Download - Course Guide Psychology Professional Doctorate in Counselling€¦ · Developmental Psychology and Contexts 20 SEM1 Core Abigail Taiwo 8PS005 Personal and Professional Development

Institute of Sport and Human SciencesProfessional Doctorate in CounsellingPsychologyCourse Guide

2017-18

About this guide

This is your course guide. It provides the basic but fundamental information about your course of study. Thisguide is yours for the duration of the course, we don’t re-issue it annually and if any information containedwithin were to change then we will write to you to explain so.

In particular, if any important aspects relating to your modules were to change then we will inform you inaccordance with the Code of Practice for the Management of Changes to Modules and Courses. The teachingand support teams which you will get to know over time will refer to this guide – it will be useful to you andwe advise you to make good use of it throughout your studies.

The Course Guide should be read in conjunction with the more general sources of information which relate toall students at the University. The Student Handbook is a very detailed reference point for all issues relating toyour studies which aren’t specific to just your particular course. You might also want to refer to the StudentCharter; the University’s Policies and Regulations and the University Assessment Handbook documents whichwill provide you with all of the information that we think you will need for your period of study here.

If you need additional information, or you simply want to discuss elements of any of these documents or otheraspects of your course, find that there is something you need to know, please contact your Faculty StudentServices:

Faculty Student Services

We can help with the administration and organisation of your time at University – from enrolment andmodule registration, tuition fee enquiries, attendance support, course management and lifecycle queries,extenuating circumstances, leave of absence, transfers and changes, assignment submission, SAMsappointments, assessment and result queries, right through to Graduation.

You can also come and talk to us for impartial advice and support if things are starting to go wrong and you’renot sure who else to talk to. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone. We see large numbers ofstudents over the course of a year on a variety of issues, so please don’t be afraid to approach us.

We are here to ensure that your transition into Higher Education is as smooth as possible. Normal officeopening hours are Monday-Friday 08:45-17:00.

You can contact us through the e:vision help desk, by phone or in person or by e-mail:

Faculty of EducationHealth and Wellbeing(City Campus)

The Millennium City Building MC125

(01902) 518800 [email protected]

Faculty of EducationHealth and Wellbeing(Walsall Campus)

The Jerome K Jerome Building WA005

(01902) 518800 [email protected]

Faculty of EducationHealth and Wellbeing(Burton Campus)

Burton Centre (01902) 518800 [email protected]

Help and Advice is alsoavailable from StudentSupport & Wellbeing…

Contact us at the Alan TuringBuilding MI 001 for all enquiries andreferrals… Services operate at allcampuses by appointment.

(01902) 321074(01902) 321070

[email protected]@wlv.ac.uk

Welcome from the Course Leader

Course Management and Staff Involvement

RoleRole NameName SpecialismSpecialism eMaileMail Tel. Ext.Tel. Ext. RoomRoom

Head of Department Dr Richard Darby [email protected] 1338 MC305

Educational Aims of the Course

This programme constitutes a professional applied psychology training which produces therapeuticpractitioners who are eligible for chartered status with the BPS and are eligible for entry onto the Health andCare Professions Council register as Counselling Psychologists.

What makes this programme distinctive?

Small cohorts – maximum number of 18 students per year;

Emphasis on small group teaching;

A community approach to the learning experience, encouraging shared personal & professional developmentthroughout the programme;

Cohort Tutor - personal support and a key link with your clinical supervisor;

Experienced clinical placement supervisors, who work with us closely to ensure your training content andclinical placement experience remains cutting edge;

We normally find clinical placements for 1st year trainees. We have developed a network of HCPC registeredCounselling and Clinical Psychologists who are keen to provide clinical placements for our trainees;

First year clinical supervision will normally be provided by a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist;

The core Counselling Psychology staff team are engaged with the BPS Division of Counselling Psychology andare committed to furthering the profession of Counselling Psychology.

Strong links with ‘experts’ in the profession who cover some specialist elements of the training;

Expert research supervisors experienced in qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods;

A friendly and motivated department team, consisting of Counselling Psychologists and a wide range ofApplied Psychologists experienced in researching clinical issues;

Opportunity to research topics across applied disciplines, including applicability in Clinical, Counselling,Health, Forensic, Occupational & Organisational, Disabilities, Hearing Impairments, Cognitive Psychology,Developmental Psychology, Cyber Psychology, Eating Issues, Mental Health Problems, Complex clientpresentations;

We have dedicated facilities and resources;

User-friendly online course guide & support forum, designed to allow course documentation to evolve andmeet the needs of the trainee group;

We can offer skype research supervision;

Support for developing presentation skills ahead of the Annual DCoP conference;

There are a number of additional CPD courses that we include within the course fees. These include:

EMDR Stage-1 training, provided by accredited EMDR trainers. BPS-accredited psychometric Level 1 training (formerly level A & B).

Course Structure

September (Full-Time)September (Full-Time)

Part time students study alongside full time students. However, they do not study more than 80 credits in eachacademic calendar year.

ModuleModule TitleTitle CreditsCredits PeriodPeriod TypeType Module LeaderModule Leader

7PS003 Conducting and Interpreting Research 40 YEAR Core Alison Attrill

7PS006 Personal and Professional Development 1 20 YEAR Core Garrett Kennedy

7PS007 Placement Preparation 20 SEM1 Core Garrett Kennedy

7PS005 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Humanistic 20 SEM1 Core Helen Hewson

7PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: CBT 20 SEM1 Core Garrett Kennedy

7PS008 Clinical Practice and Workshops 1: CriticalPsychopathology Theory and Practice

40 SEM2 Core Helen Hewson

8PS004 Counselling Psychology Doctorate Thesis 180 CRYRA Core Wendy Nicholls

8PS001 Psychological Theory and Therapy:Psychodynamic and Contemporary Approaches

20 SEM1 Core Nora Apter

8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan,Developmental Psychology and Contexts

20 SEM1 Core Abigail Taiwo


8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues andSkills in Counselling Psychology



8PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: SystemicPractice and Family Therapy


8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: ProfessionalIssues

60 SEM2 Core Garrett Kennedy

September (Part-Time)September (Part-Time)

Part time students study alongside full time students. However, they do not study more than 80 credits in eachacademic calendar year.

ModuleModule TitleTitle CreditsCredits PeriodPeriod TypeType Module LeaderModule Leader

7PS003 Conducting and Interpreting Research 40 YEAR Core Alison Attrill


7PS007 Placement Preparation 20 SEM1 Core Garrett Kennedy

7PS005 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Humanistic 20 SEM1 Core Helen Hewson

7PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: CBT 20 SEM1 Core Garrett Kennedy

7PS008 Clinical Practice and Workshops 1: CriticalPsychopathology Theory and Practice


8PS004 Counselling Psychology Doctorate Thesis 180 CRYRA Core Wendy Nicholls

8PS001 Psychological Theory and Therapy:Psychodynamic and Contemporary Approaches

20 SEM1 Core Nora Apter

8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan,Developmental Psychology and Contexts

20 SEM1 Core Abigail Taiwo


8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues andSkills in Counselling Psychology



8PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: SystemicPractice and Family Therapy


8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: ProfessionalIssues

60 SEM2 Core Garrett Kennedy

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning OutcomeLearning Outcome Contributing ModulesContributing Modules

Higher Masters Course Learning Outcome 1Higher Masters Course Learning Outcome 1(HMACLO1)(HMACLO1)

Demonstrate a detailed understanding ofresearch techniques and advanced academicenquiry.

7PS003 Conducting and Interpreting Research7PS005 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Humanistic7PS006 Personal and Professional Development 17PS007 Placement Preparation7PS008 Clinical Practice and Workshops 1: Critical Psychopathology Theoryand Practice7PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: CBT8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues and Skills in CounsellingPsychology8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: Professional Issues8PS005 Personal and Professional Development 28PS006 Personal and Professional Development 38PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Systemic Practice and FamilyTherapy8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan, DevelopmentalPsychology and Contexts


Develop personal and professional skills,fostering reflective practice and the ability tomanage complex problems in practice.

7PS005 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Humanistic7PS007 Placement Preparation7PS008 Clinical Practice and Workshops 1: Critical Psychopathology Theoryand Practice7PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: CBT8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues and Skills in CounsellingPsychology8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: Professional Issues

8PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Systemic Practice and FamilyTherapy8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan, DevelopmentalPsychology and Contexts


Demonstrate robust and rigorous engagementwith opportunities for inter-professional sharedlearning and a critical understanding ofprocesses and theories to initiate and supportchange in professional practice.

7PS005 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Humanistic7PS006 Personal and Professional Development 17PS007 Placement Preparation7PS008 Clinical Practice and Workshops 1: Critical Psychopathology Theoryand Practice7PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: CBT8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues and Skills in CounsellingPsychology8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: Professional Issues8PS005 Personal and Professional Development 28PS006 Personal and Professional Development 38PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Systemic Practice and FamilyTherapy8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan, DevelopmentalPsychology and Contexts


Search for, discover, access, retrieve, sift,interpret, analyse, evaluate, manage, conserveand communicate an ever-increasing volume ofknowledge from a range of sources

7PS005 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Humanistic7PS006 Personal and Professional Development 17PS007 Placement Preparation7PS008 Clinical Practice and Workshops 1: Critical Psychopathology Theoryand Practice7PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: CBT8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues and Skills in CounsellingPsychology8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: Professional Issues8PS005 Personal and Professional Development 28PS006 Personal and Professional Development 38PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Systemic Practice and FamilyTherapy8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan, DevelopmentalPsychology and Contexts


The systematic acquisition and understanding ofa substantial body of knowledge at the forefrontof an academic discipline and / or an area ofprofessional practice.

7PS003 Conducting and Interpreting Research7PS005 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Humanistic7PS007 Placement Preparation7PS008 Clinical Practice and Workshops 1: Critical Psychopathology Theoryand Practice7PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: CBT8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues and Skills in CounsellingPsychology8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: Professional Issues8PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Systemic Practice and FamilyTherapy8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan, DevelopmentalPsychology and Contexts


Develop increased capacity for originality,constructive critique and analysis anddemonstrate, through advanced scholarship, anoriginal contribution to practice and / oracademic knowledge.

7PS003 Conducting and Interpreting Research

Doctorate Course Learning Outcome 1Doctorate Course Learning Outcome 1(DOCCLO1)(DOCCLO1)

Demonstrate a personal philosophy to includeresponsibility, initiative, autonomy andaccountability in the practice of counsellingpsychology to support and further independentstudy and professional development (including

8PS001 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Psychodynamic andContemporary Approaches8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues and Skills in CounsellingPsychology8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: Professional Issues8PS004 Counselling Psychology Doctorate Thesis8PS005 Personal and Professional Development 2

consultative work and leadership) in line with theproficiency, competency and ethical standards ofthe Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)and the British Psychological Society (BPS).

8PS006 Personal and Professional Development 38PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Systemic Practice and FamilyTherapy8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan, DevelopmentalPsychology and Contexts


Systematically and critically evaluate researchliterature, theoretical models and therapeuticskills in the assessment, formulation,identification, management and delivery of plansand strategies for meeting the health and socialcare needs of clients (e.g. be able to usepsychological theory, research, reasoning andproblem solving skills to determine and applyappropriate actions and interventions), indicatinga breadth and depth of psycho-therapeutic skillsrequired to practice counselling psychology withthe ability to reflect, monitor, audit, review,modify approaches and respond creatively tomeet the complex needs of individuals, groups orcommunities.

8PS001 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Psychodynamic andContemporary Approaches8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues and Skills in CounsellingPsychology8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: Professional Issues8PS004 Counselling Psychology Doctorate Thesis8PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Systemic Practice and FamilyTherapy8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan, DevelopmentalPsychology and Contexts


Demonstrate a critical understanding of thephilosophical bases which underpin thepsychological theories that are of particularrelevance to counselling psychology (i.e. thatcounselling psychology views human behaviouras fundamentally inter-subjective, embodied andrelational with the co-construction of knowledgebeing fundamentally shaped by a variety ofcontextual factors) and the way in which thisstance permeates all areas of professionalactivity in counselling psychology.

8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues and Skills in CounsellingPsychology8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: Professional Issues8PS004 Counselling Psychology Doctorate Thesis8PS005 Personal and Professional Development 28PS006 Personal and Professional Development 38PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Systemic Practice and FamilyTherapy8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan, DevelopmentalPsychology and Contexts


Demonstrate critical self-reflection, self-awareness, self-appraisal and insight with anappreciation of the therapeutic process from theclient perspective; and through reflectivepractice, recognise the contribution ofinterpersonal dynamics and the impact oftherapist and client variables to the therapeuticrelationship and process.

8PS001 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Psychodynamic andContemporary Approaches8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues and Skills in CounsellingPsychology8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: Professional Issues8PS004 Counselling Psychology Doctorate Thesis8PS005 Personal and Professional Development 28PS006 Personal and Professional Development 38PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Systemic Practice and FamilyTherapy8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan, DevelopmentalPsychology and Contexts


Demonstrate engagement in non-discriminatoryreflexive practice, working safely and ethicallywithin limits of competence whilst demonstratinghigh standards of professional conduct; and acommitment to abide by the British PsychologicalSociety's ethical framework and professionalcodes of conduct and the Health and CareProfessions Council's guidance on conduct andethics.

8PS001 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Psychodynamic andContemporary Approaches8PS002 Clinical Practice and Workshops 2: Issues and Skills in CounsellingPsychology8PS003 Clinical Practice and Workshops 3: Professional Issues8PS004 Counselling Psychology Doctorate Thesis8PS007 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Systemic Practice and FamilyTherapy8PS009 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Lifespan, DevelopmentalPsychology and Contexts


8PS001 Psychological Theory and Therapy: Psychodynamic andContemporary Approaches8PS004 Counselling Psychology Doctorate Thesis

Demonstrate critical evaluation of a range ofresearch skills (including qualitative andquantitative methods; audit, service evaluationand quality management and control)commensurate with Doctoral level standards withan ability to understand, develop and applymodels of psychological inquiry for the creationof new knowledge; making an originalcontribution to research literature andcommunicating the findings to audiences in orderto contribute towards the development of theprofession of counselling psychology.

PSRB

PS002V01UV (Full-time)

Professional Accreditation Body:British Psychological Society (BPS)

Accrediting Body:British Psychological Society (BPS)

Accreditation Statement:Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BritishPsychological Society (BPS).

Additional Notes:"Graduates who complete an accredited undergraduate degree or postgraduate conversion programme havingpassed the empirical psychology project and gained a minimum of a 2:2 overall (or its equivalent) are eligibleto apply for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society. GBC isset as a pre-requisite for entry to accredited postgraduate programmes by the majority of training providers.In order to practise as a psychologist offering services to the public, graduates will need to complete furthertraining that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council."

ApprovedApproved StartStart Expected EndExpected End RenewalRenewal

04/Nov/2014 04/Nov/2014 31/Dec/2021 31/Dec/2021

PS002V31UV (Part-Time)

Professional Accreditation Body:British Psychological Society (BPS)

Accrediting Body:British Psychological Society (BPS)

Accreditation Statement:Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BritishPsychological Society (BPS).

Additional Notes:"Graduates who complete an accredited undergraduate degree or postgraduate conversion programme havingpassed the empirical psychology project and gained a minimum of a 2:2 overall (or its equivalent) are eligibleto apply for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society. GBC isset as a pre-requisite for entry to accredited postgraduate programmes by the majority of training providers.In order to practise as a psychologist offering services to the public, graduates will need to complete furthertraining that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council."

ApprovedApproved StartStart Expected EndExpected End RenewalRenewal

Employability in the Curriculum

Counselling Psychologists work psycho-therapeutically with clients with a variety of problems (for examplethe effects of childhood abuse, relationship breakdown, domestic violence and major trauma) and/orsymptoms of psychological disorder (such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stressdisorder, and psychosis).

They offer an active collaborative relationship that can both facilitate the exploration of underlying issues andempower people to confront change.

Some examples of work settings are:

NHS services, including primary care; secondary care; community mental health teams; tertiary settingsfor psychiatric in-patients; specialist services for older adults; child and family services; eating disordersservices; services for those with learning disabilities; physical health settings, such as oncology andburns; and in general healthcare settings where psychological services are offered.Other services may include prison and probationary services; social services; voluntary organisations;employee assistance programmes; occupational health departments; student counselling services; privatesector; independent practice; and various other settings.Counselling Psychologists also work in academic environments as researchers and also lecturers andtrainers of other health professionals, such as trainee psychologists and other applied psychologists,medical staff, dentists, nurses, and other disciplines with an interest in mental health (e.g. armed servicesand emergency services).Counselling Psychologists are in a position to develop a portfolio career whereby a variety of part-timejobs, often including private practice, can shape the working week rather than the traditional full-timeposition.Counselling Psychologists’ competencies also include leadership, supervision, consultancy, serviceevaluation and audit, which enables graduates to use these skills in a variety of ways.

Further training, experience and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities can lead to themanagement of services.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

This programme constitutes a professional applied psychology training which produces therapeuticpractitioners who are eligible for chartered status with the BPS and are eligible for entry onto the Health andCare Professions Council register as Counselling Psychologists. These skills extend both within and outsidethe therapeutic setting, with Counselling Psychologists managing and leading the field as well as acting asconsultants and engaging in service evaluation and audit. There is therefore a heavy emphasis on experientiallearning within the programme. Due to the professional nature of the programme, trainees will spend a greatdeal of their time in supervised clinical placements, accruing 450 client hours over the course of their threeyears of training, and also engaging in other placement-related activities. In addition to the clinical and otherprofessional work on placement, there will also be opportunities for case reflection within the programme,which will involve trainees discussing their own clinical work with tutors and with their peers. Trainees willbe expected to become actively involved in these sessions. Such sessions will include the critical analysis of avariety of theoretical models and the application of these models to practice, through both role play and ‘real-life’ clinical work on placement.

There is a requirement for counselling psychology training programmes to facilitate the development ofreflective practitioners. Trainees are therefore required to become self-aware through engaging with their ownpersonal therapy and also to gain an understanding of how they, as individuals, contribute to the therapeuticprocess. In order to facilitate this continuous reflection, trainees are required to keep a reflective journal,

which will be accomplished through engagement with online weblogs. Further digital literacy will beaddressed through continuous engagement with the University’s CANVAS intranet site. All coursedocumentation is exclusively available to students online (unless a student requests a hard copy) and they arerequired to engage with this on a regular basis. Furthermore, in order to fulfil assignment tasks at Doctorallevel, trainees are required to engage with IT software, such as statistical packages and also to be able toidentify and locate information through conducting internet searches (for example, for relevant academicarticles) and to critically evaluate and effectively use that information in their academic writing and also intheir clinical practice.

In order to fulfil the requirements of completing a piece of Doctoral research, trainees will be required to makean original contribution to literature. They are therefore encouraged to engage with academic articles in orderto nurture their intellectual curiosities before arriving at a research question that is of interest to them. Then,through the support of their supervisory team, trainees embark on a novel piece of research. In consideringtheir research question and the research process, trainees are required to continually think about the clinicalimplications of their work in order that they are in a position to contribute to the development of the field ofcounselling psychology. In the process of conducting this research, trainees will be required to submit theirwork, firstly as a poster and secondly as a presentation to the British Psychological Society’s Division ofCounselling Psychology conference, in order to aim for the wide dissemination of their research.

The ethical responsibilities and obligations of Trainee Counselling Psychologists are present throughout theirtraining, from the beginning ‘placement preparation’ module to the ‘clinical practice: workshop - professionalissues’ module in their final year. Their personal and professional values will be focused upon within lecturesbut also through consideration of various cases and different scenarios, in order that they have a criticalunderstanding of the ethical requirements of the HCPC and BPS and so that they are able to practice safely andethically.

In short, learning activities will include:

Research-led lectures and podcastsSeminarsSmall group discussionsCase discussions and peer supervisionSkills workshopsClinical observationsSupervised clinical practice on placementEngagement with personal therapyPractical workshop sessions (research-based computer sessions)Visiting speakers (eminent counselling psychologists)Directed studyTutorials.

Reference Points

QAA code of practice for Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in HE

QAA Doctoral characteristics (September 2011)

University of Wolverhampton Quality Management regulations for Professional Doctorates

Accreditation criteria and required competencies of the BPS Division of Counselling Psychology

Standards of Proficiency (SOPs) and Standards of Education and Training (SETs) of the Health and CareProfessions Council

Equality Act 2010

Academic Regulations Exemptions

None

Support with your studies

University Learning Centres are the key source of academic information for students providing access to:

Physical library resources (books, journal, DVDs etc.)Study areas to allow students to study in the environment that suits them best: Social areas, quiet andsilent areas.A wide range of online information sources, including eBooks, e-journals and subject databasesAcademic skills support via the Skills for Learning programmeStudents on campus can attend workshops or ask for one-to-one help on a range of skills such asacademic writing and referencing.Dedicated Subject Pages to enable you to explore key online information sources that are recommendedfor their studies.Physical access to local libraries both in UK and overseas via SCONUL and WorldCat agreements

We also strongly advise you to download to “MyWLV” student app. MyWLV is a single point of personalisedaccess to the variety of systems the University offers. This includes pulling through relevant information (e.g.deadlines, timetables) and linking to underlying systems.

Course Specific Support

There is considerable support available for students. A Course Handbook in the form of a course map isavailable on VLE (virtual learning environment) and a placement handbook is available and is updatedannually.

There are further module guides available as well as a wealth of information about the course and theprofession of counselling psychology made available on CANVAS, for example, the BPS Division ofCounselling Psychology Professional Practice Guidelines for Counselling Psychologists and the HCPCGuidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students. A database of suitable placements and personal therapists usedby other trainees is also available on VLE.

All first year trainees attend a ‘residential’ whereby trainees have the opportunity to meet one another and thecourse team whilst they engage in ice-breaking activities. Course details are provided and the traineesfamiliarise themselves with the demands of the programme. Both the second and third year groups also attendthe second day of the residential in order that trainees can meet those from other cohorts and get to know oneanother. A one week induction programme is provided for all new entrants and, in addition, a residential takesplace at the beginning of the academic year. Furthermore, library induction and information skills workshopsare available throughout the course, although the focus is at Level 4 where it is included in some mandatorymodules. We operate a buddy system so that trainees in year 1 are able to pair up with more experiencedtrainees in year 2 to gain appropriate support. There is also a discussion facility on VLE for trainees to engagewith one another and their tutors when away from the University.

Over the years, we have built up a network of colleagues who are keen to provide suitable placementexperiences for our trainees, many of whom are graduates of the programme. The course providesopportunities for trainees to gain a vast amount of experience in a range of placement settings and we operatea placement monitoring system whereby we assess the suitability of clinical placements and ensure thatclinical supervisors are either Clinical or Counselling Psychologists. In line with HCPC requirements, clinicalplacements need to provide trainees with Health and Safety training. In the School of Health and Wellbeing(FEHW), there is a Practice Learning Unit (PLU) and the management of placements will take place within thisunit. The PLU will assist the course management team with the management and administration of placement

allocations; administration related to fitness to practice (for example, monitoring attendance and training;statutory requirements (e.g. occupational health and DBS clearance); quality assurance (e.g. coordinate studentplacement evaluations); monitor progression on placement and provide administrative support forassessment processes; and the PLU will be the central point of contact for students and staff for issues relatedto practice learning.

There are various study skills sessions provided by the University. These ‘skills for learning’ sessions can beaccessed by clicking on this link: http://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills_for_learning.aspx

All cohorts have a ‘cohort tutor’ who acts as a personal tutor for trainees within that cohort and also liaiseswith clinical supervisors about trainee progress. Tutors have appointments available when requested by thestudent. However, we also operate a ‘coffee morning’ or ‘lunch meeting’ opportunities, which enables cohortsof students to discuss issues that apply to the whole cohort with their tutor or just to have a catch-up.

Each cohort of students nominate a Student Representative to speak on their behalf at Course CommitteeMeetings, which are the formal meetings where course issues are discussed. Issues raised at this meeting arefed back into the programme as appropriate.

Research support begins in year 1 with the year-long research module. The selection of research supervisorswill be supported in the year 1 Research Methods module with a series of seminars, presentations, andscheduled opportunities to meet with tutors from the programme. However, supportive workshops continueinto year 2 and by this stage, trainees will have been allocated a Director of Studies and an additional researchsupervisor for their Doctorate research. Students are supported in years 2 and 3 to complete their doctoralresearch and are also encouraged and nurtured to submit their work for publication.

The University operates a ‘Here to help’ service which is open to all students. Students may access thisservice for information on the following:

Evision and CANVASEnrolmentTaking a leave of absence, transferring or withdrawing from a courseApplying for extenuating circumstancesExtensions to work deadlinesModule registration, amendments and timetablingOfficial letters or transcripts of studyAcademic awards, progression or regulationsTuition fees, invoicing, debt and sponsorship (Student Finance or private company)Exams and special arrangementsGraduation

The Chaplaincy is available to all students and is a place whereby people of all faiths or none are welcome. The University has a prayer room in ML building on City Campus, offering communal Friday Moslem prayersand also provides space for prayer at Telford and Walsall campuses. a space away from the office. Thefollowing are on offer at the Chaplaincy:

TV, radio and Wifikeyboard and pianomeeting friends over a coffeerooms to book for your society or groupkitchen facilitiesservices on Sundays and weekdays...and much more besides

The Chaplains are experienced in offering guidance, support and spiritual direction and are available and readyto talk to students of any religion or none. Further information can be found by clicking on this link:http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=20728

The University has an Equal Opportunities Policy, together with equality schemes and action plans promotingequality in relation to race, disability, gender, age and sexual orientation. Progress in implementation ismonitored by the Equality and Diversity Committee.

http://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills_for_learning.aspx

http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=20728

The University has an inclusive and supportive environment for students with a wide range of sensory,physical or specific learning difficulties. Disability advisors and an enabling technology team are available.Further information can be found here: http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=26365http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=26365

The University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union is an independent charity that is run by students forstudents. The can be found by clicking on the following link: http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=20719page=20719

Contact Hours

In higher education, the term ‘contact hours’ is used very broadly, to refer to the amount of time that youspend learning in contact with teaching or associated staff, when studying for a particular course.

This time provides you with the support in developing your subject knowledge and skills, and opportunitiesto develop and reflect on your own, independent learning. Contact time can take a wide variety of formsdepending on your subject, as well as where and how you are studying. Some of the most common examplesare:

lecturesseminarstutorialsproject supervisionsdemonstrationspractical classes and workshopssupervised time in a studio/workshopfieldworkexternal visitswork-based learning (including placements)scheduled virtual interaction with tutor such as on line, skype, telephone

In UK higher education, you as the student take primary responsibility for your own learning. In this context,contact time with teaching and associated staff is there to help shape and guide your studies. It may be usedto introduce new ideas and equip you with certain knowledge or skills, demonstrate practical skills for you topractise independently, offer guidance on project work, or to provide personalised feedback.

Alongside contact time, private or independent study is therefore very significant. This is the time that youspend learning without direct supervision from, or contact with, a member of staff. It might includebackground reading, preparation for seminars or tutorials, follow-up work, wider practice, the completion ofassignments, revision, and so on.

Course Specific Health and Safety Issues

No specific health and safety issues recorded.

Course Fact File



Hierarchy of Awards:Hierarchy of Awards: Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology Counselling Psychology Higher Masters in Applied Psychology (Counselling) Master of Science Applied Psychology (Counselling) Postgraduate Diploma Applied Psychology (Counselling) University Statement of Credit University Statement of Credit

Course Codes:Course Codes: PS002V01UV Full-time 3 YearsPS002V31UV Part-Time 5 Years

Awarding Body / Institution:Awarding Body / Institution: University of Wolverhampton

School / Institute:School / Institute: Institute of Sport and Human Sciences

Category of Partnership:Category of Partnership: Not delivered in partnership

Location of Delivery:Location of Delivery: University of Wolverhampton

Teaching Institution:Teaching Institution: University of Wolverhampton

Published: 09-Oct-2017 by