University of Edinburgh/NHS Scotland Clinical Psychology Training Programme
Section of Clinical and Health Psychology
University of Edinburgh
Medical School
Teviot Place
EDINBURGH
EH8 9AG
Telephone: 0131 651 3972
Fax: 0131 651 3971
Programme Director: Dr Matthias Schwannauer
Acting Clinical Practice Director: Dr Ion Wyness
Link to University of Edinburgh website
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this entry is correct at the time of writing. However, it does not form part of any contract between the University and a student or applicant and must be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions of Admission set out in the Postgraduate Prospectus of the University of Edinburgh.
The Programme started in 1959, was revised in 1972 and further revised in 1991/92. In 2003 we introduced the Specialist Training Route in which places can be for four or five years. Trainees on a specialist place will undertake supervised work part-time for periods of six months during the training. The length of training remains at three years, though as it is completed part-time it is spread over four or five years, allowing the University and NHS Scotland to increase its training capacity. Whilst not on placement, specialist trainees provide a service contribution to a host service for the duration of their training, at a level commensurate with their skills and competence. Service contribution is not formally evaluated and does not contribute to the Doctoral Programme, though trainees on the specialist route are expected to maintain both parts of their contract: NHS employment and registration as a postgraduate student. Trainees are registered with the University throughout this time. The Programme leads to the award of a practitioner doctorate covering academic work, a research thesis and supervised clinical training and conferring eligibility to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC). For the 2012 intake we anticipate that 30 places will be available, the majority of which are likely to be three year places.
The Programme is located in the School of Health in Social Science, within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University. It is the joint responsibility of the University, a group of eleven NHS Boards in Scotland, and the commissioning body NHS Education for Scotland (NES). Teaching is provided by the Programme team (comprising academic staff and University-based clinical tutors) and also draws heavily upon local NHS expertise (as well as occasional international experts) to ensure that the academic curriculum is fit for purpose and engaging.
Clinical placements are undertaken in a wide variety of settings, supervised by registered clinical psychologists, together with appropriate input from other professionals. The variety of available placements and the Programme's academic strengths are seen as particularly important features. A recent innovation has been the development of a range of e-learning modules supporting teaching and placement practice in a variety of specialties.
The Programme is pluralistic in its orientation, with particular strengths in cognitive-behavioural approaches (CBT), although other psychological approaches are also covered in lectures and in placements. Our curriculum is designed to cover core competencies in CBT and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) as another psychological therapy. The emphasis of clinical training is on a variety of models as befits the current state of clinical psychology, the scientist-practitioner model and the reflective-practitioner model. Trainees are taught how to apply psychological theories to clinical problems, and to understand the importance of the link between theory and practice in clinical formulation and problem solving.
The Programme is overseen by the Joint Training Committee which meets two to three times a year and has approximately 30 members consisting of members of the Programme Team, NHS supervisor representatives, clinical psychologist managers representing each of the NHS Health Board areas, trainee representatives, local area clinical tutors and representatives from NES. Supervisors also meet to discuss issues related to the Programme. Course co-ordinators from the University liaise with NHS staff to plan and organise teaching. Regular meetings are held between staff and trainees to discuss matters of common concern, and to obtain trainee feedback on the Programme.
All the details concerning this Programme are contained in this document and on our website. No further written particulars are available, but short-listed candidates may visit the NHS Areas involved in the Programme by arrangement with the Head of local clinical psychology departments. A visit offers neither advantage nor disadvantage to the candidate.
Back to top
Applications are not accepted from candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK without restriction.
Applicants must have eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS at the time of applying. We will therefore not consider candidates still pursuing their undergraduate degree at the time of applying. Applicants who have taken conversion courses that confer GBC are viewed as equivalent to applicants whose original degree confers GBC. Applicants should hold at least a 2.1 honours degree in psychology. Strong candidates will have evidence of other academic achievements, for example, completion of a higher degree, research experience, publications or conference presentations. Candidates should be able to relate their experience of research to practice.
Relevant experience which allows the applicant to apply psychological principles in practice is essential. Experience of applying and/or disseminating research is desirable. Previous working contact with, and supervision by, a clinical psychologist is an advantage, but other relevant work (eg nursing, support work, experience in relevant voluntary organisations) will be considered. Experience working on a clinically focused research project would also be seen as relevant, particularly if it involved direct client contact. A good range and amount of relevant experience is an advantage, however, it is more important to demonstrate an ability to reflect how this relates to clinical training and to the role of the clinical psychologist.
All candidates must have a fluent command of the English language and demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills. It is essential to be able to foster good working relationships with colleagues and clients and to work as part of a team. It is advantageous if the candidate can show evidence of ways in which they have positively influenced their working environment. Given the demands of clinical training, the candidate should be adaptable and flexible, and have the capacity to prioritise and balance academic and work demands. Due to the geographical spread of some health boards, extensive travel will be required for most placements.
Strong candidates will be motivated to take on the full range of roles of the clinical psychologist. They will provide a clear rationale for and demonstrate insight into the professional context, roles and responsibilities of the clinical psychologist and a clear understanding of professional issues as they relate to clinical psychology (eg confidentiality). A commitment to, and knowledge of NHS Scotland (eg current priorities), and the role of clinical psychology within it is beneficial.
The University of Edinburgh and NHS Scotland employers are committed to promoting diversity and welcome applications from under-represented groups. The Programme participates in the "Positive about Disabled People Double Tick Scheme". The selection process will clearly not discriminate against any applicant on the grounds of gender, transgender status, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief. Intending applicants should be aware that the University of Edinburgh does not permit concurrent registration for any other degree while an individual is registered with the University of Edinburgh.
Back to top
The selection and appointment procedure reflects the close involvement of the NHS Areas in the Programme, and their wish to encourage recruitment into the profession in their localities. The normal cycle will be that firstly, a panel comprising the academic clinical psychology staff screens all applicants who meet essential criteria. Applicants who will not pass on to the second stage of selection are informed by the first week in March that they have been unsuccessful.
At the second stage, all eligible applicants are contacted by post, and asked to rank order the training places in the Health Board areas for which they wish to be considered. The clinical psychologist managers of each NHS Area invite a number of applicants for interview, normally selected from those who have placed that NHS Area high in their ranking. Following this procedure, about 90 candidates are invited for the third stage. The third stage of selection consists of two interviews, each of about 20 minutes, one with an academic and applied research focus and another with a clinical practice focus. We will also ask all candidates to complete a short written assignment as part of the selection process at this stage. The interviews are held in Edinburgh and the NHS covers agreed costs incurred in attending for candidates who accept places and those who are not offered places.
Each interview panel normally consists of a member of the academic programme team, a member of the clinical practice team and representatives from the NHS Areas which nominated the applicant for interview. Current trainees are available throughout the day to provide information about their experience of training. Following the interviews, each NHS Area appoints the appropriate number of applicants, who will be based in that area for the duration of the Programme. All employment arrangements are undertaken directly with the employing NHS Health Board, who fund the cost of the Disclosure Scotland check and carry out health checks. Offers of employment are subject to these being satisfactory.
Candidates, when completing their applications, should be aware that the health board employers are influenced in their selection by the likelihood of a trainee going on to work in their area, whether geographical or specialisation. By the end of May/beginning of June candidates will receive a definite (unconditional) offer or reserve (conditional) listing, or will be informed that they have been unsuccessful. Only if applicants have heard nothing from the Programme by this late date need they make enquiries. Feedback is not given routinely, but is available to unsuccessful applicants on request. All selection processes are under continuing review and the most up-to-date information will be on our website.
Back to top
Trainees are funded through NHS Education for Scotland (NES), which pays University fees, trainee salaries, and travel expenses. No self-funded places are currently available. All trainees are responsible for their own accommodation costs for the duration of the Programme, apart from those in distant NHS Boards who are given accommodation expenses during teaching blocks. Salaries are determined according to Agenda for Change band 6, with trainees on the Specialist Training Route paid on Band 7 after Year 3 of training. In this part of their work they may adopt the title "Specialist Psychological Practitioner".
Back to top
An introduction to the Programme is held in the first week of October to provide the new trainees with a chance to meet University and NHS staff, to learn about the academic course modules, clinical placements and departmental facilities, and to discuss the general structure of the Programme. Throughout the three to five years of the Programme, each trainee will be based in the NHS Area that has selected the trainee, and the majority of the clinical placements will be carried out in that area. The academic blocks are normally held in Edinburgh, some will be provided through e-learning. Travelling expenses to teaching or, when appropriate, accommodation expenses are provided for those trainees (the majority) who are not based in Edinburgh.
Academic teaching is structured in six blocks rather than terms, spaced through the years of training and interspersed with placements in linked areas. Block 1 begins with six weeks of full-time teaching before trainees begin Clinical Placement 1. Blocks 2 to 4 have a similar format, with one month of teaching at the beginning of each block. Trainees return to the University for teaching days during placements (10 or 11 days per placement). All trainees complete the first year full-time. Time for private study is available for one day per week on academic block, and one day per week on placement. Blocks 5 and 6 have a slightly different structure: teaching and clinical skills training consist of a number of specialist seminars focused on advanced practice and models of psychological therapy as well as professional issues and advanced research skills. Trainees have considerable choice regarding which seminars they attend during that part of training, allowing them to develop special interests.
The academic curriculum over the three to five years of training is organised in lectures, seminars, clinical skills workshops and small group seminars. The content of the curriculum is organised developmentally, covering generic areas of clinical competency and developmental psychopathology that are applicable to most areas of clinical practice as well as topics relating to specialties or specific to certain clinical populations. The content is related to the stage of training and the development of core and advanced clinical competencies. Attendance of all core teaching blocks is mandatory.
Teaching on Research methods is provided during all years of training, with an increasing emphasis on individually tailored self-directed study later in training. Each trainee is allocated an academic thesis supervisor towards the end of the first year of study to assist in developing ideas for the thesis project. Trainees will also have a clinical thesis supervisor, who is normally a practitioner psychologist working in the area of the project.
In the six placements, which are whenever possible synchronised with academic teaching, the trainee learns to deal with problems across the life-span, including children, adults of working age and older adults. Clinical placements cover a wide range of work in psychiatric, general, learning disability and rehabilitation hospitals, in primary care settings and in the community. Over 250 clinical supervisors throughout Scotland contribute to the Programme. Placements for full-time trainees are of five to six months' duration and full-time trainees are now strongly encouraged to carry out a single year-long placement in the third year in their sponsoring NHS Area.
The introduction of an alternative route through training that involves specialist training arrangements is consistent with the strong collaboration that exists between the Programme and its NHS partners. The specialist training route was developed in response to demands from the NHS as part of a workforce planning initiative to increase the membership of the profession within Scotland. Specialist training is funded through collaboration with the NHS Areas and NES. Trainees on the specialist training route undergo the same selection procedure as those on the three year route.
Teaching for all routes is modularised to allow placement/teaching synchronisation for all trainees, regardless of the route they take through the Programme. The planning of the first year academic and clinical training components is identical for both routes through training. During the following three or four years, each trainee has an Individual Training and Development Plan (ITDP) agreed in advance, to ensure that the trainees satisfy the necessary conditions to confer eligibility for chartered status as a clinical psychologist. Once the trainee commences their part-time service contribution, their placements will be part-time for 10-11 months.
Back to top
At the beginning of each placement, the trainee and supervisor meet to draw up an agreed plan for the placement. The trainee, supervisor and clinical tutor have the opportunity to discuss the plan, and the trainee's progress at a mid-placement meeting. At the end of each placement, each supervisor submits a report, which is discussed with the trainee. Continuation on the Programme is contingent upon trainees' receiving satisfactory ratings of their clinical performance. The trainee's Director of Studies monitors the trainee's progress through the year and completes the University postgraduate progress form, which enables trainees to proceed to the next academic year.
At the end of each of the first two years, trainees submit a case conceptualisation report of no more than 5,000 words each for examination. The case conceptualisations combine a pragmatic literature review and an outline of the theoretical and conceptual context of the case as well as the clinical case report. Guidelines are available for the completion of these reports.
One small scale research project as well as an assessed research proposal are submitted for examination during training. The small scale research project is submitted in a journal article format and is presented at a mini poster conference. These facilitate the development of research competencies in preparation for the larger doctoral thesis project. Trainees are required to submit the research proposal towards the end of their first year of training. The thesis offers trainees the opportunity to engage in a significant piece of research, supported by an academic and a clinical supervisor. The theses are submitted towards the end of training and are assessed via oral examinations (vivas). The thesis is submitted in a publication friendly portfolio format normally comprising: a systematic review; chapters on methodology, results and discussion; and a chapter in the format of a journal article highlighting the main findings.
Back to top
Trainees are assigned two Directors of Studies who will monitor progress for the duration of the Programme, and provide advice and support regarding any problems that may arise. Trainees also have the option of a Personal Tutor who will not be directly involved in their academic or clinical assessment. In addition we encourage trainees to be self-aware and sensitive to their own well-being. We see it as a sign of professional competence, not a weakness, when trainees let us know of personal difficulties that may affect their training. When such difficulties cannot be resolved through the Programme's usual supports (such as Directors of Studies or Personal Tutor system), we can help the individual to find personal therapy.
Most of the formal teaching is carried out in the University School of Health in Social Science situated in Teviot Place in central Edinburgh. Library, video-recording, computing and word processing facilities are available at the Programme base and in nearby University Central Campus buildings.
Edinburgh is Scotland's historic capital with all the excellent facilities that you would expect in a major international city. The architecture, old and modern, is stunning. Sporting facilities include skiing, sailing, hill walking and rock climbing. There are numerous world class restaurants, galleries and museums. The University also has excellent recreational and social facilities. Scotland as a whole has easy access to artistic, cultural and sporting events, as well as some of the most inspiring areas of natural beauty in Europe.
Back to top
The administration of the Programme is conducted by a Programme Team, which includes:
Dr Matthias Schwannauer - Programme Director and Head of Clinical Psychology
Professor Mick Power - Professor of Clinical Psychology
Dr David Gillanders - Academic Director
Dr Paul Graham Morris - Research Director
Dr Karen McKenzie - Senior Lecturer
Dr Ken Laidlaw - Senior Lecturer
Dr Suzanne O'Rourke - Lecturer
Dr Emily Newman - Lecturer
Dr Jill Cossar - Lecturer
Dr Ethel Quayle - Senior Lecturer
Dr Helen Griffiths - Senior Teaching Fellow
Dr Charles Marley - Teaching Fellow
Mr Tim Fawns - E-Learning Co-ordinator
Mrs Evelyn Kelly - Academic Programme Administrator
Dr Ion Wyness - Acting Clinical Practice Director
Dr Neil Millar - Senior Clinical Tutor
Ms Jenny Munro - Clinical Tutor (Northern Liaison)
Dr Lindsey Murray - Clinical Tutor
Dr Richard Payne - Clinical Tutor
Professor Dave Peck - Research and Research Ethics
Mrs Nicole Tait - NHS Programme Administrator
Home | Basics | Course Centres | Applying
FAQs | Contact Us | Site Index | Links