The course itself comprises a number of different modules which are all about
developing the transferable skills required to become a Clinical Psychologist.
So what does a Clinical Psychologist do? How do they interact
with patients or clients and then the types of work that they do,
so, for example, the ability to run assessments so we have a range of psychometric
assessments that we use with a hands-on approach in order to teach students
actually how to run, interpret and score particular psychological assessments.
We've also used formulation which is a method that clinical psychologists use
in order to understand the entirety of a person, so the holistic approach about
understanding what is wrong with a particular individual. From the issues
that they present with, to things that may have happened previously in their past,
all the way to factors that are stopping the issue from getting worse. So it's all
about developing these transferable skills.
I think lived-experience is the one thing that I've enjoyed the most,
we've had a lot of different populations come in, so we've had brain injury, we've had people
with spinal injuries and it's just understanding what impact that can have
on everybody's everyday life. I think because I'm quite a kind and caring
person and I like to understand what impact things can have on someone's
wellbeing really and it's something that I'm interested in going into.
(Gemma) I've always looked for something to help people and I just never found
the right route until I came across the Psychology course and being a mature
student, you're not sure if you can do it or what. But I looked into it
and I became really interested in it. One of the Open Days really drew my attention,
just the atmosphere. The amount of support you receive from the University,
the amount of opportunities you have,
it was apparent that it was going to be the best University for me.
I was very impressed with the facilities and the lecturers.
If there's any help you need you can just go to them, they'll give you any help and advice you want.
I've benefited a lot from the support that
I've received from them and also the entire University,
because they have things like study skills programmes, things that support
you in other aspects, not only in Clinical Psychology.
So we learn about not only about the practical application of the theory but also the scientific
reasons why it's valid, and also how to reflect and be critical of those methods
so we can have a better working practice. All of the aspects are taught on the course in
tandem with the theory and that helps to build an overarching idea of what
the course is about, what the subject is about and it's a very thorough way of
understanding the subject.
(Stephen) I think that for people applying for this course, what we look for
is empathetic individuals who are potentially looking to go into a clinical career,
whether that be in Clinical Psychology or whether that be
in some aspect of healthcare or support work or some type of job or profession
involving assisting others in some clinical measure. A lot of our students
at the moment have aspirations to be Clinical Psychologists and that will
require further training, further research after this, however what we set
them up with, is that ground floor level knowledge so they can then pursue and
undertake assistant psychologists posts or a research post within the NHS in order
to further develop their skills in order to hopefully one day get on to the
Doctor of Clinical Psychology.
(Gemma) Be really open-minded, don't be afraid to speak to people,
that was one of my things when I first came, I was really worried about
speaking to people, but the staff are so approachable, there's more than enough
help and support here. Just don't be scared of it, just to come in, just be so open-minded and be ready to go.
Come to the Open Day, have a word with the lecturers,
you'll find out that they're friendly, you'll find out it's a great place to be.
Be confident, go in and you'll find out exactly what it's all about and
find out possibly this is the right place for you.
(Kelly) If you're serious about your education, you're ready to commit yourself
to something like a degree, it's one of the best experiences I've ever had.
I love coming into uni every day, it's something for me and it's nice.