There is a co-ordinator for each term's course and overall supervision of the course is through Dr. Denis Carpy, the Course Organiser. The trainees also have the opportunity to gain experience in multi-choice questionnaire techniques, clinical presentations and critical appraisal skills. All trainees complete clinical placements working with adults, children and families, and with people with learning disabilities. In addition, two specialist placements are completed in third year, selected by trainees in areas of personal interest. Supervision is provided by NHS clinical psychologists.
Academic competence is assessed both by formal examination and through submitted work.
Trainees undertake extensive research training under supervision and submit for external examination a portfolio comprising service evaluation work, single case research studies and a major piece of original work comprising a literature review and a main research paper. As of October 1997 there will be 44 postgraduates on this course. Beginning with an intake of 5 in 1996, the department also offers a part-time D.Clin. In addition to these fundamental commitments to undergraduate and postgraduate courses, members of staff make contributions to teaching in other departments of the University and to other professional courses. For example, the Department strongly supports the South of Scotland Cognitive Therapy Course.