University Calendar 2016/17
Section XIII : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences


PREFACE
CONTENTS
SEMESTERS
SECTION I
SECTION II
SECTION III
SECTION IV
SECTION V
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
SECTION VIII
SECTION IX
SECTION X
SECTION XI
SECTION XII
SECTION XIII
SECTION XIV
 
ARCHIVE 2010/11
ARCHIVE 2011/12
ARCHIVE 2012/13
ARCHIVE 2013/14
ARCHIVE 2014/15
ARCHIVE 2015/16
Academic Unit Psychology
Final Award Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Programme(s) Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Last modified April 2016

Academic regulations for research degree programmes (without taught elements) are written and maintained by the University and can be found in Section V of the University Calendar.

1. Admissions
 
1.1 First or upper second-class Bachelor's level honours degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
1.2 English language entry level: average of 7.0 IELTS and minimum of 6.5 in each IELTS component, or equivalent.
1.3 British Psychological Society Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
1.4 Applicants must also meet minimum standards in research and statistical competence (currently evidence by a rating of 60% or above on relevant undergraduate transcripts or, if unavailable, formal documentation to the same effect.
1.5 The ability to work and reside in the UK without restriction.
1.6 A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check conducted by the employing Trust.
1.7 Offers are likely to be made only to those applicants with substantial experience working in a field relevant to clinical psychology, demonstrating the links between psychological theory and clinical practice. Applicants' personal and interpersonal skills, along with clinical, academic and research strengths are assessed through review of the application form, references, and at interview.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
2.1 The General Regulations for Research Degrees with a Major Taught Component apply to this programme.
2.2 Students for the Doctorate will be required to follow a three year training programme of supervised clinical experience, academic teaching and research leading to a doctoral degree, dated as from their registration. Part One is at FHEQ Level 7 and Parts Two and Three are at FHEQ Level 8.
2.3 The programme to be followed shall be full-time.
2.4 Students are expected to attend all teaching sessions unless absence has been agreed in advance, with the exception of absence due to sickness or other unavoidable commitments.
2.5 All modules are core. The programme structure is published within the programme specification.
3. Progression
 
3.1 Entry to Part Two and Part Three of the programme is normally contingent upon satisfactory academic and clinical performance in the previous year.
3.2 In order to progress formally from one year to the next, trainees are expected to have received a pass mark (50%) in every module.
3.3 Referrals: The module profile provides details about referral for failed pieces of work. In most cases, only one re-submission is allowed for any one piece of work. This will be within an agreed timescale.
3.4 A candidate who fails three modules must attend a Formal Performance Review with the Programme Director.
3.5 The Board of Examiners will normally deem a candidate to have failed the programme on one or more of the following grounds:
  1. Failure to complete successfully all parts of the programme within five years or first registration (allowing for suspensions) or by such a date as will have been agreed by the Board.

  2. Failure of two clinical practitioner placements.

  3. Up to four failures of modules during the programme may be redeemed. A fifth failure (including clinical placements) will result in failure of the Programme.

  4. In exceptional circumstances, such as gross misconduct or a serious breach of the Code of Conduct of the British Psychological Society, or if a clinical placement is terminated or suspended after disciplinary action.
All circumstances of termination or suspension will be discussed at the Board of Examiners where extenuating circumstances may be taken into account. Further information on University guidelines for appeals and complaints can be found at http://www.calendar.soton.ac.uk/sectionIV/sectIV-index.html.


4. Assessment
 
4.1 The schedule of assessments will comprise of three parts, as specified in the programme specification, to cover:
Part One Assessment of Academic Competence
Part Two Assessment of Clinical Competence
Part Three Assessment of Research Competence including submission of a research thesis and viva voce examination.
4.2 All elements of Parts One, Two and Three shall normally be completed no later than the end of September of the third year of the programme.
4.3 A pass mark of 50% shall apply to each taught assessment.
4.4 Placements shall either be Passed or Failed.
4.5 The Doctor in Clinical Psychology is awarded following successful completion of all three parts (as set out in 4.1 above).


5. Award of Qualification(s)
 
5.1 The final award is Doctor of Clinical Psychology.
5.2 There is no exit or interim award.


6. Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork
 
6.1 Candidates will be required to undertake placements in Parts One, Two and Three as Trainee Clinical Psychologists. These placements are normally in the NHS, but may also be in voluntary and third-sector organisations.
6.2 All placements must meet British Psychological Society accreditation requirements in terms of duration and range of activities.


7. Other
 
7.1 For the purposes of these regulations, the University shall be deemed to include clinical institutions where the Psychology academic unit is satisfied that University staff can arrange proper supervision of clinical practice and research.
7.2 Students are required to satisfy the academic and the Attendance and Completion of Programme Requirements as set out in section IV of the University calendar, the programme specification and the programme handbook. Those failing to do so may have their programme terminated (see University Calendar Section IV: Transfer, Suspension, Withdrawal and Termination.
7.3 Students must satisfy the University's Fitness to Practise Policy and adhere to the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (2010) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Ethics and Conduct. Continuation on your programme is subject to specific health requirements (consistent with the provisions of the Equality Act [2010]). Students are required to inform the Faculty of any health problems, throughout their period of enrolment, relevant to their future employment as a professional. In cases where a student's behaviour, health and/or professional conduct raises concern, the procedures associated with the University's Fitness to Practise Policy will be invoked.
7.4 As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, these regulations may be revised during a student’s period of registration, however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student’s programme.

Submitted by Corporate Services
Last reviewed: 16-Jul-2016
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