Psychological assessment of individuals
30.0 ECTS creditsModule 1 Jurisprudence and Ethics for Psychologists, 4 ECTS cr
Relevant ethical and legal issues for psychologists are treated on the basis of professional guidelines for psychologists in the Nordic countries. Issues pertaining to the principle of public rights to access information and official documents are treated. Health care and secrecy and confidentiality legislation is studied along with relevant parts of social legislation. Relevant legislation in other areas is also treated. Instruction is in the form of lectures and mandatory seminars. Students work individually and in groups analysing case descriptions and present their solutions, orally and in writing.
Module 2 Clinical Psychology, 6 ECTS cr
The module provides an overview of the professional field of clinical psychology with an emphasis on psychiatry. Psychopathological states in diagnosis and diagnostic methods and different perspectives and approaches to the progression of ill health are treated. The structure and content of the DSM system are clarified and students practise conducting structured interviews and keeping records. The guidelines of the National Board for Health and Welfare on evidence-based methods are introduced.
Module 3 Psychological Assessment of Individuals, 14 ECTS cr
Students acquire deeper knowledge of a selection of the methods used in psychological evaluation and testing. The design and practical use of different methods are treated. Great emphasis is placed on skills in administering neuropsychological tests and on students' ability to integrate relevant background information with multiple test results. Students practise drawing up a neuropsychological assessment in the form of a written report and an oral representation in the form of a roleplay. On the basis of a professional report of assessment results and client characteristics, students practise formulating recommendations based on ethical awareness, scientific evidence and proven experience. A number of clinically active guest lecturers contribute to increased understanding of the role of the psychologist in the assessment process.
Module 4 Professional and Intercultural Communication, 4 ECTS cr
Professional and intercultural communication centres on the importance of cultural background, intersectionality, and context in the professional interview. Instruction is in the form of seminars, group discussions and roleplay. Students practise planning, conducting and analysing professional interviews in terms of social and cognitive aspects and intercultural challenges. The situation of interviewing via an interpreter is introduced.
Module 5 Self-Reflection, Communication and Professional Skills, 2 ECTS cr
The module centres on the theme of being a psychologist and assessing individuals and the need to reflect on the meaning of this for the individual client. This theme is linked to the modules on assessment, interview methods, and intercultural communication. Students practise creating assessment reports based on clinical assessments of characters in novels, and alternate with group discussions focused on ethical concerns related to for instance objectivity, integrity, and respect for the individual.
Relevant ethical and legal issues for psychologists are treated on the basis of professional guidelines for psychologists in the Nordic countries. Issues pertaining to the principle of public rights to access information and official documents are treated. Health care and secrecy and confidentiality legislation is studied along with relevant parts of social legislation. Relevant legislation in other areas is also treated. Instruction is in the form of lectures and mandatory seminars. Students work individually and in groups analysing case descriptions and present their solutions, orally and in writing.
Module 2 Clinical Psychology, 6 ECTS cr
The module provides an overview of the professional field of clinical psychology with an emphasis on psychiatry. Psychopathological states in diagnosis and diagnostic methods and different perspectives and approaches to the progression of ill health are treated. The structure and content of the DSM system are clarified and students practise conducting structured interviews and keeping records. The guidelines of the National Board for Health and Welfare on evidence-based methods are introduced.
Module 3 Psychological Assessment of Individuals, 14 ECTS cr
Students acquire deeper knowledge of a selection of the methods used in psychological evaluation and testing. The design and practical use of different methods are treated. Great emphasis is placed on skills in administering neuropsychological tests and on students' ability to integrate relevant background information with multiple test results. Students practise drawing up a neuropsychological assessment in the form of a written report and an oral representation in the form of a roleplay. On the basis of a professional report of assessment results and client characteristics, students practise formulating recommendations based on ethical awareness, scientific evidence and proven experience. A number of clinically active guest lecturers contribute to increased understanding of the role of the psychologist in the assessment process.
Module 4 Professional and Intercultural Communication, 4 ECTS cr
Professional and intercultural communication centres on the importance of cultural background, intersectionality, and context in the professional interview. Instruction is in the form of seminars, group discussions and roleplay. Students practise planning, conducting and analysing professional interviews in terms of social and cognitive aspects and intercultural challenges. The situation of interviewing via an interpreter is introduced.
Module 5 Self-Reflection, Communication and Professional Skills, 2 ECTS cr
The module centres on the theme of being a psychologist and assessing individuals and the need to reflect on the meaning of this for the individual client. This theme is linked to the modules on assessment, interview methods, and intercultural communication. Students practise creating assessment reports based on clinical assessments of characters in novels, and alternate with group discussions focused on ethical concerns related to for instance objectivity, integrity, and respect for the individual.
Progressive specialisation:
G2F (has at least 60 credits in first‐cycle course/s as entry requirements)
Education level:
Undergraduate level
Admission requirements
90 ECTS credits completed in the Master of Science in Psychology programme (VAPSY) at Karlstad University
Selection:
Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.
This course is included in the following programme
- Master of Science in Psychology Programme (studied during year 3)