This module is assessed by a portfolio (weighted at 0%) and a viva voce examination (PASS/FAIL)( (weighted at 100%).

Please note: this module may only be completed when all other modules have been passed and approved by the Programme External Examiner at a Progress Board and two copies of a soft bound portfolio (complete with appendices) have been submitted. Your examiners will read through your whole portfolio and will ask you questions about your work from each module during the viva voce examination. Although you will be examined on your full portfolio of work which will include all assessments from all modules, it is likely that the main focus will be on the work undertaken for the Advanced Research Methods in Health Psychology module.

The portfolio will contain an Abstract of around 300 words, and will consist of the previously assessed work for all modules together with a complete set of appendices. The main body of the portfolio may be submitted for examination either in a permanently bound form or in a temporarily bound form, which is sufficiently secure to ensure that pages cannot be added or removed. A portfolio submitted in its temporary bound form shall be in its final form in all respects save the binding. A complete set of appendices to the main body of the portfolio containing supportive evidence must be submitted at the same time as the main body of the portfolio. They may either be submitted in a soft-bound form, or presented in a lever arch file.

For extensive material, such as transcripts from interviews or output from computer analysis, it would acceptable to submit the material in a removable flash memory card format, or on a CD-ROM. However, check with the Programme Directors that the format of the files is acceptable as the material needs to be readable by External and Internal Examiner. Appendices must be appropriately labelled and grouped by the different modules. Failure to submit a complete set of appendices with the portfolio, is likely to result in postponement of the viva voce examination.

The viva voce examination is usually assessed by two examiners: an External and Internal Examiner (unless both you and the Internal Examiner are members of permanent staff at the same establishment, in which case a second External Examiner may be appointed). Both will be Registered Health Psychologists and will be experienced in research in at least one general area of your portfolio. The viva voce examination usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours. There will also be an independent Chair present at your viva voce examination. The purpose of the Chair is to ensure that the viva voce examination is conducted, and recommendations of the examiners presented, wholly in accordance with the University’s regulations. The Chair will not ask you questions about your portfolio.

You will be examined on your full portfolio of work which will include all assessments from all modules, but it is likely that the main focus will be on the work undertaken for the Advanced Research Methods in Health Psychology module. The viva voce examination provides an opportunity for you to discuss the work you have undertaken during your time on the Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology with two Registered Health Psychologists, at least one of whom will be working in the general area of your portfolio.

There is a session in the Professional Competence module for continuing students which has been specifically designed to prepare you for the viva voce examination (2 hours). You will also be offered a mock viva voce examination with your supervisor to help you to prepare (3 hours).

A quiet meeting room with a table will be required for this module.

1. Provide evidence of critical evaluation of knowledge at the forefront of the discipline.
(Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Analysis, Enquiry)

2. Demonstrate the systematic acquisition of the skills necessary to practice as a health psychologist, including practising with regard to ethical principles, reflexivity, accepting accountability for decision making and making informed professional judgements on complex issues, often in the absence of complete data.
(Application, Learning, Problem Solving, Reflection)

3. Mount a defence of the work undertaken clearly outlining its originality and contribution to the discipline. This will include discussing the theoretical and applied relevance of your work, and demonstrating a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
(Communication, Enquiry, Learning, Application)

4. Talk in a clear and coherent manner about all aspects of the portfolio, and communicate ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively.
(Communication)

5. Reflect on and review professional practice, and recognise needs for further development.
(Reflection)

You will be examined on your full portfolio of work which will include all assessments from all modules, but it is likely that the main focus will be on the work undertaken for the Advanced Research Methods in Health Psychology module. The viva voce examination provides an opportunity for you to discuss the work you have undertaken during your time on the Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology with two Registered Health Psychologists, at least one of whom will be working in the general area of your portfolio.