Thesis Preparation Assignment (TPA) – DClinPsy Handbook Skip to the content DClinPsy Handbook Toggle mobile menu Toggle search field Search for: Home DClinPsy structures Policies DClinPsy policies Lancaster University policies LSCFT & NHS policies HCPC & BPS Get involved Trainees Absence Library Values & behaviours CPD, travel & expenses Your training Assessment & failure Teaching Placements Research Support Home DClinPsy structures Policies DClinPsy policies Lancaster University policies LSCFT & NHS policies HCPC & BPS Get involved Trainees Absence Library Values & behaviours CPD, travel & expenses Your training Assessment & failure Teaching Placements Research Support Thesis Preparation Assignment (TPA) 03/07/2019 / Rob Parker Introduction The Thesis Preparation Assignment (TPA) is undertaken in the first year of training and is specifically designed to enable trainees to develop the knowledge and skills needed to undertake the thesis. It consists of two elements: a 4,500 word literature review, and a word research proposal which is submitted separately, after the literature review. The literature review is assessed and marked as a piece of written work, whilst the thesis proposal is not marked but is peer-reviewed by the programme team. In order to pass the assignment, the thesis proposal must have been submitted. Domains actively assessed 1. Collating information and knowledge 2. Critical analysis & synthesis 3. Strategy for application (deciding) 4. Performance skills 5. Responsive to impact & learning from experiences 6. Communicating information effectively 7. Interpersonal skills & collaboration 8. Organisational skills 9. Professional behaviour 10. Essential Knowledge Preparing for the assignment As the TPA involves preparatory work for the thesis, before starting work on the assignment the trainee must be allocated to a research supervisor who will go on to be the research supervisor for their thesis. Once the trainee has been allocated to a research supervisor they identify a topic for their TPA literature review in discussion with their supervisor. The trainee completes a TPA Review Topic Form in which they give a brief outline of the title, type of review, aims and structure of the literature review element of the TPA. This is submitted to the TPA co-ordinator for approval to proceed. The trainee may be asked to revise or resubmit the topic form before approval is given. Once the TPA topic form is approved the trainee completes the assignment. Structure of the TPA literature review The literature review should take the form of a 4,500 word review of research, clinical and theoretical literature which provides a foundation for the body of work the trainee intends to undertake for their thesis. It should be formatted as a single Word document, written in APA style, structured as follows (section word counts approximate): Introduction (800 words), to include: The rationale for conducting the review, including a statement of its relevance to clinical psychology theory and practice; A clear statement of the research question the review will address, and the aims of the review. Identifying and deciding what to include in the review (500 words) The TPA is not a systematic review. As such, there is no method section. However, an account should be provided of how relevant literature was identified and how decisions were made about what to present in the review. This may include details of searches undertaken including search terms used and databases searched. Findings/results or other suitable heading depending on approach (2,000 words). This may be structured into sub-sections. Discussion (1,200 words), which should include identification of the research question to be addressed in the research proposal, based on the findings of the review. References (not included in the word count). TPA Review Topic Form (appended, not included in the word count). Beyond not being a systematic review, there is no prescribed format or approach for the review. It is expected that the trainee should decide upon a suitable approach to the review with their supervisor and that the structure and content will be appropriate to the review topic. The scope of the review should reflect an appropriate balance of depth and breadth of knowledge, depending on the nature of the topic. As part of the discussion section, it is expected that the trainee will identify the topic to be developed in their research proposal as a line of further research inquiry arising from the review. 1. Research Proposal The research proposal is completed using the Thesis Proposal Form. It should be 3,500 words (including the text already on the form, but excluding your supervisor’s comments). The thesis proposal will normally be developed from the literature review, in collaboration with the research supervisor. Thus, it is expected that whilst the general research topic may be decided upon early in the assignment preparation process, the exact research question(s) to be addressed in the research proposal and details of the research design will not be decided until the trainee has completed the literature review. It is expected that the rationale for the research proposal should draw upon the issues discussed in more detail in the review. The research proposal should represent a feasible, ethical research study that meets the requirement of a DClinPsy thesis (see thesis guidelines for more detail). Supervisory support for the assignment It is expected that the trainee will meet regularly with their research supervisor during the process of completing the assignment. As part of the supervisory process, the supervisor will provide the following support: Guidance on the choice of topic; Guidance on the content, structure and approach to be adopted for the literature review; Read a draft of the TPA Review Topic Form; Advise on literature searches and on literature to include and exclude; Read a draft of a completed section of the review (up to a maximum of 1000 words), usually the introduction; Provide guidance in the development of the thesis proposal; Read a draft of the research proposal prior to the trainee submitting it for review. Process of assessment Trainees have up to three attempts at the TPA literature review. To pass the assignment, the literature review must reach a passing standard in all assessed domains. Submission 1 – March Year 1 (full-time) or year 2 (part-time) Submission 2 – July Year 1 (full-time) or July Year 2 (part-time) Resubmission – March Year 2 (full-time) or Year 3 (part-time) A thesis proposal must also be submitted for the assignment pass to be confirmed. This should normally be submitted 3 months after the literature review is submitted. It is not necessary for the literature review to have passed before the thesis proposal is submitted – it is expected that work developing the thesis proposal will begin as soon as the TPA has been submitted. However, the trainee may decide, in discussion with their supervisor, to wait until the literature review has passed before submitting the thesis proposal. Review of the thesis proposal The thesis proposal is submitted separately, within a maximum of three months after the literature review. If the proposal is not submitted by the relevant deadline the TPA assignment will usually be failed. Once the thesis proposal has been submitted it will be reviewed by members of the programme team for its suitability as a DClinPsy thesis. If the TPA literature review does not pass at the first submission point, but a thesis proposal has been submitted, the thesis proposal does not need to be resubmitted as part of the second submission. Assessment guidance and forms TPA – Trainee Guide TPA – Review Topic Form TPA – Trainee Feedback Forms TPA – Mark Sheet TPA – Research Choices Form Thesis Proposal Form Assessment and failure Previous post Assessment of learning outcomes Next post Placement Assignment – Live Skills (PALS) Search for: © 2022 DClinPsy Handbook Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑ By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information Accept The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. 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