Teesside University

Support

The course prides itself in providing supportive learning environments.

Trainees have numerous areas from which they can access support throughout their training.  These include:

• Personal and Professional Development Tutor: a member of the course team who will support the trainee in areas of academic, clinical, research and personal issues throughout the duration of their training.
• Clinical Tutor: a member of the course team who will support the trainee through their placements.
• Clinical Supervisor: the trainee’s placement supervisor who will provide clinical support on placement for the duration of training.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group: the dedicated EDI Steering Group for the course provides confidential space for trainees in relation to EDI issues.
• Mentor: the trainee will have access to a confidential space with an NHS clinician who will not be involved in their training.
• Academic Supervisor: a member of the course team will support the trainee in their thesis project from a research perspective.
• Field Supervisor: a clinician from the clinical area in which the trainee’s thesis is being completed will support the trainee from a research perspective.
• Buddy: the trainee will be linked to a trainee from the year above who can answer any questions throughout training.
• Employee Psychological Service: trainees have access to the psychological service for staff, dealing with work related stress and mental health issues, within the employing trust.
• University Counselling and Support Services: Student Services offer a wide range of professional and advisory services to help trainees make the most of their time at the University.
• Occupational Health: as employees, trainees have access to the NHS Trust Occupational Health Service for assessment, where reasonable adjustments can be discussed and made for those who require them.

Feedback

Trainees’ input into the development of the course is paramount, and therefore we have numerous arenas in which trainees can provide feedback, such as:

• To individual course team members
• At the end of every teaching session
• Formal module evaluations
• Module reviews at the end of the teaching year
• Through being representatives of our Course Board and working groups
• In quality reviews (such as accreditation processes)

Comments

The following is feedback from our current trainees in the 2024 Alternative Handbook.

Most common words to describe the course experience 

• Nurturing
• Reflective
• Compassionate
• Challenging
• Approachable
• Demanding
• Interesting
• Valuable

Favourite aspects of the course 

• Placements
• Therapeutic approaches
• Study days
• Course values and ethos
• Teaching

What our trainees say about the course

"Course is open to feedback. I value the eclectic approach, emphasis on reflection and developing you to be ‘your own' psychologist (i.e. understanding what you bring to psychology and as a psychologist)."

"Firstly, I like that we receive a broad knowledge of four therapeutic models, CBT, CAT, systemic therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I believe this approach creates well-rounded clinical psychologists trained to draw upon different models that will meet the diverse psychological needs of service users. I think this is one of the strengths of the course. Secondly, I feel that the staff genuinely care for us, and it's evident from the way they respond to our feedback. I don't feel like there is a power imbalance, and this helps me feel connected and included. I feel like I made the right decision choosing Teesside!"

"I am incredibly grateful for being able to train at Teesside. The course are extremely nurturing and supportive, despite it being a demanding program. The education is eclectic and they are interested in helping you to find out what kind of CP you want to be. There isn't a 'type' at Teesside, just a compassionate group with a range of interests. You are encouraged to formulate your own thesis, and whilst that is daunting at first, it demonstrates the level of autonomy you are encouraged to develop. I have had excellent support from my thesis supervisors, and they really helped me get over the finish line. I have had some wonderful clinical supervisors who have been inspirational in their unique ways. Whilst the course is on a journey with anti-racist practice, they have made some important changes and I believe they are committed to further change. The EDI Leads have been authentic and passionate, their work has been invaluable. The course has also started to make changes related to other protected characteristics."

"Teesside are very value based and value lived experience. They do not tell you how to be a clinical psychologist but rather invite you to be curious about what you bring to the profession and how the profession continues to evolve. They go beyond CBT and consider other modalities (CAT, Psychodynamic and Systemic). They are open to feedback at every level."

"I think that the course is very inclusive and you really feel supported to becoming the psychologist you want to be. The course ethos of striving for anti-racism is clear and this is something that is close to my values. Overall I find the course to be reflective, innovative and open to change when things may be difficult or not working as well as they have in the past. The course provides a supportive and safe environment."

About Us

The University and its achievements can be found at: Achievements & awards | About us | Teesside University

Teesside University is based in the North-East of England within the town of Middlesbrough.

• It is well located with good road and rail networks to the North, South and West of the British Isles. 
• The region has its own international airport, with others in easy reach. 
• The location provides easy access to the North Yorkshire Moors, the Yorkshire Dales and the beautiful North Yorkshire Coastline. 
• It has the additional advantage of providing a good but inexpensive quality of life with accommodation within easy reach of the University.