module specification

This module introduces students to Clinical Psychology as an applied area within the discipline to allow informed decisions about further education and training in clinical psychology. During this module, students will have an opportunity to critically appraise key perspectives and definitions of ‘abnormality’ and learn how to assess range of mental disorders while considering cultural context, ethical standards and treatment. The module also provides opportunity for students to have an understanding of mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders and neuropsychological disorders. In addition, students will learn about service users’ groups and will be given an opportunity to hear patients’ stories in order to understand how the experiences of service users can enhance mental health services and make clinical psychologists better researchers and practitioners.

Students will also gain hands on experience in psychometric assessment and test scoring using tools such as  IAPT assessment tools, thus providing additional transferable skills for future employment or post-graduate study. They will be introduced to range of clinical skills such as reflective practice, CBT and sensitive listening and questioning skills. The aims of this module have been developed in accordance with NICE guidelines and the British Psychological Society code of conduct and ethics.

Study Abroad? YES

Psychopathology, DSM-5, IAPT, NHS, Code of ethics, NICE guidelines, diagnosis, case formulation

Delivery and discussion of the module syllabi will be via interactive lectures and workshops. In addition to the weekly seminar workshops which will provide a forum for the application of theory to practical problems, students are expected to work in groups to learn from each other and learn how to independently use other resources available, e.g. library, the internet, WebLearn and own organisation. The module will also have its own dedicated Web Learn site to enables staff and students to readily contact each other and offers an on-line support/learning.

Workshops:

Information and materials relating to the workshop will be circulated once the course has commenced.   The workshops will familiarize students with various aspects of the course.  All workshops will relate to lecture topics and may be tested in the examination.   Hence, each student is expected to do the prior reading and consult a few recommended texts, and be actively involved in the seminar activities and group discussion.
The usual programme each week will comprise of a lecture followed by workshop activities and group discussion. The workshops will use the content of the lecture and pre-circulated material for class discussion and group work. 

Students will gain core knowledge and understanding of the topics through lectures, but deeper understanding, evaluation and skill development will be promoted through directed study of recommended reading material, and online resources.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Discuss key perspectives on mental health and ethical issues related to assessment and diagnosis
2. Critically evaluate the main principles of clinical diagnosis, assessment and treatment for a range of mental and neuropsychological disorders
3. Develop awareness of social, cultural and political factors related to the mental health system
4. Understand the importance of service users’ experiences in shaping research, policy and mental health services

A coursework assignment of 2000 words (excluding references) will address key principles of diagnosis, assessment and treatment for disorders in the development of a case formulation (approx. 2000 words). A reflective essay of 1000 words (excluding references) will require students to reflect on the importance of reflective practice for clinical psychologists working in healthcare. Students must obtain an aggregate mark of 40% or higher from the two assessments to pass the module.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/D60600E5-B0AE-E2D1-B0BC-6368DA3EB999.html

CORE
Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2019). Abnormal psychology (8th Eds). McGraw-Hill Education

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association.

Additional
Davey, G. (2014). Psychopathology: Research, Assessment and Treatment in Clinical Psychology. BPS Blackwell.