Programme Specification 2012 / 13 - Queen's University Belfast

15. Indicators of Quality and Standards
15.1. Successful HPC approval (2011) and BPS accreditation (2011) visits represent
independent validation of standards. At the last BPS accreditation visit in February
2011 the programme was commended for the following practices in particular:
The creation of the Diploma programme to enhance the developing workforce within
Northern Ireland and the novel and innovative development of an accreditation of
prior learning (APL) route for training, which is continually evolving in response to
trainees’ experience and feedback from a range of sources.
The strength of the research output of the programme both through the research
active staff and as evidenced through the high publication rate of the trainees on the
programme, and the outreach work to local trusts and clinical psychologists to
engage them in research, which is strongly underpinned by a strong research strategy
and strength of leadership by the research Co-ordinator.
The programme brings a very strong strategic value to the profession of clinical
psychology within the region and enjoys a true sense of loyalty from its service
partners and commissioners.
The programme enjoys positive relationships with local clinicians who show a real
enthusiasm and commitment for the programme and the provision of placement
opportunities to train future professionals, and who are committed to offering highquality
training.
The truly cohesive, fully integrated, efficient and healthy functioning programme
team, underpinned by strength in the programme’s leadership. This clear leadership
supports colleagues to take leadership within their area of responsibility on the
programme. The facilitation of an egalitarian and inclusive atmosphere through use
of the staff reflective practice group is to be commended.
The programme’s Diversity strategy and the widening participation of service user
involvement in all aspects of the programme.
The extensive review of applicant information conducted by the programme team, the
monitoring of the programme’s Equality and Diversity data, the plans put in place to
widen access to the programme, and the way in which these initiatives are being
taken forward through research and practice is commendable.
The Quality Assurance processes undertaken by the team and the thirst to continually
enhance and develop the programme, the strategic involvement and awareness of the
needs of the Division of Clinical Psychology Special Interest Groups and Faculties
and the way in which the programme feeds back to its stakeholders about changes
made.
15.2. In their summary exit reports (2009) our last cohort of external examiners
commended the following aspects of the course in particular:
“The standard of students’ work is at least as high as, if not higher than, other
comparable programmes…The programme at Queen’s is very organised and of a
high standard” (Dr Cynthia Graham, University of Oxford).
“Very high standard reflecting aims and outcomes…educational aims achieved to a
high standard…very thorough and rigorous assessment procedures…High standard
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