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PSY40650

Academic Year 2025/2026

Psychological Interventions (PSY40650)

Subject:
Psychology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Psychology
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Kathy Looney
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is designed to introduce and enhance students’ understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical implementation of a range of psychological interventions. Students will be encouraged to critically analyse the evidence base for each intervention and start to explore a range of skills required for intervention. Students will also be expected to engage with the ethical issues inherent in the implementation of psychological interventions. They will also be encouraged to consider both the context in which these interventions were developed, and the contexts in which they are currently used. The specific interventions covered in the module will vary from year to year.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate awareness of the skills and techniques necessary for the appropriate implementation of various psychological interventions

2. Critically analyse the evidence base for a range of psychological interventions

3. Understand and describe the ethical issues and contextual considerations relevant to the implementation of psychological interventions

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

25
Autonomous Student Learning

150
Small Group

25
Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module uses a range of teaching and learning approaches including lecture-based teaching, peer and group work, role-play and in-class tasks. Teaching approaches vary with the content/topics of each lecture.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This module is for graduate students only on the M.Psych.Sc. programme


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment 2. A case study requiring students to outline an overview of an intervention that would best suit the client and their difficulties and provide a rationale for their choice. Week 15 Graded No
70
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment 1. Students submit a brief, lay-person summary of four different interventions (choices vary from year to year)


 Week 15 Graded No
30
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback for all written assignments will include a grading rubric, outlining areas of strengths and weaknesses of the assignment. For the case study at the end of the semester, additional feedback comments will be added to the grading rubric. For in-class activities, informal feedback will be provided via peer-assessment and lecturer feedback.

Name Role
Dr Paul D'Alton Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Louise McHugh Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Niki Nearchou Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Helen O'Connell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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