Module Database Search



MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Capstone Project
Reference SSM304 Version 1
Created May 2020 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved June 2020 SCQF Points 45
Amended ECTS Points 22.5

Aims of Module
To apply conceptual and academic rigour in critically appraising all aspects of therapeutic work including the use of supervision, integration of theory and practice, personal performance and reflection in keeping with good reflexive and ethical practice. To produce a comprehensive piece of writing based upon a sustained therapeutic relationship which illustrates and makes transparent the student's knowledge and understanding of Psychodynamic Counselling in relation to clinical work, professional and interprofessional competency and practice .

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of research methodology (such as participatory methods; observational; auto-ethnographical; mixed methods; performance and practice based approaches) and understand how to apply research to evidence professional competence with the ability to recognise and reflect on ethical and professional standards in their clinical work.
2 Critically evaluate methods of audit and outcomes evaluation through reference to relevant literature and to present, justify and defend a chosen approach, methods, analysis and conclusions.
3 Demonstrate accountability within practice by critically analysing complex clinical issues through drawing upon integrated learning: experiential, clinical supervision, theoretical and practical.
4 Demonstrate clinical responsibility and competency through explanation, verbally and in writing, of the processes undertaken in culturally aware evidence based Psychodynamic Counselling appropriate to clients needs, overall demands by service provision and in accordance with ethical and professional standards.
5 Examine critically, strategically and in depth, a topic of interest arising from the programme of study and demonstrate relevance of this to Psychodynamic Counselling clinical practice.

Indicative Module Content
The module offers a critique on the methodological and epistemological issues relevant to studying Psychodynamic practice, drawing on recent work in psychosocial studies and other social sciences. Students are given the opportunity to consider completing an empirical or a theoretical dissertation. The module design supports each student to pursue an emerging research topic through a period of independent research under supervision. Students will acquire and deploy reflexive research practitioner skills in the planning, management and execution of a sustained research and writing project. Students will be supported in developing the ethics submission in the 'dissertation preparation' seminars. Students will also have received a copy of the submission form and guidance on its completion. Each student must discuss the completion of the application with the research supervisor and obtain his/her approval and signature before being allowed to submit the ethics proposal.

Module Delivery
Clinical Seminars - The aim of the clinical seminars is to further the clinical training; seeking to integrate personal and professional development via increased clinical experience and theoretical knowledge. Research Seminar - The aim of the research seminars is to enable the student to develop an interest in, and understanding of, research, and to appreciate its value and implications for their therapeutic work. The students research projects will be presented and discussed as they develop. The Director of research and/or a research project supervisor will guide and facilitate students with regards to the research project dissertation. Intensive Study workshops - with guest research practitioners and academics presenting research in progress. The blended learning philosophy is a comprehensive, activity-based and interactive way to develop independent learning in a blended (digital/classroom) environment.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours N/A 30
Non-Contact Hours N/A 300
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A 120
TOTAL N/A 450
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body   120

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Description: Assessment is by an individually-researched dissertation 15,000 (+/- 10%) words.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Students will maintain supervised clinical practice as a Psychodynamic Counsellor for the duration of the project. Attendance at group and individual tutorials is compulsory.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of PgDip MSc Human Relations and Counselling and SSM303. Ongoing supervised clinical practice, minimum 100 hours over the course of the project with clinical supervision at a rate of 1 supervision to 5 sessions delivered.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Students are expected to maintain their clinical Counselling practice throughout this module. A minimum of 100 hours practice are required with supervision at a rate of 1 to 5. There is a requirement of an 85% attendance rate in this module.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Finlay, L. (2011) Phenomenology for Therapists: Researching the lived world. Wiley-Blackwell
2 Leavy, P., 2017. Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. Guilford Publications.
3 Rustin, M., 2019. Researching the unconscious: Principles of psychoanalytic method. Routledge.
4 Langs, R., 2019. Ground rules in psychotherapy and counselling. Routledge.
5 Ladislav T (2008) Research in Psychotherapy and Counselling Sage Publishing Publications Ltd

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781