Clinical Psychology

Entry requirements

All UK/EU applicants must apply through the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology. Screening criteria used in the first stage of the application process includes:

• being eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society
• a minimum academic attainment of a 2.1 (or equivalent level for degrees from countries where a different classification system is used) at undergraduate psychology degree level (or a 2.2 with a successfully completed master's degree or higher in psychology
• a minimum of 12 months' full-time relevant clinical experience (not necessarily consecutive)
• those who are still undergraduates at the time of application will not be considered.

Criteria used within the shortlisting for interview process includes:

• an understanding of the importance and contribution research plays within the profession
• a clear commitment and motivation to train as a clinical psychologist
• a good understanding of the role of a clinical psychologist and why you are choosing the profession
• experience of different psychological models and clinical settings
• evidence of personal awareness and a recognition and understanding of the importance of self reflection
• the ability to communicate and relate well to others.

All applicants applying under the Disability Confident Scheme will be discussed at a Moderation Meeting with the employing Trust. We may not be able to offer an interview to all of those who apply under the Scheme.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. The interview process includes two panels: academic/ research and clinical.

The public places high expectations and levels of trust on clinical psychologists, and the course develops practitioners who can meet these expectations. It is hard work and challenging. To work within the healthcare sector it is essential that you are able to demonstrate the core values embedded within the NHS Constitution (DOH, 2013):

• working together for patients
• respect and dignity
• commitment to quality of care
• compassion
• improving lives
• everyone counts.

Currently trainees are full-time employees of the health service and have annual leave and other benefits in line with usual NHS entitlements. On entry to the programme all trainees are paid on the first spine point of Band 6 of the Agenda for Change pay scales. These arrangements may not apply to candidates entering the programme in 2019 - candidates should check the statement on the Clearing House Funding page.


The local employing Trust ensures that all individuals accepting a place on the course undergo a Satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and health screening checks prior to starting the course.

Months of entry

September

Course content

You complete training across the lifespan of children and adolescents, working-age adults and older adults, as well as working with special needs and specialist services. The programme provides training across a range of psychological models, including cognitive behavioural, cognitive analytic, psychodynamic and systemic approaches. Indirect interventions are encouraged and opportunities to undertake our innovative organisational placements can be provided. The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology leads to the award of Doctor of Clinical Psychology.

Information for international students

Candidates must be able to communicate in English to the standard equivalent to Level 7 of the IELTS, with no element below 6.5.