UCL Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Brief Exam Guidance
How we expect trainees to answer Papers 1 and 3
Short Answers








Divide your time equally between questions
Make sure you have understood the question
Define the term/ issue briefly where appropriate
Write in full sentences
Demonstrate your knowledge of the issue in question by including relevant specific
facts (and even figures if you have them at your disposal)
Cite references where key references exist, naming author and, if possible, date
Point to the relevance of the issue to larger clinical or theoretical issues
Where issues are controversial try and find space to present both sides of an
argument
Essays
In addition to the pointers for short answers above in longer essay answers we also look
for:






A logical structure to the answer (i.e. an essay plan without having to show evidence
of a plan on the exam paper)
Demonstration of a capacity for critical analysis by pointing to the limitations of
evidence you have presented
An awareness of alternative interpretations of evidence
Attention to relevant facts from other areas of research
Capacity to present a balanced argument even if you favour a particular point of view
Awareness of key theoretical and empirical evidence as indicated by appropriate
citations, e.g. references to reviews, meta analyses, NICE guidelines or relevant
policy statements