The Clinical Psychology Teaching Programme at Salomons

At Salomons placement activity is complemented by an comprehensive teaching programme covering a wide range of material relevant to Clinical Psychology. The course has always been committed to developing a good range of skills and knowledge. Salomons has always provided a solid grounding in several psychological models: most particularly, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic and systemic thinking. However, the course has always been about more than just producing therapists and coverage of critical thinking, community psychology and the broader political and social context are also central.

 If you want more detailed information please read on.

When does it Happen?

Usually happens at the end of each week on Thursdays and Fridays. (Placement days are normally Monday to Wednesday. In the first and second years every other Friday is usually a study day. There are periods (usually around the beginning of new placements) where the teaching is delivered on consecutive days for a week or two. Depending on how far away they live trainees may have the chance to stay overnight in the Salomons accommodation block free of charge! There is considerably less teaching in the third year as more time is given over to finishing the main research project.

For all three years there is a summer teaching break stretching from the end of July to early September.

How is it Organised?

The teaching programme comprises three year long stages. Within each stage, the teaching content is organised into number of teaching units.  Each of these units falls into one of five themed strands. Each of these strands spans the full three years. 

Each unit of teaching focuses on particular areas of clinical or professional practice, as described by that strand. An overview of the structure of the Educational Programme is shown in Table 1|. Some of the units are delivered over a few weeks and others take several months.

An important part of the training at Salomons is participation in a long term experiental group. This runs fortnightly over the three years (though not in teaching breaks and holidays). The third year of the training also features a choice of supplementary advanced reading seminars providing additional teaching in small groups.