DPsych Counselling Psychology
15 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2027
| Course Leader | Nicky Lewis |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Shelley Gait, Rachel Davies, Gina Dolan, Annie Beyer, Anna Playle, Kirsty Richards |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time, Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 3 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 15 Sep 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2027 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
The course aims to:
Develop competent, ethical, reflective, resourceful and informed practitioners with identifiable professional competencies and transferable core skills to work in therapeutic and non-therapeutic contexts,
Foster an appreciation of the imaginative, interpretative, personal, pluralistic and collaborative aspects of the practice of Counselling Psychology,
Encourage a questioning and evaluative approach to the philosophy, practice, research and theory of Counselling Psychology,
Offer a rigorous and professional therapeutic training,
Develop practitioner psychologist skills in assessment, formulation, psychometrics, planning and implementing interventions, consultation leadership and supervision,
Facilitate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development to aid the development of self-awareness to practice as competent and ethically informed practitioners,
Foster an understanding of the significance of the wider socio-cultural context in which counselling psychology is situated and the complexity of human experiences and relationships,
Encourge a critical engagement with ongoing debates and discourses on mental health and well-being,
Prepare graduates to be effective, research informed and relationally skilled Counselling Psychologists,
Prepare graduates for leadership, management and supervision,
Develop Doctoral level research-competent practitioner psychologists, who will make an original contribution to the body of knowledge by conducting research at the forefront of their discipline
Encourage graduates to proactively engage in practice based research, policy and professional development
Facilitate the discriminant application and development of knowledge frameworks to enhance the quality of inter/multi-professional practice in Counselling Psychology professional practice.
Prepare students to engage in advanced scholarship to produce an original piece of research to inform, contribute and advance Counselling Psychology professional practice
Develop practitioner psychologist skills and competencies that are transferable to a variety of professional contexts and diverse client groups to enhance employability,
Develop the required practitioner psychologist skills and competencies needed to be eligible to apply for chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Have a comprehensive understanding of the different therapeutic approaches and research methodologies through a relational, pluralistic and systemic framework |
| A2 | Hold a sophisticated critical awareness of the philosophy and values which underpin the profession, including the wider legal, political and ethical context in which counselling psychology is situated |
| A3 | Acquire advanced research knowledge of applied psychological research, diverse research methodologies, statistics and outcome research |
| A4 | Be able to critically evaluate, question and challenge the different theoretical models of distress, well-being and human development across the lifespan, with an advanced understanding of how they apply in diverse contexts. |
| A5 | Be able to appraise the efficacy of different interventions to promote psychological well-being by translating theoretical knowledge, evidenced based research into professional practice. |
| A6 | Demonstrate the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship. |
| B1 | Possess advanced critical thinking skills and critically evaluate, synthesise and apply critically and creatively psychological theory and research to practice in different settings and novel situations. |
| B2 | Possess technical, intellectual and conceptual skills required to problem solve and make informed decisions at Doctoral level. |
| B3 | Acquire advanced critical skills in assessment and formulation of clients within their social-cultural context. |
| B4 | Be able to appraise relevant published work in a professional context, and thereby evaluate documentary evidence to inform practice and professional development. |
| B5 | Be critically reflective on self and have awareness of interpersonal dynamics in relation to self and others. |
| C1 | Have the qualities and transferable skills requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiatives within complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments. |
| C2 | Possess transferable skills to working with diverse client groups across broad number of settings and time-frames, including leadership skills. |
| C3 | Be able to conceptualise, design and implement a project to generate new knowledge, applications or understanding of counselling psychology. |
| C4 | Practise safely and effectively within their scope of practice, knowing the limits of their practice and when to seek advice or refer to another professional. |
| C5 | Practice as an autonomous professional, exercising their own professional judgement to make reasoned decisions on complex issues in practice, often in the absence of complete data. |
| C6 | Show an appreciation of the critical importance of lifelong learning and continuing professional development skills. |
Course Structure
Level 7 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TS4D013 | MOD012025 | Integrative Psychotherapy - Relational Psychodynamic | Running | 40 | core |
| TS4S019 | MOD010638 | Counselling Psychology Theory and Practice 1 | Running | 20 | core |
| TS4S020 | MOD010639 | Advanced Research Methods in Counselling Psychology | Running | 20 | core |
| TS4S034 | MOD012026 | Integrative Psychotherapy - Humanistic | Running | 20 | core |
Level 8 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TS5D002 | MOD012027 | Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy in Counselling Psychology | Running | 40 | core |
| TS5S001 | MOD010642 | Counselling Psychology Theory and Practice 2 | Running | 20 | core |
| TS5S002 | MOD010644 | Introduction to Systemic Theory and Practice | Running | 20 | core |
| TS5S004 | MOD010646 | Counselling Psychology Theory and Practice 3 | Running | 20 | core |
| TS5S005 | MOD010647 | Clinical Supervision and Leadership in Counselling Psychology | Running | 20 | core |
| TS5S006 | MOD012816 | Working Relationally with Groups, Families, Couples, Young People | Running | 20 | core |
| TS5U001 | MOD010953 | Doctoral Research Thesis | Running | 300 | core |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Employer Engagement will be achieved by:
Visiting Speakers
Counselling Psychology practitioners from a range of contexts will be recruited as both regular Hourly Paid Lecturers and as occasional guest speakers to ensure breadth of experience is covered to meet the delivery of the course.
Volunteering
Work placements in all years will typically be as volunteers, however some students may secure paid employment.
Work Placements
Trainees need to be on clinical placements throughout the course and to achieve Chartership they need to accrue 450 clinical client practice hours.
Employer Forums
Twice yearly placement/ supervisor forums are held for counselling/ psychotherapy courses in the Therapeutic Studies subject area and this course will be included in this arrangement.
Means of Assessment
Written Assignments
Presentations
Practical Assessments
Portfolios
Set Exercise - Time Constrained
Learning Support
The learning support available through the course
Induction
Induction will take place in accord with University and Faculty expectations
Personal tutor
Students will be allocated a personal tutor who will usually be part of the core teaching staff for their year group.
Office hours
Tutors will provide regular times when they are available for contact, as well as working closely with the cohort in class
Tutorials
Tutorials once per term are built into the timetable
Seminars
Smaller groups of seminar group size are used for case discussion and personal development work
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is built into each module. For counselling skills work, a systematic course of peer and tutor feedback will be in place.
Progress meetings
Progress meetings will be held twice a year with the course tutor and these will be a formative process to check students are on track on the course and on placement.
Technician support
Technician support is available at both Newport City Campus and Pontypridd Campus. The psychology labs and specialist psychology technicians support are at Pontypridd Campus.
Research Supervision
Students’ research will be supervised by their supervision team through a mixture of group and individual research supervision sessions.
Online Resources
Learning materials will be available via the VLE. Information and announcements will also be made via the VLE. The online counselling module will be delivered online.
Advice Centres
An Advice Zone is available at Newport City campus and Pontypridd campus.
DDS Service
This is available at Newport City campus and Pontypridd campus
IT/Library
IT support and library facilities are available at Newport City campus and Pontypridd campus.
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Psychology | Students must achieve 540 credits. Students must pass all taught modules, have achieved 450 clinical hours and pass the Doctoral Research Thesis. | Final |
| Master of Science | Masters in Counselling Psychology (MSc) Students must achieve 180 credits to exit with a Masters in Counselling Psychology, to include Counselling Psychology Theory & Practice 1 and Counselling Psychology Theory & Practice 2. | Intermediate |
| Postgraduate Diploma | Students must achieve 120 credits to include the module Counselling Psychology Theory & Practice 1 (20 credit) and one additional 20 credit module. | Intermediate |
| Postgraduate Certificate | Students must achieve 60 credits at level 7 to include the module Counselling Psychology Theory & Practice 1 (20 credit) | Intermediate |
Progression Route
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
USW considers all applications on an individual basis, which means that we could make offers based on qualifications, personal profile and experience. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed may be acceptable. It is essential that all applicants have a Psychology undergraduate degree or Psychology conversion course, which gives them the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS.
Entry Requirements:
Upper second class or first-class degree in psychology / or Psychology conversion course with GBC
Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent 100 hours. Your previous training needs to include counselling skills and theory.
Evidence, equivalent to at least 150 hours, of working in a one to one helping role [e.g. experience in the health and social care field in the public, private or voluntary areas].
The course welcomes international applicants and can provide international students with an excellent and supportive training in Counselling Psychology. The course would suit applicants who have a good standard of written and spoken English as a significant part of the course is spent on clinical placements, and conducting research. Therefore, international applicants where English is not the first language will need to have been taught and assessed in English and be able to evidence English fluency to TOEFL 570 or IELTS 6.5 or higher.
Application Process
All applicants’ suitability for the course will be assessed at interview, which includes practical exercises and an individual interview. The assessment of applicants’ suitability to study at Doctoral level will initially be based on their research proposal, followed by interview.
An enhanced DBS check and registration with the updating service is also required for this course – details will be sent to applicants at the appropriate time.
Two references need to be uploaded with your application (One academic and one clinical).
The criteria for a suitable placement will be discussed at interview and applicants will be provided with information about organisations who regularly accept students on placement, however applicants will be made aware they will need to organise their own placements.
Applicants will be required to provide a detailed Doctoral research proposal prior to the acceptance stage, with all applications to be considered by the University’s Research Applications Panel. Once the research proposal has been submitted and approved, students will then be invited for interview. Applicants accepted onto the course, will have an opportunity to revise their initial proposal or develop a new proposal before commencing with the research component of the course.
This interview will be in two parts, both will usually be held on the same day. One part will look at the applicants’ potential as a practitioner in Counselling Psychology, assessed through practical exercises and an individual interview and the other part will consider their suitability to be Doctoral level research student, which will be informed by the applicants submitted written research proposal.
Following a successful interview, the application form, proposal, research supervisor forms and references will be considered by a Faculty Research Applications Panel (RAP). This will ensure that the proposed research fits with the University and Faculty research strategy and that potential supervisors will be available to offer research supervision to each applicant for the duration of their studies.
Will students be required to undergo a DBS check? Yes – Enhanced including adult and child workforce
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
Course Management:
\\rStudents on this course have PGR status, and are subject to both taught and research regulations.
\\rThe Course Leader works with the course team to develop a course to its full potential so that it provides a professional, employment-focused learning experience for students. In relation to the taught modules, the Course Leader oversees academic standards, quality assurance and enhancement within the usual practice and regulations for taught courses.
\\rAs research students, student progress in their thesis work is monitoring annually by the Faculty Progress Board. The Chair of the Faculty Research Programmes Committee is responsible for operationalising quality assurance of research degrees. All research supervisors attend supervisor training at least once every three years.
\\rArrangements for Feedback to Students:
\\rThe arrangements for providing feedback to students on their assessed work within 20 working days are:
\\rFor electronic submission of taught module assessments, the module leader will ensure that electronic feedback is provided within 20 days.
\\rFor hard copy submissions such as those assessments which include sensitive client material, the module leader will ensure that feedback and grades are provided to students either through the Student Advice Zone or directly in class.
\\rStudents are assigned a minimum of 2 supervisors for their research who provide regular and various forms of feedback both orally and in writing.
\\rStudent Representation:
\\rStudents on this course will be represented at meeting with teaching staff and other members of the University by Course Representative and Student Voice Representatives.
\\rThe role of the Course Representatives is to elicit the views and issues of the students they represent, and reflect these views/issues at Student/Staff Course Liaison Groups (SSCLGs) and feedback to the students the outcomes/actions from the SSCLGs.
\\rStudent Voice Representatives are responsible for representing their group of Course Representatives at Course Boards and Faculty Quality Assurance Committee and Faculty Learning and Teaching Enhancement Committees.
\\rThe Faculty has 2-3 PGR student representatives and students on the D Counselling Psych programme would be encouraged to stand for this role.
Quality Of Standards Indicators
Course Monitoring:
\\rThe University is responsible for both the standards of its awards and for the quality of its students’ learning experience. To ensure that standards are maintained and there is continuous enhancement a process of regular review, known as annual monitoring take places. This purpose of the process is to evaluate and improve course quality, ensure the best possible student experience within the resource available and to identify and disseminate good practice. It also ensures that appropriate action is taken to remedy any identified shortcomings and enhance provision. This will be conducted through two routes for ‘taught’ awards and research programmes.
\\rExternal Examiner:
\\rExternal examining provides one of the principal means for maintaining UK academic standards within autonomous higher education providers. The majority are drawn from other higher education institutions in the UK. In some cases, there will be external examiners drawn from industry or practice.
\\rThey provide carefully considered advice on the academic standards of the courses and/or modules to which they have been assigned, and can offer advice on good practice and opportunities to enhance the quality of those courses/modules. They are also able to offer an informed view of how standards compare with the same or similar awards at other higher education providers (primarily in the UK, and sometimes overseas as well) of which they have experience.
\\rExternal examiners provide of annual written reports to the University based on what he/she has observed of the University’s assessment processes and student assessed work.
\\rThe external examiner(s) associated with the taught elements of this course will be recorded in the Course Handbook.
\\rEach student’s thesis will be examined by an individually selected external examiner, consistent with the USW research regulations.
\\rEngagement with Subject Benchmark Statements, QAA Quality Code, CQFW and FHEQ:
\\rThe Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology does not have a Benchmark Standard, but reference can be made Subject Benchmark Statement for Health Care Courses / Clinical Psychology, which offers doctoral level psychology clinical training.
\\r \\rthe Subject Benchmark Statement for Counselling and Psychotherapy:
\\r \\rDoctoral Degree Characteristics Statement
\\rhttp://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/information-and-guidance/publication?PubID=2975#.WhV5crp2vcs
\\rAnd the Professional standards for Practitioner / Counselling Psychologists:
\\rHCPC Psychology Practitioner Standards of Proficiency
\\rhttp://www.hcpc-uk.co.uk/assets/documents/10002963SOP_Practitioner_psychologists.pdf
\\rBPS Division of Counselling Psychology Professional Practice Guidelines
\\r \\rThis course complies with the QAA Quality Code and the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales, and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.