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PS911-15 Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology

Department
Psychology
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
Fiona MacCallum
Credit value
15
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

Child and adolescent mental health is one of the key areas of specialisation for professional Clinical Psychologists. This module will provide students in the MSc in Clinical Psychology with a broad theoretical background and introduce them to key professional issues in this specialisation.

Module web page

Module aims

The module will consider vulnerability and resilience to psychological dysfunction in early life. It will address major psychological disorders of infancy, childhood and adolescence, with particular emphasis on contemporary developments in evidence-based psychological intervention. Sessions will be led by both academics and clinicians to provide a broad range of perspectives on child and adolescent mental health.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

  1. Introduction to the module
  2. Assessnent & formulation
  3. Eating disorders
  4. Attachment
  5. Working with adolescents
  6. ASD
  7. Behaviour management
  8. Common problems in infancy
  9. Attachment disorders
  10. Sensory regulation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate key factors in the complex origins of psychological disorder in children and adolescents
  • Identify and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic methods available for young people and families
  • Understand and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different types of research into developmental difficulties
  • Appreciate some of the difficulties inherent in supporting children with mental health difficulties.

Indicative reading list

Carr, A. (2016) The Handbook of Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology: A Contextual Approach.(3rd ed.) London: Routledge.
Dallos, R & Draper, R. (2010) An Introduction to Family Therapy: Systemic Theory and Practice. Open University Press.
Friedberg, R. D. & McClure, J.M. (2002) Clinical Practice of Cognitive Therapy with Children and Adolescents: The Nuts and Bolts. New York: Guilford Press.
Golding, K. S. (2007) Nurturing Attachments: Supporting Children Who Are Fostered Or Adopted. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Herbert, M. (2002) Typical and Atypical Development: From Conception to Adolescence. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

  • Understanding and critical evaluation of factors in the origins of psychological disorder in children and adolescents.
  • Understanding and critical evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic methods
  • Understanding and critical evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of different types of research
  • Knowledge of some of the difficulties inherent in supporting children with mental health difficulties

Transferable skills

  • Effective communication skills to present and justify conclusions and recommendations
  • Critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources
  • Appreciation of a range of methodologies
  • Application of theoretical knowledge to the practical domain

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 10 sessions of 2 hours (13%)
Private study 130 hours (87%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

130 hrs self-directed study related to seminar preparation and background reading, and exam preparation work.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Take home Examination 100% Yes (extension)

4-day open book examination

Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Feedback provided online

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 1 of TPSS-C8P5 Postgraduate Taught Clinical Applications of Psychology