Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology for Adult Lifespan (CAAP) (MSc)

How will I be taught?

This programme is taught by practicing experts who are able to provide the right balance between the theoretical and the practical skills necessary to be a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP). You will receive a mixture of practical on-the-job training under the supervision of NHS specialists and theory provided by university-based experts. There will be a wide range of teaching techniques suitable for the range of skills you will learn, including simulated clinical cases and small group tuition. Some of the workshops will be delivered online and some on campus.

The medium of instruction will be English. However, you will be given the option of having a personal tutor who speaks Welsh and of submitting written assessments in Welsh. We will attempt to find a Welsh speaking clinical supervisor but this will depend on whether one is available in your practice locality.  

How will I be assessed?

A large part of the programme will be assessed by demonstrating skill based clinical competencies. These will be evidenced within a clinical portfolio. On your placement you will be expected to satisfy a range of clinical competencies with details recorded in your portfolio. You will also be assessed using practice based report, clinical observations, and standard academic assessments such as essays, reports and presentations. You will be given formative assignments and support throughout the programme to prepare you for the summative assignments.

How will I be supported?

You will be assigned a personal tutor at Cardiff University who will support you with pastoral concerns. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your personal tutor should always be your first point of contact; they will be able to put you in touch with the wide range of expert student support services provided by the University and the Students' Union as appropriate. You are required to meet with your personal tutor at several points during the year but you are also encouraged to get in touch with them at any other point if you need help or advice.

For day-to-day information, the Professional Academic support staff of our Postgraduate Student Hub are available, in person, by telephone or by email, from 8am to 6pm each weekday during term time to answer your questions.

In addition, as an employee of the NHS you will be able to access NHS support services and occupational health services. The programme team and your workplace supervisor will be able to signpost you to this support and information will be available within your staff pages in the NHS and on the Health Board webpages.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

Knowledge & Understanding:

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:              

KU 1       Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding of the professional and ethical practice of being a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP).

KU 2       Demonstrate critical knowledge and psychological understanding of common clinical presentations relevant to the target population.

KU 3       Demonstrate advanced understanding of the role of CAAPs and the scope of practice, and their relationship with other health professionals and the broader context of clinical provision.

KU 4       Demonstrate critical understanding of assessment, formulation and intervention in clinical theory and practice.

KU 5       Demonstrate critical understanding of existing clinical research and the skills necessary to conduct research under supervision.

Intellectual Skills:             

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

IS 1         Critically integrate psychological theory and research into clinical practice and consider novel concepts and approaches.

IS 2         Demonstrate advanced problem solving, flexibility and reflective skills in complex clinical contexts.

IS 3         Integrate and synthesise complex information when working with individuals, systems and teams.

IS 4         Analyse and critique clinical interventions where complex, incomplete or contradictory evidence maybe present.

Professional Practical Skills:        

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

PS 1        Make ethical, reflective, collaborative and effective decisions, under supervision, in the provision of a range of evidence-based psychological assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation.

PS 2        Demonstrate the ability to work as a reflective practitioner, including the capacity to monitor own fitness to practice and wellbeing.

PS 3        Demonstrate effective communication of information from a psychological perspective to a variety of different audiences.

PS 4        Demonstrate adaptable and professional practice, treating people with dignity, respect, embracing diversity and inclusion, and working within the scope of the CAAP role.

PS 5        Demonstrate an ability to assess and formulate problems affecting well-being and then design, implement and evaluate appropriate evidence-based interventions.

Transferable/Key Skills:

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

KS 1        Communicate complex theoretical and clinical information to clients, family members and carers, and members of a broader multidisciplinary team.

KS 2        Collaborate effectively with others to promote effective inter-professional and psychologically-informed practice.

KS 3        Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological research.

KS 4        Demonstrate the ability to develop positive working relationship with clients and colleagues within the context of mental health service provision.