Psychological Therapies MSc

This course is designed to cater for Psychology graduates who have a special interest in Psychological Therapies, perhaps with a particular aim to continue towards professional training in Clinical or Counselling Psychology.

You will be expected to develop a critical understanding of psychological theory and its application to therapeutic practice along with a critical appreciation of both humanistic philosophy and the conceptual framework of the medical model of applied psychology. The notion of a scientific evidence-base will be contrasted with the reflexive practitioner standpoint, both of which underpin the therapeutic approach offered in practice, in order that you can gain a holistic view of the contributory factors influencing the psychological and therapeutic processes of change.

Critical, analytical problem-based learning and transferable skills on the course will prepare you for further professional training as a practitioner of psychological therapies. The course will demonstrate how theory, reflexive practice and research findings can be applied to real life clinical practice.

You will critically explore and discuss ethical aspects of clinical practice, including Codes of Professional Practice; diversity and difference; accountability and the law; and boundary issues.

You will also gain advanced knowledge and skills in a range of methodological approaches, skills and techniques, with the ability to design and implement a personal project related to psychological therapies (on completion of the full masters programme only)

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How to Apply

For all taught postgraduate and PG Cert programmes, please apply directly to University of Worcester. You can download an application form, or can contact the Admissions office on 01905 855111 / pg-admissions@worc.ac.uk

Please post your completed application form to:
Admissions Office
University Of Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ

Alternatively you can apply online for postgraduate programmes at University of Worcester via the Prospects online directory of postgraduate programmes. There is no fee for using the online application service.

When we receive your application form, your details will be passed to the Masters Programme Leader who will contact you to arrange an informal interview. You may include additional material, such as references, in support of your application or bring them with you to interview.

You can apply for postgraduate taught courses and PG Certs at any time, but preferably as early as possible before the start of the academic year, which begins in September.

Study options

This course is currently only available on a Part-Time basis

The programme is taught in blocks, with each module being two blocks of two days (Friday and Saturday). The days are organized into blocks of different learning activities, e.g. presentation/facilitation by the tutor, practical exercises (individual and/or group task), discussion and reflection. Importantly, between the blocks the students are supported with additional reading, provided in the form of primary source articles, book chapters and practitioner journal articles.

The programme has an 80% attendance requirement.

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Victoria Galbraith/Tess Parkinson
Course Leaders
v.galbraith@worc.ac.uk and t.parkinson@worc.ac.uk

The normal requirement for entry to this MSc is a minimum 2:2 Honours degree in Psychology with an advisory interview being conducted. A lower level qualification together with appropriate experience or substantial related experience alone will be considered.

Admissions procedures
Students are normally invited for an informal interview to ensure that they undertake the course and named award specific to their needs and to enable them to meet staff and ask any questions. Once accepted and prior to the commencement of the course students will be invited to an induction day that will familiarise them with the University, the Department and Course requirements

Modules

Professional Practice in Applied Psychology
Advanced Research Analysis
Psychology of Mental Health
Psychological Approaches to Personality and Aetiology
Psychological Interventions in Clinical Practice
The Professional, Political and Social Context and Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Practice
Dissertation

Assessment

Learning will be structured around a range of teaching methods including group seminars, lead lectures, individual tutorials and online resources. The modules offer different kinds of assessment such as essays, case studies, research analysis, research reports, data analysis, seminar papers and presentations.

A 15-20,000 word Independent Research Project is required for the MSc award.

Academic department

Institute of Health & Society

“The University is a leading innovator in the fields of health and social care. Unique appointments such as the UK’s first professors of perinatal education and tissue viability demonstrate our commitment to research excellence.”
Louise Jones, Head of Institute

Employability

The course prepares students for careers in the following areas:
Those who have a Psychology degree conferring GBC (Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society) can apply for professional training required to become a Chartered Psychologist (e.g. clinical, or counselling);
Research;
A range of caring and helping professions (e.g. nursing, social work)
Other postgraduate study (e.g. PGCE);

It will provide students with a springboard for further study in Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology or other related disciplines.

Finally, the course should provide the opportunities for students to develop their research skills and hence move into research positions. The Psychology Division liaises with the University’s Careers service to keep it informed of changes within professional areas of the discipline, and to communicate to potential employers the knowledge and skills acquired by students taking psychology.

Health & Society News

Nursing Students Receive Vital Training in Working with People Living with Dementia - Wednesday, 25 April 2012

First year nursing students at the University of Worcester are to take part in a one-day conference about working with people living with dementia.
Student Nurses Walk Five Miles Between University and Hospital for Cancer Research UK - Monday, 23 April 2012

Seven student nurses from the University of Worcester under took a five mile charity walk after being inspired by their studies.
NCT and University of Worcester Launch New Courses for Parenting Education - Thursday, 12 April 2012

Applications have opened for a new university-accredited Certificate of Higher Education for people wanting to support parents in the transition to parenthood.