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PS-D01
Research Project
The research module will involve constructing and executing a substantial research project, usually conducted in connection with a topic / theme relevant to the overall masters programme. Capitalising the on the links between the course and local services, there may be opportunities to conduct research within partner organisations (e.g. NHS trusts, mental health charities, forensic units) as well as undertaking research based on 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. For students on BPS accredited masters programmes, the dissertation will take the form of an empirical research project involving primary data collection and submission of an individual ethics proposal.
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PS-M002
General Adult Clinical: Complex Mental Health Conditions
This module delves into the multifaceted landscape of complex mental health conditions, focusing on psychosis, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, and sexual offending behaviour. It critically examines various theoretical perspectives on the aetiology of these disorders, including biological, psychological, and social models. Additionally, the module explores how these disorders are assessed clinically. Established evidence-based treatments for complex mental health conditions and management of psychologically meaningful risk factors and pathological behaviours are reviewed. Finally, how these factors are linked to risk is addressed. Through critical analysis and discussion, students gain advanced insights into these complex mental health issues and prepare for clinical psychology practice.
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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-M29
Psychopathy and Sexual Offending
Psychopathy is a severe personality disorder strongly associated with violence and antisocial behaviour and places a large demand on both mental health services, and the judiciary system. The module will cover the measurement of psychopathy, the aetiology of psychopathic traits, and models of psychopathic behaviour from a biopsychosocial viewpoint.
Sexual offending is a major societal problem. The module will examine how deviant sexual interests may occur, and how these might be measured. The issues of the assessment of risk posed by sexual offenders and the management/treatment of offenders will be discussed.
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PS-M29I
Psychopathy and Sexual Offending
Psychopathy is a severe personality disorder strongly associated with violence and antisocial behaviour and places a large demand on both mental health services, and the judiciary system. The module will cover the measurement of psychopathy, the aetiology of psychopathic traits, and models of psychopathic behaviour from a biopsychosocial viewpoint.
Sexual offending is a major societal problem. The module will examine how deviant sexual interests may occur, and how these might be measured. The issues of the assessment of risk posed by sexual offenders and the management/treatment of offenders will be discussed.
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PSY319W
Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol
Mae myfyrwyr yn cynnal prosiect ymchwil annibynnol dan oruchwyliaeth aelod o staff. Penderfynir ar bwnc yr ymchwil ar y cyd â goruchwylwyr a phynciau Ymchwil. Rhaid i fyfyrwyr ddylunio, cynnal, dadansoddi ac ysgrifennu darn o ymchwil er mwyn cyflawni Sail Graddedig ar gyfer Siarter gyda Chymdeithas Seicolegol Prydain (BPS). Rhaid iddynt hefyd lenwi Ffurflen Ystyriaethau Moesegol, gan ddangos eu bod wedi ystyried a datrys materion moesegol sy'n ymwneud â'u prosiect, a'u bod wedi gweithredu arferion gorau priodol ar gyfer gwella atgynyrchioldeb eu hymchwil.
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PSY325W
Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol - Anrhydeddau ar y Cyd
Mae myfyrwyr yn cynnal prosiect ymchwil annibynnol dan oruchwyliaeth aelod o staff. Penderfynir ar bwnc yr ymchwil ar y cyd â goruchwylwyr a phynciau ymchwil. Rhaid i fyfyrwyr ddylunio, cynnal, dadansoddi ac ysgrifennu darn o ymchwil er mwyn cyflawni Sail Graddedig ar gyfer Siarter gyda Chymdeithas Seicolegol Prydain (BPS). Rhaid iddynt hefyd lenwi ffurflen ystyriaethau moesegol, gan ddangos eu bod wedi ystyried a datrys materion moesegol sy'n ymwneud â'u prosiect, a'u bod wedi gweithredu arferion gorau priodol ar gyfer gwella atgynyrchioldeb eu hymchwil.
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PSY332
Contemporary Issues in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice
This module explores how psychological principles are applied to address contemporary challenges within the criminal justice system. It explores topics such as mental health, traumatic brain injury, neurodiversity, and psychopathy, focussing on their implications for offending, sentencing, and offender management. Broader societal issues, including cybercrime, online misogynistic ideology, radicalised communities, and wellbeing in custodial settings, are also addressed. By combining theoretical insights with real-world applications, the module equips students with critical knowledge and analytical skills needed to engage with evolving debates and practices in forensic psychology. Designed to remain flexible and responsive to emerging priorities, it provides a flexible framework for exploring the dynamic interplay between psychology and the criminal justice system.
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PSY332I
Contemporary Issues in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice (IST)
This module explores how psychological principles are applied to address contemporary challenges within the criminal justice system. It explores topics such as mental health, traumatic brain injury, neurodiversity, and psychopathy, focussing on their implications for offending, sentencing, and offender management. Broader societal issues, including cybercrime, online misogynistic ideology, radicalised communities, and wellbeing in custodial settings, are also addressed. By combining theoretical insights with real-world applications, the module equips students with critical knowledge and analytical skills needed to engage with evolving debates and practices in forensic psychology. Designed to remain flexible and responsive to emerging priorities, it provides a flexible framework for exploring the dynamic interplay between psychology and the criminal justice system.
