Module: Theoretical & Conceptual Approach to Supervision

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Theoretical & Conceptual Approach to Supervision
Module Code	PST1037 (ITS: NS620, NS620A)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	15

Description

This module focuses on developing theoretical and research knowledge regarding the professional field of clinical supervision, supporting students to develop a personal philosophy of supervision. Students will engage in a robust study and critical discussion of the dominant models and theories of clinical supervision, including the application of adult learning theory to supervisory work. The findings from supervision research will be critically analysed in order to develop an evidence-based approach to supervision practice, with awareness and sensitivity to diversity and power in supervision relationships.

Learning Outcomes

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	38	Teaching with large and small group class discussions
Clinical laboratory	12	Supervision skills practice in small groups
Independent Study	325	Independent study
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	12195	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	PASS/FAIL	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Aisling McMahon	Module Teacher

Section Breakdown
CRN	12225	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	PASS/FAIL	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Aisling McMahon	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group presentation	In-class presentation in small groups on personal philosophies of practice	40%	n/a
Written Exam	Critical review of a supervision model, or an integration of two or more models, including illustration and critical analysis of its application in a real world supervisory context (2,500 words +/-10%)	60%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Clinical supervision modes
Individual and group modes of supervision.

Supervision models and theories
Developing knowledge of dominant models of clinical supervision and of adult learning theory as applied to supervisory work

Personal and professional development
Reflective practice and personal and professional development awareness activities

Research
Critical analysis of supervision research to inform evidence-based practice

Module activities
Didactic teaching, seminar groups, individual tutorials, observation of supervisory practice, application of theory to practice and on-line resources.

Independent study
Reviewing literature and research, including resources provided and directed to, and further, wider independent study

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Baffour Ababio: 2023, Intercultural Supervision in Therapeutic Practice, Taylor & Francis, 195, 1-000-91347-3
Liz Beddoe,Allyson Davys: 2020, Best Practice in Professional Supervision, Second Edition: A Guide for the Helping Professions, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 288, 978-1785924712
Janine M. Bernard,Rodney K. Goodyear: 2019, Fundamentals of Clinical Supervision, 6th, Pearson, 9780134752518
Michael Carroll: 2014, Effective Supervision for the Helping Professions, SAGE Publications Limited, 0, 9781446269947
Mary Creaner: 2014, Getting the Best Out of Supervision in Counselling & Psychotherapy, SAGE Publications Limited, 0, 9780857029065
Peter Hawkins Aisling McMahon: 2020, Supervision in the Helping Professions, 5th, Open University Press, 352, 9780335248346
Steve Page,Val Wosket: 2015, Supervising the Counsellor and Psychotherapist, 3rd, Routledge, 9780415595667
Brigid Proctor: 2008, Group Supervision, SAGE, 249, 085702700X
Cal D. Stoltenberg,Brian W. McNeill: 2011, IDM Supervision, 3rd, Routledge, 371, 1-135-59725-1
ELS. VAN OOIJEN: 2025, Clinical Supervision Made Easy, 3rd, PCCS Books, 978-1915220646
Joyce Scaife: 2019, Supervision in Clinical Practice, Routledge, 9781138651883
Meg Bond,Stevie Holland: 2011, Skills of Clinical Supervision for Nurses, McGraw-Hill Education (UK), 333, 0-335-23816-5
Myira Khan: 2023, Working Within Diversity, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 251, 1839970995
Céline Butté,Tasha Colbert: 2022, Embodied Approaches to Supervision, Routledge, 0, 9780367473341
Filip Dochy,David Gijbels,Mien Segers,Piet Van den Bossche: 2021, Theories of Workplace Learning in Changing Times, Routledge, 232, 1-00-318779-X

Articles:

0: The Clinical Supervisor,

Other Resources

None