Doctor of Clinical Psychology

To describe an individual as ‘Fit to Practise’ in the context of certain professions is to say he or she possesses the attributes considered necessary in an individual to allow that individual to practise as an independent practitioner in their relevant profession.

The core competencies subject to Fitness to Practise for the Doctor of Clinical Psychology in the School of Applied Psychology are listed below.

In addition to these competencies, students must also fulfil the requirements of the professional accrediting body (PSI) and CORU.

The Psychological Society of Ireland:

• Standards for the Assessment of Postgraduate Professional Courses in Clinical Psychology
• Code of Professional Ethics

Students must be capable of achieving the following competencies and outcomes by graduation:

1. Ensure that their practice, across both placement and university contexts, adheres to the Psychological Society of Ireland’s (PSI) Code of Professional Ethics.

2. Show respect for the rights and dignity of the person including:
   2.1. Treating information obtained in the course of work as confidential, except where the law requires disclosure or where consent to share information to appropriate others (e.g. trainers) has been obtained.
   2.2. As far as possible ensuring that clients understand and consent to whatever treatment or research procedures are proposed.
   2.3. Treating clients and colleagues with dignity and respect - as persons of intrinsic worth, with a right to determine their own priorities, and with due regard to their moral and cultural values.

3. Maintain competence including:
   3.1. Recognising when capacity to practice safely is compromised by personal factors and taking steps to address same in a timely manner.
   3.2. Engaging with training and supervision in a way which maintains and updates professional skills to practice safely.
   3.3. Recognising limits of knowledge, competence and context and taking care not to exceed such limits in an unsafe way.
   3.4 Engage with corrective feedback from placement supervisors and maintain open discussion of competence development with course staff. 

4. Demonstrate responsibility including:
   4.1. In professional, academic and research contexts act in an honest, trustworthy, reputable and accountable manner towards clients and the community. This includes both collaborative interactions, oral and written communications which should be informed by the policies and procedures of both university and healthcare organisations.
   4.2. Avoid doing harm to clients and research participants and act to prevent harm caused by others.
   4.3. Co-operate and collaborate with others to ensure the best service to clients, and act positively to resolve ethical dilemmas.
   4.4. Engage with and follow guidance received through supervision and training.