Clinical Psychology DClinPsychol

We select candidates for training based on their ability to evidence:

• Unrestricted right to work
• Graduate basis for chartership with the BPS
• Academic strength
• Relevant Experience
• English language requirements
• Interpersonal and other skills
• Awareness of the professional context of clinical psychology within the NHS

Each of these areas is described in greater depth below.

There are essential minimum criteria for candidates to demonstrate at all stages of our process. 

Applicants to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology must have the right to work in the UK without restriction, at the point of application.

Academic requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

You must be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society confirmed at the time of application.

Applicants should hold either: 

• a GBC-accrediting honours degree with a mean percentage mark of at least 61 in the final two academic years FTE.
• a GBC-accrediting MSc conversion degree in psychology at 2.1 equivalent or above with a mean percentage mark of at least 61.
• a GBC-accrediting higher diploma conversion in psychology, at 2.1 equivalent level or above, with 240 credit equivalent (120 ECTS), where the overall number of research credits is at least 80 (40 ECTS) and with a mean percentage mark of at least 61.

Where GBC is based upon degrees accredited for GBC by the BPS, transcripts for each of those degrees need to be submitted.

Strong candidates will have evidence of other academic achievements, for example, research experience, publications or conference presentations. Candidates should be able to relate their experience of research to practice. We are looking for candidates who understand and can critically appraise theory and practice from a first principles basis as we aim to develop trainees to think about theoretical positions in depth and understand and reflect upon the nature of scientific assumptions and the meaning of "evidence".

Visa Requirements

You must meet the visa requirements to be employed in the UK. 

Successful applicants to the programme are currently employed by the NHS while they study. By applying for this programme you would be applying for a job with the NHS and therefore need to have the right to work in the UK without restriction. 

A student visa is not applicable for this programme as, if you were accepted, you would be classed as an employee, not a student. We are currently not employee-sponsoring any trainees. We are not qualified to tell you whether you have the right to work in the UK or not. If you are unsure of your status, please:

• check the UK Visas and Immigration website; or
• contact your local British Embassy.

Relevant Experience

All trainees accepted onto the programme need:

• relevant experience that allows you to apply psychological principles in practice with populations in need is essential;
• an understanding of how to do psychological research, this is essential;
• previous working contact with, and supervision by, a practitioner psychologist such as a clinical psychologist is an advantage, but other relevant work such as nursing, support work, experience in relevant voluntary organisations will also be considered;
• experience working on clinically- focused research project(s), for example as part of a research degree such as a PhD or through employment on such projects, would also be seen as relevant, particularly if it involved direct client contact;
• a good range and amount of relevant experience is an advantage, however, it is essential to demonstrate an ability to reflect on how this relates to clinical training and to the role of the clinical psychologist;
• to be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of, and application of, the academic psychological theories, models and principles that underlie the work you have undertaken;
• to demonstrate a commitment to develop competence as reflective scientist-practitioners, and an understanding of your role as a consumer and producer of research.

Interpersonal and Other Skills

You must demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills. It is essential to be able to foster good working relationships with colleagues and clients and to work as part of a team. Candidates should show evidence of reflecting on the ethical and value base of clinical psychology. Given the demands of clinical training, you should be adaptable and flexible, and have the capacity to prioritise and balance academic and work demands. Due to the geographical spread of some health boards, extensive travel will be required for most placements.

Understanding the professional context of clinical psychology in the NHS

Strong candidates will be motivated to take on the full range of roles of the clinical psychologist. You will provide a clear rationale for, and demonstrate insight into, the professional context, roles and responsibilities of the clinical psychologist in the NHS and a clear understanding of professional issues as they relate to clinical psychology. A commitment to, and knowledge of NHS Scotland (e.g. current priorities), and the role of clinical psychology within it is beneficial. You must demonstrate commitment to professional development as a reflective scientist-practitioner and an understanding of the contextual factors which can influence physical and mental health.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) will be applied for candidates who have completed the MSc Applied Psychology (Healthcare) for Children and Young People at the University of Edinburgh or the MSc Psychological Therapy in Primary Care provided jointly by the Universities of Stirling and Dundee, which have significant clinical practice (placement) components. Any consideration of RPL will not have any impact on the selection of trainees.

Please see information above about the restricted periods that apply to candidates who have received NES funding for Psychological training for 18 months after the award (or 24 months after exiting without completion) from that training.

Recognition of Prior Learning does not apply for those who have completed any other Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland, formerly NHS Education for Scotland) funded Psychological training.