PA808-8-FY-CO:
Research Processes

The details
2024/25
Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Postgraduate: Level 8
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 27 June 2025
15
18 March 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

DOCTC89436 Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy,
MAD C89412 Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy,
DOCTCP8936 Psychodynamic Psychotherapy,
MAD CP8912 Psychodynamic Psychotherapy,
DOCTC8AP36 Analytical Psychology,
MAD C8AP12 Analytical Psychology,
DOCTC89P36 Psychodynamic Counselling,
MAD C89P12 Psychodynamic Counselling

Module description

This module provides support for students as they develop their capacity as researchers, including diverse aspects of the research agenda and processes. This module aids students in managing and reflecting on the change in mind-set from being a clinician to becoming a researcher. This will provide material for the reflective element in the final thesis.


Students will attend a series of seminars and reflective groups in which topics such the efficacy and value of research for clinical practice, the distinction between clinical and research identity, and ethical research practice will be addressed and explored. The module provides support relating to the ethical aspects of conducting their chosen research project and the process of applying for and gaining ethical approval. Issues of consent and the role of the unconscious in research will be considered. There will be opportunities to learn about and to reflect on the emotional journey of the researcher through the project.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To provide students with support in their development from clinician to researcher.

  • To inform students about ethical issues in research.

  • To support students in applying for ethical approval if required.

  • To support students in becoming ethical researchers.

  • To develop students reflective capacities in the research role.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, the students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Understanding of ethical issues involved in research (B2).

  2. Ability to understand applications of research to depth psychotherapy / psychodynamic counselling (B3).

  3. Capacity for reflective awareness as a researcher (C7).

Module information


  • Seminar - Introduction to moving from clinical to research mindset Group - Reflective group on moving into the researcher role.

  • Seminar - Ethical issues in research and applying for ethical approval Group - Reflective group regarding ethical issues.

  • Group - Reflective group on moving into researcher role.

  • Seminar - Implications of research for psychotherapy and counselling practice Group - Reflective group

  • Group - Reflective group on becoming a researcher.

  • Group - Reflective group on developing as a researcher.


The module will make use of the reflective groups throughout the year and the experiences in monthly supervision to assist in the student's individual journey from clinician to researcher.

Learning and teaching methods

Seminars, discussion groups, 'clinics', and reflective groups, will be delivered across the first and second term in blocks with other seminars. These seminars are delivered either in person on an in-person teaching day or are delivered on Zoom on online teaching days. Reading will be set beforehand. Ongoing individual supervision will provide support to the student's independent study on the topic of their choice. Students are expected to conduct extensive independent study in their chosen area thereby gaining experience of exploring the relevant literature for their project.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Research proposal - oral presentation  19/05/2025   

Additional coursework information

  • Assessment is in the form of an oral presentation - a 30 minute interview which will be assessed as pass or fail. The assessment outcome will be considered by an interim exam board at the end of the first year of the course.

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Module is assessed by pass/fail only.

Reassessment

Module is assessed by pass/fail only.

Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Deborah Wright, email: dlswri@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Deborah Wright
Graduate Administrator: ppspgr@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
Yes
Yes

External examiner

Dr Judith Trowell
None
Private psychiatrist and psychotherapist
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 9 hours, 7 (77.8%) hours available to students:
1 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
1 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information

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