Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Clinical Psychology
The growing prevalence of mental health disorders and the complexities of modern life have fueled the need for professionals trained in clinical psychology. The importance of culturally sensitive psychological care is increasingly recognised, and our Diploma in Clinical Psychology fosters competencies necessary for empathetic, inclusive, and effective care for diverse populations.
By studying our Clinical Psychology Courses you will explore the underlying causes of psychological disorders, the development of treatment plans, and the implementation of evidence-based therapies. The intellectual stimulation and personal growth that come with this Diploma in Psychology will undoubtedly ignite your passion for mental health. By broadening your knowledge of clinical psychology, you will have the power to positively impact countless lives, making a significant difference in the world of mental health care.
Subject to validation
Next intake: September 2024Key Facts
The importance of clinical psychology in today's society can mean the difference between a life well-lived and a life of challenges. Therefore, in order to really improve mental health standards in society we have developed a Psychology Diploma aimed to engage and inspire healthcare professionals to help people overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
Our students learn to uncover the processes of the mind through the study of clinically rich case scenarios discussed in an academic forum and led by an expert tutor. You too will come away with an enhanced understanding of people's behaviour, cognitive attitude and mental functioning in order to make positive, constructive, meaningful, and lasting changes in people's lives.
On successful completion of our Diploma in Clinical Psychology you will acquire a number of essential skills as our course aims to:
- Equip the individual with a broad understanding of clinical psychology, skills in critical appraisal and application of knowledge for direct patient benefit/service development and future study.
- Equip students with life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to clinical practice in clinical psychology.
- Enable graduates to demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of psychologically informed health care.
- Enable graduates to confidently work in teams in multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international contexts.
- Enable graduates to critically evaluate the delivery of psychological care to patients/service users.
- Equip students with a systematic understanding of evidence-based psychological interventions.
- Enable graduates to use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to address complex issues of clinical care across the spectrum of healthcare specialties caring for patients with psychological needs.
- Equip students with the ability to critically evaluate evidence and guidance for clinical psychology and implement best practice and innovation in complex patient scenarios.
- Extend the scope of practice by exploring a professional subject area in more depth utilising knowledge gained in the previous modules.
Subject To Validation
This programme has not yet been validated by a University partner. We are accepting applications for this course on the basis that it will shortly be validated. Please note that all applications are subject to this validation being approved.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr Graeme S Reid
Dr Reid is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in adult community mental health services in North West England. After completing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Liverpool...
Tutor - Dr. Joanna Livingstone
Current post: Postgraduate course author and tutor. Has a Clinical Psychology practice, Key Psychology Services in Glasgow in 2016. Also, offers supervision, training and teaching to individuals and organisations.
Dr....
Tutor - Zoe Johnson-Marsh
Current post: Works as Lead Regional Consultant Forensic Psychologist, at Arbury Court and Crossley Place, Elysium Healthcare. Supports the conducting of applied research and guest lectures at Sheffield Hallam, University...
Subject to validation
Next intake: September 2024 Key Facts
Programme Leader
Dr Graeme S Reid
Dr Reid is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in adult community mental health services in North West England. After completing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Liverpool University in 2020, he has had over 20 years’ experience of working in mental health services within the NHS.
He currently leads a psychology team working with people who experience severe and complex mental health difficulties within a Community Mental Health setting, and is clinical lead for psychological therapies for psychosis and bipolar presentations within a specialist NHS mental health trust. In addition to his NHS work, Dr Reid works in independent practice providing training, supervision and therapy.
Dr Reid is currently Joint Chair of the Community Mental Health network within the DCP Psychosis and Complex Mental Health Faculty of the British Psychological Society.
Whilst primarily working as a senior NHS clinician, Dr Reid has retained his academic interests He has held honorary academic appointments at the Universities of Manchester and Lancaster, and regularly supervises doctoral research projects, has co-authored a number of academic publications including original research, theory and systematic reviews.
Tutor - Dr. Joanna Livingstone
Current post: Postgraduate course author and tutor. Has a Clinical Psychology practice, Key Psychology Services in Glasgow in 2016. Also, offers supervision, training and teaching to individuals and organisations.
Dr. Joanna Livingstone, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Glasgow in 2000.
Over twenty years experience of working in adult mental and physical health settings in the NHS in Glasgow, London and Brighton.
Extensive knowledge and experience of working with mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, post- traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders and eating disorders.
Her interests include trauma, chronic health conditions, wellbeing at work, student wellbeing and anxiety disorders.
- Setting up and facilitation of mindfulness groups at the University of Glasgow 2017-2021.
- Head of Psychological services AXAPPP Healthcare (2014-2016)
- Lead Psychologist within the IAPT services (Improving Access to Psychological Services 2010-2013).
- Medico-legal assessments and reports for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (ongoing)
-Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy training (MBCT – 2010) - Setting up and facilitation of groups in the NHS for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, and anxiety management (2004-2014).
- Member of Cosmetic Surgery Panel, West London Mental Health Services (2001)
- Presented Epilepsy research at the European Epileptology conference (2000).
Tutor - Zoe Johnson-Marsh
Current post: Works as Lead Regional Consultant Forensic Psychologist, at Arbury Court and Crossley Place, Elysium Healthcare. Supports the conducting of applied research and guest lectures at Sheffield Hallam, University of Manchester and recently joined Gibraltar University to tutor on the Clinical Psychology Masters.
Zoe Johnson-Marsh, Qualified as a Forensic Psychologist in 2012, and Chartered Scientist in the following years.
- Career in psychological as an Assistant Psychologist at HMP Styal in 2005 delivering CBT skills to groups of female offenders, as well as being seconded to complete CBT with juvenile offenders during that time.
- Provided forensic training at HMP Wakefield in 2007 with Category A, B and sex offenders; providing treatment and completion of risk assessments. From HMP Wakefield Zoe transferred to HMP Garth which became Part of North West Prison Psychological services, providing psychological input to various prison establishments.
- It was within the Prison service that Zoe learnt the skills and knowledge in a variety of assessments relating to risk and need, as well as treatment for differing offending populations.
- Zoe qualified as a Forensic Psychologist in 2012, and Chartered Scientist in the following years.
- After a decade working in the Prison Service Zoe moved into the mental health independent sector to enhance her skills as a clinician, and to date has now trained and delivers varying modalities of treatment to meet with the complex needs of the patient group.
- Zoe presently leads this service and supports the North region of Elysium Hospitals, focussing on delivering treatment that is specific to the individual and is grounded within up to date research, as well as consulting on psychological application that enhances holistic care across the Hospital.
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Why Study an Applied Clinical Psychology Postgraduate Diploma with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
Our Diploma in Psychology is aimed at healthcare professionals who want to gain new knowledge and skills in the application of psychology within clinical settings. This course will give healthcare professionals a better understanding of how psychological knowledge, principles and methods can be applied within clinical practice through online psychology courses.
This Psychology Diploma is also suited for psychology graduates wanting to undertake online psychology courses and distance learning. This may be of particular interest to aspiring Clinical Psychologists, including those who are seeking positions as Assistant Psychologists, Research Assistants and those who wish to undertake a relevant postgraduate course, prior to applying for a Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
To qualify as a Clinical Psychologist within the UK, you need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) with an accredited Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Further information about careers in clinical psychology are available via the British Psychological Society (BPS) website.
How Will I Learn?
You will be supported throughout your studies by a committed team of internationally recognised educational experts.
Our courses are conducted through our interactive online learning platform, log in daily whenever and wherever you want. No fixed timetable empowers you to study when it suits you
These usually occur within groups of 10-20 students, allowing you to clearly communicate with both your tutor and fellow students.
Curriculum
Our Psychology Diploma allows you to study for just one calendar year and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises six modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.Module Aims
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the context, definitions and models underpinning the profession of clinical psychology. The module will enable students to understand training routes to enter the profession and range of roles and clinical settings that clinical psychologists work within. The module also aims to introduce distinctive features, key concepts and debates that have shaped the development of clinical psychology.
Module Content
- Definitions, history, scientist-practitioner model
- Training routes, roles and clinical settings
- Supervision, reflective practice and self-care
- Models of mental health
- Trauma & attachment
- Cultural and social perspectives, equality, diversity and inclusion
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the foundations of clinical psychology.
- Critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in clinical psychology.
- Undertake critical thinking/reflection to provide judgement and suitable courses of action related to clinical psychology.
- Critical evaluation of the literature and successful decision awareness in clinical psychology to formulate appropriate solutions for the student’s practice; evidence-based decision making.
- Reflect on learning from prior experience, challenge preconceptions, remove subject and function boundaries in order to holistically integrate new knowledge to complex or novel situations.
Module Aims
To develop students’ understanding of clinical skills and their relevance and use in clinical psychology.
Module Content
- Engagement & motivation, goal setting
- Interviewing skills
- Clinical assessment
- Formulation
- Risk assessment and management
- Treatment selection, planning and evaluation
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate a variety of clinical skills and examine their application, use and relevance within clinical psychology.
- Critically appraise the delivery of psychological care in varying clinical settings/conditions.
- Apply a range of strategies to harness core clinical skills and client safety within clinical psychology.
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the unique complexities of core clinical skills in psychology.
- Reflect on learning from prior experience, challenge preconceptions, remove subject and function boundaries in order to holistically integrate new knowledge to complex or novel situations.
Module Aims
- To enable students to understand the application of a range of psychological therapies used in clinical practice.
- To develop an understanding of how core psychological knowledge and skills can enable practitioners to select, and, if necessary to adapt and combine therapeutic approaches.
Module Content
- Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies
- Dynamic and Relational therapies
- Systemic & Family Therapies
- 3rd wave and specialised therapies
- What works for whom, and why
- Formulation and treatment planning using different models
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate critical appraisal and formulation skills that will enable students to develop treatment plans by selecting, adapting or integrating therapeutic approaches to meet the needs of individual clients.
- Develop a critical understanding and implement processes of quality improvement and transferability of best practice within therapeutic approaches.
- Critically discriminate in the selection and use of evidence and techniques to address complex problems involving therapeutic approaches.
- Apply a combination of professional knowledge with therapeutic skills to improve psychological needs delivery in complex situations.
- Exercise initiative, personal responsibility and ethical decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations.
Module Aims
- This module aims to familiarise students with the clinical psychology of common mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.
- To introduce students to the psychology of common life experiences and psychological factors that can underlie or contribute to a range of mental health difficulties across the lifespan.
Module Content
- Anxiety – panic and phobias
- Anxiety – social and health anxiety, OCD
- Depression (unipolar)
- PTSD (type 1)
- Adversity, attachment, adjustment, and grief
- Self-esteem, perfectionism, self-criticism, shame and compassion
Learning Outcomes
- Critically appraise psychological perspectives and treatment approaches for common mental health difficulties.
- Develop a systematic knowledge and understanding of the psychology of common mental health difficulties.
- Merge theoretical facts, ideas and critically evaluate psychological literature in support of understanding the psychology of common mental health difficulties.
- Apply a combination of professional knowledge with practical skills to improve psychological needs delivery in complex situations.
- Critical evaluation of the literature and successful decision awareness involving common mental health difficulties to formulate appropriate solutions for the student’s practice; evidence-based decision making.
Module Aims
- To familiarise students with the clinical psychology of severe and complex mental health difficulties.
- To enable students to understand a range of psychological perspectives that may assist clinicians in intervening to help people with severe and complex mental health difficulties across the lifespan.
Module Content
- Psychosis and At Risk Mental States
- Bipolar/extreme mood states
- Personality disorders
- Complex trauma & dissociation
- Transdiagnostic perspectives
- Working with severe conditions within complex systems
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse, synthesise and assess the implications of psychological perspectives on severe and complex mental health difficulties for clinicians and service providers.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues involving severe and complex mental health difficulties informed by research and novel practice in the field.
- Merge theoretical facts, ideas and critically evaluate psychological literature in support of understanding severe and complex mental health difficulties.
- Apply a range of strategies to help people with severe and complex mental health difficulties and ensure client safety across the lifespan.
- Reflect on learning from prior experience, challenge preconceptions, remove subject and function boundaries in order to holistically integrate new knowledge to complex or novel situations.
Module Aims
To explore the application of clinical psychology across a range of specialist settings and clinical presentations.
Module Content
- Clinical health psychology
- Forensic clinical psychology
- Addictions and Eating Disorders
- Learning disabilities, autism & neurodiversity
- TBI and neuropsychological rehabilitation
- Dementia
Learning Outcomes
- Critically apply clinical psychology knowledge and skills to a range of clinical presentations.
- Critical knowledge and understanding of the application of clinical psychology across a range of specialist settings.
- Demonstrate originality, insight and critical/reflective practice to solve problems improve delivery in varying specialist settings.
- Undertake critical thinking/reflection to provide judgement and suitable courses of action related to specialist applications.
- Exercise of initiative, personal responsibility and ethical decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations.
Assessment Methods
The Diploma in Clinical Psychology places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of clinical scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The six modules on the course have the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout. You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module.
These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice. Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course - ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Your tutor will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
The group activity is designed to stimulate and test the students’ ability to work as a team in taking the subject area forward. A group task is set, the group elects a leader using the online forum (designed to put leadership skills into practice) and the leader allocates tasks to group members.
The leader is responsible for managing, collating and submitting the activity (online) at the end of the module. The tutor provides formative guidance part way through the module and marks the assessment at the end.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, poster, blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module that is predetermined by the programme Leader before the modules commence. Students are not provided with an option to choose.
The reflective journal is used by students throughout each module to monitor personal progress. This is guided by weekly feedback from your tutor and is graded at the end of every module. The journal typically includes the following:
- Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
- Module and/or personal learning objectives.
- Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
- Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
- A description of what has been learned during the module.
Entry requirements
Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree or in Psychology.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification. Duolingo is also accepted, as long as your score is above 95 per component.*
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. You can contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
*Please note that those who provide their proof of English proficiency through Duolingo will receive £50 off their final course payment. This discount is applied after payment of your deposit is received.
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