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PS-M003
General Adult Clinical Psychology: Aetiology, Diagnosis and Risk Assessment
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the aetiology, diagnosis, and risk assessment of affective disorders, including anxiety and depression, as well as related trauma responses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Drawing from biological/genetic, social/familial, and psychological explanatory frameworks, the module examines the development, maintenance, and treatment of these presentations. The diagnosis of affective disorders and trauma related disorders will be reviewed and established interview methods presented. Through critical review and analysis, students will gain insight into established and emerging theory-driven interventions aimed at addressing affective disorders and trauma responses in adult populations.
The second part of this module will include training in WARRN (Wales Applied Risk Research Network). It is the main risk assessment and safety planning technique and training used for the NHS mental health services in Wales.
WARRN is used in all 7 Health Boards for both adult services and child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). The training is slightly different for both, and has different clinical cases that are used to inform the clinical skills we are training people on.
The aims of WARRN (which roughly correspond to the training modules are to teach:
*the basic skills of clinical evaluation
*how to ask difficult and potentially stigmatic questions - such as questions about suicide, violence, sexual offending, etc.
*formulation skills - about both the client's problems and about possible risks
*how to translate a formulation into a safety plan
*the importance of communication and documentation - including co-production
This module equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct comprehensive assessments, formulate diagnoses, and assess risk factors in clinical practice within the realm of adult clinical psychology.
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PS-M004
Formulation, Intervention and Relationships
This module provides an in-depth exploration of psychotherapy within the context of clinical psychology. It focuses on understanding the therapeutic relationship, common factors theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and trauma as delivered by NHS Talking Therapies, and modern approaches in psychodynamic therapy. Through a variety of learning methods including roleplay and problem-based learning from clinical case studies, students will develop critical skills in diagnosis, formulation, treatment planning, and creating psychoeducational resources.
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PS-M007
Clinical aspects of brain and behaviour through the lifespan
This module focuses on the interplay between neurological changes and traumatic experiences as a key field in understanding and interpreting behaviours across the lifespan. This involves exploring how behavioural and cognitive mechanisms underlying adaptive function are impacted by events such as adverse childhood experiences, neurodevelopmental brain insults, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative problems. The aims are both achieving a detailed understanding of clinical presentations, and targeting appropriate interventions for each case. Students will learn about the functional anatomy of the human brain (both limbic and cortical areas), how these regions are implicated in behavioural and cognitive regulation, and how such information informs methods of clinical psychology. Students will also be introduced to key clinically-based theories underpinning our understanding of neuropsychological syndromes, such as aphasia, amnesia, ASD, and attachment disorders. Additionally, they will learn about the drivers of rehabilitation methodologies available for such populations, and the means by which appropriate interventions can be selected.
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PS-M24
Research Project
The research module will involve constructing and executing a substantial research project, usually conducted in connection to an abnormal and clinical research topic/theme.
Previous research projects have spanned various applicable clinical settings linked to NHS trusts, mental health charities, forensic units and topics generated by academics based within the department of psychology. We also encourage students who come to the program with connections as a consequence of previous professional experience, to undertake projects that are linked to interests they have already established.
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PS-M24I
Research Project
The research module will involve constructing and executing a substantial research project, usually conducted in connection to an abnormal and clinical research topic/theme.
Previous research projects have spanned various applicable clinical settings linked to NHS trusts, mental health charities, forensic units and topics generated by academics based within the department of psychology. We also encourage students who come to the program with connections as a consequence of previous professional experience, to undertake projects that are linked to interests they have already established.
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PS-M56I
Affective Disorders and Trauma
This module will examine the development, maintenance and treatment of affective disorders (anxiety and depression) along with related trauma responses such as post-traumatic stress disorder. The module will consider these presentations from biological/genetic, social/familial, and psychological explanatory frameworks. It will also critically review established and emergent theory-driven interventions.
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PS-M65I
Psychotherapy
This module will focus on the key skills required in the practice of psychotherapy and their use in clinical contexts. It focuses on the development of theory-based clinical formulation and interventions using cognitive behavioural and third wave strategies of change. It also provides practice in the use of core skills involved in formulation development and treatment. The module will translate a theoretical understanding of psychological disorders to a more clinical case relevant understanding. Students will learn about the key elements of second and third wave cognitive behavioural therapies both from a theoretical and practical perspective. This module is appropriate for students wishing to pursue a career in clinical, health or other abnormal psychological fields.
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PS-M92I
Postgraduate Academic Skills and Development
Consisting of an extra-curricular workshop series, this is a non-credit bearing academic skills and development module for postgraduate Psychology students. The workshop series will deliver useful information to help MSc students adapt, successfully transition, and thrive as postgraduate students at Swansea University. The workshop series will cover a range of topics to support students¿ academic, personal, and professional development.
