1. A group (greater than or equal to 3 students) oral presentation (10%) showing:

a) A brief description of a specific long-term condition and its impact on psychological functioning (Outcomes 1 and 4)
b) A critical evaluation of interventions designed to improve a particular psychological aspect of the long-term condition (e.g. quality of life, coping, illness representations, emotional reactions) (Outcomes 2 and 4).
c) The design of an intervention to improve the specific psychological aspect of the long-term condition (see b) and methods of evaluating its outcome (Outcome 3 and 4).

Each student will be required to contribute verbally to the 20 minute presentation (Outcomes 1-4).

2. A written 2500 word summary of the whole presentation (90%) (Outcomes 1-3)

Students will be required to gain a pass on all elements of assessment within the module.


Pass criteria
Grade Point 7-9
Work which demonstrates a sound awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Expressed reasonably and coherently. Work is academically sound, evidencing focused observations and acknowledging key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and thorough critical analysis of the available literature.

Merit criteria
Grade Point 10-12
Work which demonstrates a very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality academically, evidencing well-focused observations and addressing all of the obvious key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature, leading to an output which may have potential for wider use.

Distinction criteria
Grade Point 13+
Work which demonstrates an excellent awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Well argued and excellently organised. Work is academically excellent, evidencing perceptiveness, insight and demonstrating creativity and originality. There is evidence of excellent reading and systematic review.

This course aims to provide a thorough introduction to the literature that assesses the psychological impact and experiences of people who have been diagnosed with a long-term condition. Coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis will all be used as examples of long-term conditions. Individual differences in the impact of long-term conditions will be discussed in terms of the different emotional reactions to diagnosis, the different methods of coping with long-term conditions, and issues associated with the measurement of and impact on quality of life. The impact of patient illness perceptions upon treatment compliance will also be discussed. Specific interventions in the management of long-term conditions will be critically evaluated. Finally, the role of the health psychologist within an environment that deals with the needs of people with long-term conditions will be discussed.

Learning strategies will incorporate interactive seminars where students are expected to contribute to the sessions (12 hours). You will be asked to do background reading before each session and then will discuss reading in small groups. You will take part in small-group student presentations (3 hours), and are required to spend the rest of your time in independent learning, supported by the reference lists provided in sessions (135 hours).

At least a good second class (hons) degree in Psychology (GBR recognized) or equivalent

. Internet facilities for searching relevant electronic journals and databases.
. Overheads/powerpoint for the assessed presentation.
. Journal articles from the psychology resource room and libraries.

Bowling, A. (1995). Measuring disease. Open University Press.
Sarafino, E.P. (2002) Health Psychology: Biopsychosocial interactions