module specification

The module aims to support students’ advanced development as applied psychology researchers who are able to make an original contribution to professional practice through systematic enquiry. Specifically, it enables students to design, execute and write up a substantial piece of empirical research conducted at doctoral level in an area of relevance to counselling psychology. This and the Advanced Psychological Theory and Practice module constitute a framework via which students develop a standard of proficiency across academic, clinical and practical competency areas that will enable them to meet HPC and BPS standards for qualification as a counselling psychologist.

Pass in all Year 1 modules from Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, plus pass in the research proposal of Research Project and Critical Skills PY7PB4

• Managing the research process
• Advanced research skills, reflexivity and analysis
• Writing up and structuring your thesis
• Dissemination, publication and interaction with media
• Viva preparation LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5,LO6,LO7

The module’s learning and teaching strategy utilises a range of methods that build on the research competencies developed in Year 1 of the programme (through the Advanced Research Design and Analysis for Psychology and Research Project and Critical Skills modules) to enable students to produce an piece of empirical research at doctoral level. Lecture presentation, group discussion and supervision support students in the initial stages of getting their research project off the ground. A series of workshops take place over the course of the module to ensure that students continue to develop the skills needed to successfully complete the various stages of the research process, maintain their momentum, facilitate timely completion and have a context for receiving support and feedback from their peers and tutors. Supervision provides an individualised context in which students continue to hone the skills needed to produce research of doctoral standard, as well as a space for them to review and evaluate their work. Self-directed and independent study constitutes a key feature of the module’s learning and teaching strategy, in keeping with the characteristics of doctoral research. Students are supported in identifying personal learning needs areas (e.g. methodological or topical) and activities that will support their research work, including making use of the University’s wider facilities for postgraduate research students. The viva provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and development as a researcher. Enrolling for this module constitutes the ‘top up’ doctorate programme of study for applicants who are already qualified counselling psychologists.

On successful completion of this module students will:

1. Demonstrate an ability to autonomously manage and progress through the various stages of the doctoral research process

2. Have developed a set of transferable skills that enable them to make an original and valuable contribution to practice and service development through research

3. Demonstrate the reflexive, critical, theoretical, clinical, methodological and ethical knowledge and competencies needed to successfully conduct advanced academic enquiry in counselling psychology

4. Demonstrate an ability to independently conceptualise, design, implement and write up an empirical project for the generation of new knowledge that is at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems as appropriate

5. Demonstrate an ability to create and interpret new knowledge, through original research of a quality to satisfy external peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline and merit publication

6. Demonstrate a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of an area of professional practice of relevance to counselling psychology

7. Have developed knowledge and skills that support evidenced based professional practice and the dissemination, communication and defence of their research and ideas

CORE

ADDITIONAL

Finlay, L. & Gough, B. (Eds.) (2003). Reflexivity: A practical guide for researchers in health and social sciences. London: Wiley-Blackwell.

Heppner, P.P. & Heppner, M.J. (2003) Writing and publishing your thesis, dissertation and research: A guide for students in the helping professions. Wadsworth Publishing.
Kazdin, A.E. (2003). Methodological issues and strategies in clinical research (3rd ed.). Washington: APA publications.
Lee, N. J. (2008). Achieving your professional doctorate. London: Open University Press.
London Metropolitan University, Academic Regulations for Professional Doctorates.

Milton, M. (Ed.) (2010). Therapy and beyond: Counselling psychology contributions to therapeutic and social issues. London: Wiley-Blackwell.

Potter, S. (Ed.). (2006). Doing postgraduate research (2nd Ed.). Milton Keynes, UK: OU Press. 

Quality Assurance Agency Framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Descriptors for a higher education qualification at level 8: Doctoral degrees.

Phillips, E.M. & Pugh, D.S. (5th ed.) (2010). How to get a PhD: A handbook for students and their supervisors. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.

Punch, K.F. (2006). Developing effective research proposals. (2nd Ed.). London: Sage