Course content

The four courses comprising The Psychologist Role (30 credits total) aim to provide students with knowledge and experience of different types of psychological work. Students will also gain a broad understanding of the personal and relational prerequisites as well as professional competence required of psychologists, in addition to the ability to reflect on the importance of these factors.

This series of courses is central to the ongoing suitability assessment, cf. Regulations on suitability assessment in higher education, § 2 and 4. An ongoing suitability assessment is carried out throughout the course of one’s studies, as it is based on the student's professional and personal disposition for working as a health professional.

The course aims to provide the student with a knowledge of what psychological work involves. Central themes include: personal conditions; the role of the psychologist; communication; ethical reflection; and behavioural work.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• The student has basic knowledge of the significance of communication skills for psychological practice.
• The student is familiar with the organization of the health and welfare system in Norway.
• The student can explain ethical principles and guidelines for clinical psychologists.
• The student has developed an initial understanding of the significance of professional ethics and relationships in working with people.

Skills:

• The student is able to reflect on the importance of relational competence and communication skills in psychological practice.
• The student is able to reflect on their own values, roles, and functioning in encounters with clients and collaborators.
• The student is able to reflect on how personal strengths and challenges may impact psychological work.
• The student is able to identify and discuss ethical dilemmas related to psychological practice.

General Competence:

• The student has insight into the relationship between personal qualifications and professional competence for the practice of psychology.
• The student has insight into how individuals’ integrity, dignity, and autonomy can be taken into account in psychological work.
• The student has begun to develop a professional identity that integrates personal attributes with professional knowledge.

Learning methods and activities

With exception to some of the course-wide lectures and one day of external practice, the students shall be divided into groups of around 10 students, with each group being led by a course tutor and a student assistant. The activities for the groups involve exercises and discussions connected to the learning objectives, as well as preparation and supplementary work relating to practice.

Compulsory assignments

• 80% attendance in lectures and group sessions
• Submission of written work
• 80% attendance in observational practicum

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Will be announced at semester start.

Credit reductions