Alternative Funded Psychology courses #part1
- Psychology Cap
- Dec 4, 2023
- 6 min read
Embarking on the journey of a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is a path many psychology enthusiasts dream of since their first year at university. The initial excitement of delving into the intricacies of the mind can, however, give way to a maze of uncertainties. As the years unfold, the realisation hits that the route to becoming a Clinical Psychologist is more challenging than initially perceived. Your interests evolve, branching into realms like research, forensic, or clinical psychology, leaving you pondering which path aligns with your aspirations. Amidst this, the questions from family about your future plans gets more and more anxiety provoking. At the culmination of your degree, you find yourself more perplexed than when you began. If this resonates with you, this post is tailored to illuminate your path. We've engaged with individuals pursuing diverse funded courses to unravel potential next steps. Whether you're looking to enhance skills before doctoral applications, apply your accumulated knowledge, or delve deeper into therapeutic practices, our panellists share insights into their choices. Join us in exploring their journeys and uncovering the considerations that guided their decisions.
Clinical Associate in Psychology
What is your programme?
MSc Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP/MCAP) - My program is a degree apprenticeship, meaning that I am employed by my NHS trust to complete a course whilst also working. My course is delivered by Essex Partnership University Trust (EPUT) and accredited by Essex University. Meaning the lecturers are from Essex Partnership University Trust (EPUT) but the course is regulated by Essex Uni and I will receive a MSc from Essex Uni at the end of my program. At the moment EPUT is one of only a few providers offering the course as an NHS trust. The other cohorts are run directly by universities, though just like this course trainees apply directly to NHS Trusts and are employed to train by their trust. At the end I qualify as a Clinical Associate in Psychology. This is a new role that aims to bridge the gap between Clinical Psychologists and Assistant Psychologists. We conduct assessments, interventions and research like Clinical Psychologists, but we are focused within specific settings and are closely supervised by a Clinical Psychologist. We train at Band 5 and qualify at Band 6. This is great as it positions us well for further training. Another positive about this role in comparison to the assistant psychologist role is that these roles are intended to be long-term positions rather than simply stepping stones to the clinical doctorate, though they could definitely support in securing a doctorate place in the future if that’s something you’d be interested in.
My modules include a mix of practical and theoretical teaching. This includes teaching on psychological interventions like CBT, best practice when conducting clinical interviews, writing notes, running research projects and much more. Throughout I am supported to put what I’m learning into practice, evidencing my work through logs, timetables and observations through my supervisor (who is required to be a clinical psychologist within my workplace). Aside from written evidence and direct observation of my work I am also assessed via assignments which consist of essays, group projects, reflection pieces and presentations.
Why did you pick it?
I picked my course for many reasons. One of them is the benefit of it providing Masters Level further education. I love learning and this program provided me with an opportunity to further my clinical expertise in a way that would enrich both my knowledge and practice in supporting service-users. It is also great that the course is fully funded and salaried at Band 5.
Another reason I chose this program is because this role provides me the opportunity to work directly with clients providing psychologically informed interventions and conduct research. Furthermore, as a new course and role I find it exciting that I get to help shape its future to ensure it is utilised in the most effective way possible. My specific role sits within a community mental health team, and being particularly intrigued by and committed to making a positive impact on community mental health, this course aligned with my interests. This advantage is made even stronger because the teaching is influenced by specific services students are employed to work in and support is given to ensure the content is relevant and beneficial.
The specificity of the course contrasts to the broadly arranged structure of my undergraduate psychology, though still comprehensive, this course allows me to explore specific concepts and areas of work in depth
What are you expecting at the end of your program?
Being an 18-month course I think the first thing I’m expecting to do is celebrate! I trust that one of the things I would be celebrating is the many skills and competencies I’ve picked up and developed along the way. Since the qualified role opens me up to band 6 I think it would be great to explore what further training a band 6 role could open me up to, because as I said earlier I love to learn! The course is funded so would mean no more HEE funded courses for the next 2 years. So my focus would really just be on consolidating my skills and potentially exploring new ways to make the most out of the role as it is still new and developing.
And what was the process for you to get in your trainee program?
The apprentice post was advertised by the service so I applied directly. The requirements for both the role and the CAP course were displayed there. I was offered an interview and later offered the job
Prior to the role I completed a BPS accredited psychology degree (as required) and had gained experience as a support worker, peer researcher, mental health research and policy intern, mental health participation consultant, psychoeducation workshop facilitator and youth worker. Additionally I completed a placement year in a family trauma team during my undergraduate degree (BSc Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience)
LinkedIn @Elliot Busari
Mental health practitioner
What is my programme?
I trained as a Mental Health & Wellbeing Practitioner for 12 months. During this programme, I specialised in 7 low intensity CBT interventions including problem solving, behavioural activation, graded exposure, building confidence, recognising and managing emotions, medication support and sleep hygiene. Mental Health Wellbeing practitioners are trained to support individuals with severe mental health illnesses in community mental health teams working in a multidisciplinary team alongside clinicians such as occupational therapists, community mental health nurses, clinical psychologists, assistant psychologists etc.
Why did you pick it?
I picked this programme because I was keen to learn more about mental health and different ways to better support individuals with a more complex presentation in order to expand my clinical experience before applying to the doctorate in clinical psychology.
What are you expecting at the end of your program?
At the end of the programme I am expecting to achieve a high understanding of severe mental health illnesses in
Individuals and get more comfortable providing them psychological interventions to treat those difficulties. This will help me and allow me to apply to my final goal in psychology which is getting in the dclin programme.
what was the process for you to get in your trainee program?
The process to enter this programme was to have at least a bachelors degree in any subject in order to demonstrate that I can study at graduate level and some basic experience in the mental health field. During the interview there was a patient with dementia which I found fascinating as I never had a patient during the interviewing panel. I applied, did the interview and the Clinical psychologists and patient loved my compassion and empathetic skills and the rest is history 😉
Trainee Youth Intensive psychological practitioner
What is my programme?
12 months long with teaching at the university of Exeter. Skills such as formulation, DBT, CBT and systemic thinking. All YIPPs work in tier 4 services varying from inpatient to community.
Why did you pick it?
I was previously working in adults services but was always passionate about working with children. This was an opportunity to work with young people in crisis and at that point where they’ve been to most mental health services and we are a form of last option.
What are you expecting at the end of your program?
I expect to have gained skills in which I didn’t have before. I think reflecting back professionally and personally I’ve grown so much I the past 6 months can’t wait to see the growth and confidence next year when I graduate.
What was the process for you to get in your trainee program?
it was an interview panel. I drew mostly on my previous experience as a mental health practitioner working with psychosis. It was very similar to AP roles and PWP roles I’ve interviewed for.
These three alternative funded courses are possible options for you to choose at the end of your BSc. We thank our panelists for answering our questions and stay tuned for other alternative funded courses !
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