self-reflection, supported by directed research of texts and journals.

The ILOs are assessed by the following individual methods or a combination of these.

ILOs 1-4: competency assessment, essay, reflective commentaries, clinical planning presentation, practice based outcomes portfolio, examination.

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:
5. Demonstrate skills of scientific writing and presenting results. 6. Review and critically evaluate empirical evidence using a range of defined techniques. 7. Review and critically evaluate published work as well as your own work. 8. Explain the wider ethical issues relating to the subject and its application.	All ILOs are developed and critically evaluated through lectures, seminars, tutorials, group and individual problem-based learning, vignette and scenario-based learning supported by directed research of texts and journals. Independent but highly directed and prescribed study and practice therefore forms a key part of our teaching and learning methods.	The ILOs are assessed by the following individual methods or a combination of these. ILO 5: reflective commentary, essay, clinical planning presentation ILO 6: reflective commentary, essay, clinical planning presentation, examination ILO 7: reflective commentary, essay, clinical planning presentation ILO 8: reflective commentary, clinical portfolio and practice outcomes document.

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:

5. Demonstrate skills of scientific writing and presenting results.
6. Review and critically evaluate empirical evidence using a range of defined techniques.
7. Review and critically evaluate published work as well as your own work.
8. Explain the wider ethical issues relating to the subject and its application.

All ILOs are developed and critically evaluated through lectures, seminars, tutorials, group and individual problem-based learning, vignette and scenario-based learning supported by directed research of texts and journals. Independent but highly directed and prescribed study and practice therefore forms a key part of our teaching and learning methods.

The ILOs are assessed by the following individual methods or a combination of these.

ILO 5: reflective commentary, essay, clinical planning presentation

ILO 6: reflective commentary, essay, clinical planning presentation, examination

ILO 7: reflective commentary, essay, clinical planning presentation

ILO 8: reflective commentary, clinical portfolio and practice outcomes document.

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:
9. Think critically, creatively and independently. 10. Identify and solve complex problems demonstrating confidence and flexibility. 11. Use electronic information retrieval and management tools proficiently and access information from a variety of sources. 12. Interact effectively within a group. 13. Work effectively on your own or as part of a team. 14. Manage your own learning (autonomy, time management, self-teaching, self-reflection, seeking and using feedback, personal responsibility, self-criticism). 15. 15. Use supervision and personal reflection as a means to improve your personal effectiveness as demonstrated in the reflective commentaries.	All ILOs are achieved through supported reflection on own practice, clinical skills modelling, case studies, role play, placement-based and university based supervision and self-practice/self-reflection. Independent study and practice also forms a major part of our teaching and learning methods.	The ILOs are assessed by the following individual methods, or a combination of these. ILO 9: reflective commentary, essay, clinical planning presentation. ILOs 10, 14: reflective commentary, essay, clinical planning presentation, competency assessments. ILOs 9-15: practice outcomes documents, and practice outcomes portfolio.

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:

9. Think critically, creatively and independently.
10. Identify and solve complex problems demonstrating confidence and flexibility.
11. Use electronic information retrieval and management tools proficiently and access information from a variety of sources.
12. Interact effectively within a group.
13. Work effectively on your own or as part of a team.
14. Manage your own learning (autonomy, time management, self-teaching, self-reflection, seeking and using feedback, personal responsibility, self-criticism).
15. 15. Use supervision and personal reflection as a means to improve your personal effectiveness as demonstrated in the reflective commentaries.

All ILOs are achieved through supported reflection on own practice, clinical skills modelling, case studies, role play, placement-based and university based supervision and self-practice/self-reflection. Independent study and practice also forms a major part of our teaching and learning methods.

The ILOs are assessed by the following individual methods, or a combination of these.

ILO 9: reflective commentary, essay, clinical planning presentation.

ILOs 10, 14: reflective commentary, essay, clinical planning presentation, competency assessments.

ILOs 9-15: practice outcomes documents, and practice outcomes portfolio.

7. Programme Regulations

Programme-specific Progression Rules

You must pass all the modules in the table above. The pass mark for these modules is 40% with an additional requirement to pass all individual assessments within individual modules. The competency assessments have a pass mark of 50%, and are marked using the Dreyfus system whereby PWP clinical competencies are rated on a Likert scale (0-6) across each of the sections being assessed. The clinical planning presentation also has a pass mark of 50% as it is a clinical component. You must pass these assessments as described in the individual module descriptors.

If you fail any modules you will not be permitted to continue with the programme and your registration as a student will be terminated with immediate effect.

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% across the programme or more than 80% of any individual module specified above, you will not be able to pass the programme and will be required to repeat the affected module(s).

Classification

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Within Psychology there is a well-equipped suite of PCs dedicated for your use, with further support provided by a dedicated IT and statistics helpdesk.

A range of services is available to support your study both from within Psychology and the wider University. These include:

Library, Study Skills, Wellbeing, AccessAbility, Academic English support
Personal and professional development planning
Student handbooks and programme guides.
Student Guild Advisors
Computing and Statistics Help Desk.
Virtual Resource Room and other web-based learning materials.
Clinically focused seminars, the ‘Think Tank’, provided by the Mood Disorders Centre.

Please see here for the full list of University services: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/tqae/qualityandstandards/programme-module-development/support/

9. University 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.

Graduates who hold an Honours degree of Lower Second Class Honours or above should apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) in place of the Graduate Certificate.

Candidates will need to provide evidence of a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Non-standard applications will be considered where applicants can demonstrate existing knowledge experience and skills developed in the workplace, relevant to this programme. Please contact the Programme Director for consideration, if you feel you qualify as a non-standard applicant.

To undertake the GradCert students must be employed on a paid or voluntary basis within a healthcare setting that has access to patients with depression or anxiety, and is compliant with the requirements associated with an NHS Talking Therapies Service (specifically in receipt of weekly case management supervision and fortnightly clinical skills supervision or its equivalent).

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Accreditation for this programme has been granted by the BPS as meeting the standards required for accreditation as an NHS Talking Therapies Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner programme.

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

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

N/A

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

GradCert Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

19. UCAS Code

N/A

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits	60	ECTS credits	30

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

Not applicable

23. Dates

Origin Date	24/02/2012	Date of last revision	14/09/2023

Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

GradCert Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

1. Programme Details

2. Description of the Programme

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. Programme Regulations

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

14. Awarding Institution

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Partner Institution

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

19. UCAS Code

20. NQF Level of Final Award

21. Credit

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge