Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Faculty of Health, Education and Society
Floor 6, Rolle Building
Plymouth University
Drake Circus Campus
PLYMOUTH
PL4 8AA
Telephone: 01752 586701
Programme Director: Professor Rudi Dallos
Admission Tutors: Sarah Baldrey and Catherine Collin
Programme Administrator: Michele Blake
Link to Plymouth University website
Our course emphasises a reflexive approach to all aspects of clinical psychology. Recent major changes to the course have promoted exciting developments especially in the links between theory and practice and in the variety of learning methods from which trainees are able to benefit. A particular strength of the course is that we offer a depth of experience in a range of psychotherapeutic models, including cognitive therapy, psychodynamic therapy and a foundation level family therapy training. Our year-long placement structure promotes an emphasis on locating clinical problems within a variety of social contexts, including family and community contexts. We give trainees the opportunity to engage in small-group work as part of Problem Based Learning and applied research. Trainees gain competence in teaching, training, supervision and consultation. Trainees also develop competence in psychometric assessment. The course is based in the University of Plymouth. It is run jointly with NHS Trusts across the Devon and Cornwall Peninsular.
The course focuses on understanding people within their individual, inter-personal and social contexts. A central emphasis is given to exploring the psychological impact of social inequalities and transitions across life cycles. In doing so, we draw on a range of conceptual and therapeutic models including Systemic, Social Constructionist, Cognitive, Psychodynamic, and Community, perspectives, weaving together these diverse approaches, while also encouraging critical reflection on their differences. In exploring these models, we also give attention to the developing evidence base and the contextual complexities of the lives of people we work with clinically.
In both conceptual and clinical domains we feel two qualities are particularly important:
The Course has developed a range of approaches to study that aim to support these qualities, through "problem-based" learning that emphasises links between theory and practice, "distanced based study" modules that require study at home using the internet, email and e-library facilities, e-conversations with clinical psychologists of national standing and small reflective groups.
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The entry requirement for our programme is an honours degree in Psychology, usually a 1st or 2.1, that gives the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), or an equivalent qualification that gives GBC. Applicants with a 2.2 degree who have completed a further postgraduate academic research qualification may also be considered. We welcome applicants with an interest in learning from their life experiences, both personally and professionally.
Relevant clinically related experience is required. This may include part-time or full-time, voluntary or paid work, involving an advocacy or service role with clients in the public or voluntary sectors. Applicants may have experience as an assistant in NHS Departments of Clinical Psychology. Work in voluntary organisations, social services, and in health settings is also relevant. It is helpful to have had clinical experience that has been supervised by a qualified Clinical Psychologist and to have current understanding of the profession of Clinical Psychology. Work experience with undervalued or marginalised groups is particularly valued. Research experience in a branch of psychology or a related discipline is relevant and valued by the course.
The course welcomes applicants from diverse cultural and personal contexts, mature applicants with extensive life experience, and applicants with disabilities. The University operates an equal opportunities policy. Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, colour, gender, creed, sexual orientation, age or disability.
Overseas applicants please note that in line with other UK training courses in Clinical Psychology, current funding for training places is provided by the National Health Service (NHS) and is designed to fulfil the requirements for qualified Clinical Psychologists within the UK. The Course is therefore not in a position to offer places to candidates who do not have residency within the UK and would not intend to practice within the UK on completion of training. Candidates for whom English is not their first language, or who did not complete their first degree in English, will be asked to provide evidence of english language proficiency, IELTS (7.0) or a TOEFL (600).
A Trainee Clinical Psychology job description can be found on our website.
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There will be 12 training places on the University of Plymouth Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology for 2012. Applications are made via the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology. All applications are considered on the basis of academic attainment, clinical experience, life experience, reflexivity and critical understanding of the social and cultural context of the profession clinical psychology and the NHS. We may consider applications from current undergraduates. Between 40 and 50 candidates will be short-listed for interview. We have no facility to accept applications for self-funded places.
Our selection process will involve two interview panels which together are designed to explore candidates' academic, clinical and reflective strengths. Panels will include course team members, representatives of our service users and carers consultation group and clinicians from the Devon and Cornwall peninsula. Candidates will be invited to discuss two pieces of work: a clinical outline and a research scenario, both provided on the day, prior to interview. Information about the Programme is available on the interview days and current trainees are present throughout the interview days to consult with candidates. The selection process takes place over two days, with each candidate joining us for the major part of one day. Candidates are informed as soon as the selection process is completed. Feedback to non-successful candidates is offered after the selection process is finalised.
All offers of a place on the Doctoral Programme are dependent on satisfactory criminal record and health checks.
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The Peninsular Strategic Health Authority pays all trainees a salary at the level agreed through the Agenda for Change process. Trainees will be paid at Band 6, starting at the minimum of the scale and progressing on annual increments. The Taunton and Somerset Partnership Trust is the "host employer" for all trainees and handles contracts of employment, salaries, occupational health issues, university fees and travel and other expenses.
If trainees require accommodation when in Plymouth for teaching, these costs are covered by the Trust. Trainees may opt to commute for teaching and in which case they can claim for travel expenses at public transport rates. Trainees can claim travel expenses from their "host base" (ie the base of the lead supervisor for their Year 1 placement) regardless of where they are placed within their area for subsequent placements, unless the journey from their home to their subsequent placement base is a shorter distance. We try to ensure that each trainee has most placements within a reasonable commuting distance (about 25 miles) from their base. Trainees should, however, expect that at least part of at least one placement during training may be based further away than this, given the rural geography of much of the southwest. We try to ensure that trainees' particular needs are taken into account in planning distant placement allocation. If the placement is geographically too distant to commute from home, it may be that trainees will need to arrange temporary accommodation. In such cases, trainees will need to liaise with supervisors/liaison tutors within the Trust to find hospital accommodation if possible, and if not, reasonably priced bed and breakfast or guest house accommodation. The cost of this accommodation will be covered; the trainee can claim travel expenses from host base to accommodation base at the beginning and end of each week and travel expenses within the placement will be calculated from the placement base.
£250 is made available in the final year for research-related expenses.
It is Programme policy to encourage trainees to undertake personal therapy during training, as part of their personal and professional development. We are unfortunately no longer able to provide funding towards this.
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The Programme is structured with two main teaching periods based in Plymouth at the start of Years 1 and 2. Additional teaching is interspersed with time on clinical placements and is delivered using a variety of teaching methods. The Programme adopts an adult-learner approach and encourages increasing trainee participation as the course progresses.
There will be an emphasis throughout training on assessment, formulation, core competencies, intervention and evaluation, reflexive practice and developing clinical skills. A multi-level integrative approach to clinical problem-solving is encouraged throughout. During the first year trainees will complete a Foundation Level Systemic Family Therapy course in an inter-professional learning context that is accredited by the Association of Family Therapy. Cognitive Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy are taught over the three years. Social constructionist and community psychology form the fourth model of intervention. The curriculum covers core competencies for working with children and families, people with learning disabilities, adults across the life cycle, organisations and systems and includes neuropsychology, health psychology and forensic psychology. The third year will offer teaching and learning opportunities, linked with placement experiences, aimed at reviewing, consolidating and deepening clinical knowledge and practice gained over the previous two years. Additionally there will be opportunities for optional study to explore in more depth developing areas of interest. The approach to training at this stage further emphasises adult and peer-led learning, and provides increasing opportunities for trainee choice. Recent options have included: Cognitive Therapy; Attachment Theory; Mindfulness Psychoanalysis; Feminist Therapy; Spirituality; Community Psychology; Neuropsychology; Leadership, Management and Supervision skills; and working within IAPT service developments. In addition, the third year aims to orientate trainees towards Qualified Practitioner status with sessions on job interviews skills, newly qualified realities, and reflections on the experience of ending training.
Trainees will be supported by individual appraisal, personal tutorials, reflective groups and clinical tutorials throughout their training. Additional facilitated reflexive days occur over the three years which offer trainees the opportunity to reflect as a group in the natural environment.
The Programme encourages a diversity of research methods and especially encourages a reflexive and collaborative approach to all aspects of research activity. There is the opportunity to explore a piece of your own psychotherapy work; to conduct a service evaluation project as a co-researcher and to produce a publishable piece of original research. Research is linked to, and supported by, the interests of Programme team and local clinicians to encourage lively and relevant research in the Region.
Trainees advance and develop their clinical skills through supervised clinical experience. Host placements are located in NHS services in Exeter/East Devon, Plymouth, South Devon, Torbay and Cornwall. We are fortunate in having excellent relationships with our local supervisors and Heads of Service, with Placement Co-ordinators in each Trust who provide a link between the Programme and the Trust. Each Trainee normally resides within the geographical area served by their host Trust(s). There are three distinct periods of clinical practice - one in each year of training - each is preceded by a period of teaching and interspersed with academic days in Plymouth or locally-based distance teaching events.
In the first year, trainees focus on the social and developmental aetiology of psychological distress. Placements provide experience of working within two main services: families and children; and people with learning disabilities. The placements' emphasis is on the social and developmental systems within which we live: families, schools and occupational systems; care and support networks. The primary focus of the first year will be on gaining clinical skills in working with the individual-in-context - in the context of families, groups, care systems and organisations. Trainees will additionally focus on developing conceptual skills in formulating systemically and in applying theoretical understandings of the social aetiology of psychological distress. Trainees will gain experience in the range of opportunities for clinical psychologists working in these settings.
In the second year, trainees will continue to develop their clinical and conceptual skills in the context of Health and Mental health placements with adults across the life cycle. This year-long placement will focus on trainees' therapeutic skills, working with adults in health and mental health services in individual, couples and group settings. Trainees will have the opportunity to develop their clinical skills in a number of therapeutic models, in particular Cognitive and Psychodynamic Therapies. Trainees will continue to strengthen their understanding of the social origins of psychological distress in considering the impact of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, social and economic disadvantage on health and mental health difficulties. The placements will also enable trainees to continue to develop their understanding of organisations, systems and service development.
In the third year, trainees complete the major part of their research. The emphasis of clinical placements in the final year is on the integration and consolidation of conceptual, clinical and professional skills. Clinical experience in the final year is guided by the completion of core competences and experience and also by trainees' interest in particular areas of clinical specialty. The trainees practice more independently, beginning to identify more with the position of the newly qualified Clinical Psychologist than that of the trainee.
Over the three years, trainees will have a "primary" and a "secondary" supervisor in each placement and will be present in at least two different services each week. Placement duration is 9-10 months, enabling trainees to have sufficient time to become familiar with all aspects of the services in which they are based and to work with clients over a substantive period, enabling some clinical work to be seen through to completion.
Trainees are visited on placement by their Clinical Tutors and also have facilitated small group tutorials with approximately six of their trainee peers. Regular academic and reflective tutorials are provided in Plymouth. Clinical Tutors work with trainees and their supervisors to ensure that the appropriate range and depth of clinical experience are obtained on each placement. In addition, clinical tutors provide pastoral support.
Since the geographical location of the course is wide, it is desirable that trainees, unless prevented through disability (DDA classified), are able to drive and preferably have their own transport.
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Five principal methods of assessment are included:
Coursework is planned so that the emphasis changes across the three years as trainees develop a range of competencies commensurate with the role of Clinical Psychologist, following a developmental sequence that fosters formative growth and offers support at each stage.
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Trainees receive support from their allocated clinical and appraisal tutors and the confidential, independent mentors they select. Trainees are offered assistance in ensuring that their assessed coursework meets the standards required. Clear marking guidelines and written feedback help to ensure the development of academic skills following a progressive programme which increasingly develops confidence, self-evaluation and self-direction.
Trainees have access to the University of Plymouth library and IT facilities and also when on placement, through internet access to the University Portal and the postal library services. Trainees also have the use of the library facilities of their host Trusts.
There is specified time for self-directed study and there are additional study periods identified that facilitate the completion of placement-related paperwork and research activities.
Plymouth University offers its students an extensive range of recreational and sports facilities. The Devon and Cornwall peninsular is very rich in opportunities for exploring sea and land based activities in areas of outstanding natural beauty, creative arts, personal growth and environmental activities.
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Michele Blake - Programme Administrator
Professor Rudi Dallos - Programme Director
Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Plymouth Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Areas of speciality - Family therapy, Eating difficulties, Youth offending, Attachment theory and narrative, Qualitative research methods.
Dr Jacqui Stedmon - Academic Director
Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.
Areas of speciality - Child and health paediatrics, Childhood bereavement, Developmental disorders, Family therapy.
Ms Annie Mitchell - Clinical Director
Clinical Psychologist, Devon Partnership Trust.
Areas of speciality - Community psychology, Supervision, Reflective and reflexive practice, Service user involvement, Clinical health psychology (renal medicine), Therapeutic relationship, Playback theatre performance.
Ms Gilli Watson - Senior Clinical Lecturer
Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Adult Mental Health Services, Devon Partnership NHS Trust.
Areas of speciality - Social inequalities and mental health; Women's mental health and well-being, Mental health service development, Complex trauma, Embodied distress, Feminist theory and therapy.
Duncan Moss - Senior Lecturer
Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapy Services, Plymouth Primary Care Trust.
Area of speciality - Mindfulness, Reflexive practice, Social constructionist perspectives in adult mental health.
Elaine Vickers - Clinical Tutor (South)
Clinical Psychologist.
Areas of speciality - Dialectical behaviour therapy, Women's health, Women's mental health.
Emma Wilson - Clinical Tutor (North)
Clinical Psychologist, Somerset Partnership NHS Trust.
Areas of speciality - Family interventions in psychosis, CBT and Family therapy.
Rebecca Holtom - Senior Lecturer and Clinical Tutor (Central)
Clinical Psychologist.
Areas of speciality - Service user and carer partnership work, Reflexive practice, Supervision and inter-professional learning.
Sarah Baldrey - Senior Clinical Lecturer
Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Health Psychology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
Areas of speciality - Clinical health psychology, Adult mental health, Cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy, IAPT high intensity programme lead.
Catherine Collin - Senior Clinical Lecturer
Clinical Psychologist, Outlook South West, Cornwall.
Areas of speciality - Primary care adult mental health, Independent sector service development, Cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy, IAPT high intensity programme lead.
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