clinical psychology phd in the uk

King's College London

Doctorate in clinical psychology dclinpsy.

Key information

The three-year, full-time Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is based within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN). Trainees spend three days a week on supervised clinical practice placements and two days a week are dedicated to teaching, study and research.

Aims & philosophy

To benefit service users, carers and wider society by training clinical psychologists who:

• are skilled in evidence-based psychological assessment and intervention
• produce applied research of the highest quality and impact
• progress to become leaders within the NHS, clinical academia and beyond

The training programme values the reflective scientist-practitioner model as a basis for clinical psychology. There is a strong emphasis on integration of theory, research and practice in all aspects of the programme.

The biopsychosocial framework underpinning the Programme identifies biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of psychological difficulties and mental disorders across the lifespan. Our understanding of the framework is that it is linked to a continuum view of psychological difficulty. Thus, the programme seeks to understand these difficulties from an assumption of commonality of experience and human potential to support wellness and resilience.

The programme takes cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as its primary therapeutic modality, reflecting the world-leading research expertise within the IoPPN and its evidence base. Family therapy/systemic practice is the second therapeutic modality.

The Programme is based predominantly within King's Health Partners (an Academic Health Sciences Centre) which comprise King's College London and three of the highest rated NHS Foundation Trusts in the country: South London and Maudsley, King's College Hospital, and Guy's and St Thomas'. A particular strength of the programme is the cohesive and comprehensive range of local and national specialist placement opportunities across these trusts and other placement services. In line with the goals of the NHS long term plan, placements offer trainees opportunities to work in local clinical pathways improving access to services for people from our diverse local communities.

The IoPPN DClinPsy Training Programme is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity for all trainees and staff. The Programme values and positively promotes equality, inclusion and diversity. At the IoPPN and local Trusts, there is much expertise relating to Culture, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) in clinical, research, and teaching activities.

Additional information

The programme meets the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) education and training standards – the statutory regulator for practitioner psychologists in the UK, and has full accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS).

The course is also accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) – Level 1 (for all trainees) and Level 2 (for a subset of trainees), alongside the Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT) – Foundation Level (for all trainees).

On successful completion of the programme trainees are awarded the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. The award confers eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC to practise as a clinical psychologist in the UK, and graduates are able to apply for full membership of the Division of Clinical Psychology from the BPS.

Trainees are full-time professionals in the NHS, registered students at King's College London and key stakeholders whilst training. Throughout the training programme, trainees are encouraged to synthesise and reflect on different aspects of their learning and work as part of their professional development and integration of their personal and professional aspects. Key contributors to this process are the use of clinical supervision, discussions in teaching workshops, meetings with personal tutors and appraisers, and reflections in their logbook and clinical assessments.

Trainees help to shape the Programme's development and evolution through representation and participation in the majority of the Programme committees. There are also a number of opportunities for trainees to begin working as partners and leaders whilst training via involvement in working parties and groups focused on priorities within clinical psychology training.

The Programme has a number of support systems in place to help ensure that trainees are well supported and to create a stimulating and rewarding environment for trainees to develop personally and professionally during their training.

• Before joining the Programme, each new trainee is contacted by their ‘buddy’ (one of the current first year trainees) to facilitate their transition onto the Programme.
• Trainees will be line managed by a Clinical Director on the Programme
• Each trainee is allocated a personal support tutor and mentor – a qualified clinical psychologist available for confidential advice and support who is available to meet at least once per term throughout training. The personal support tutor, where possible, is matched to trainee career interests to allow for mentoring alongside pastoral support.
• Each trainee is also allocated a clinical tutor who will visit them on placement throughout the three years to maximise continuity, support and development.
• Each trainee is allocated an appraiser from within the Programme team to support progression across all aspects of the Programme.
• Each trainee is allocated a research tutor from the Programme team to support them with any questions or concerns about any aspect of their research.
• Reflective practice groups and themed reflective case discussions run throughout training, which provide an opportunity for trainees to reflect on training and the impact of clinical work.
• Dedicated reflective spaces are offered to trainees from racially and ethnically minoritised (REM) backgrounds. These spaces aim to offer support in a safe environment.
• Trainees’ identifying as White will be invited to attend a dedicated reflective space to consider the impact of their identity in training.
• A support group is available for trainees with childcare responsibilities, which includes drop-in meetings with clinical tutors.
• Orientation meetings are scheduled in the timetable to facilitate transition into the following year of study. At the end of the final year there is an exit meeting to allow trainees to reflect with the Programme Team about their experiences of the training programme.
• Trainees with disability support needs can book a confidential appointment with a Disability Adviser at King’s College London Disability Support . This will help develop an Inclusion Plan which summaries aspects your disability and provides recommendations of support strategies to ensure we can best support you throughout your training experience.

As a course, we care about the psychological well-being of our trainees and aim to ensure we can best support trainees who may be experiencing difficulties or have additional support needs. We recognise that whilst training you are likely to experience periods of increased stress given the various pressures that need to be managed across different components of the course, as well as any additional stressors including physical and mental health concerns, or other personal factors that may impact on well-being. We have a number of sources of support available to our trainees as well as resources and signposting of services.

• How to apply
• Fees or Funding

UK tuition fees

Home applicants who meet the above entry requirements criteria are eligible for an NHS funded place and are not required to pay tuition fees.

International tuition fees 2023/24

Full time tuition fees: £31,260 per year

International tuition fees 2024/25

Full time tuition fees: £33,450 per year

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The International deposit is £2000.

• If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
• If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 16 July and 15 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer from 16 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

• Study environment

Base campus

Denmark Hill Campus

Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

The Doctorate is intensive, running for three years full-time. The programme consists of academic, clinical and research components, and trainees are required to pass in all areas..

Academic teaching, research supervision and clinical supervision are mainly carried out by members of the Department of Psychology or other departments within the Institute of Psychiatry, or by clinical psychologists working within King's Health Partners, giving the programme an overall cohesion and sense of community. The Programme also receives specialist contributions to its academic teaching from invited outside speakers and experts.

For departmental and Institute research interests visit the IoPPN webpages.

In each year, trainees spend three days per week on supervised clinical placements (Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9:00 – 17:00) with Mondays and Fridays dedicated to teaching and research. Trainees undertake six 6-month placements. The four ‘core’ areas of the programme are Adult and Child Mental Health, (year 1) and Older Adults and Intellectual Disability (year 2). The third year comprises two specialist or supplementary placements.

Attendance at all course components is mandatory. Trainees are also expected to undertake their own independent learning.

The length of the Programme cannot be reduced through the accreditation of prior learning or experience. All trainees are required to complete the full Programme of training in order to qualify and while on the Programme, all trainees take annual holiday entitlement within set time periods to fit in with teaching and placement attendance requirements.

Academic curriculum

The curriculum comprises of teaching streams that are led by academic clinicians and NHS service-based specialist clinicians. This curriculum is revised through consultation processes with NHS specialists, trainees, service users and NHS commissioners. A foundational theme that sits across all the teaching streams is that of culture, diversity, equality, and inclusion. The specific teaching streams fall under the following headings:

• CBT Fundamentals
• Adult General
• Adult Addictions
• Adult Anxiety
• Adult Forensic
• Adult Psychosis
• Clinical Health Psychology
• Clinical Skills
• Clinical Neuropsychology
• Culture, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Family Therapy
• Intellectual Disability & Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Additional Therapy Approaches
• Professional Issues
• Reflective Practice & Reflective Case Discussions
• Research, Assessment and Methodology
• Supervision

The programme delivers teaching based on research, theoretical literature, practice-based experience and lived experience (expert by experience and carer input). Teaching is provided in lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials. Methods of delivery include, discussions, polls, case examples, role-plays, video displays, and didactic teaching. This is designed according to the material to be covered and the stage of training. Trainees are encouraged to contribute to the process; significant aspects of learning and development will come from each other.

Clinical practice placements

Trainees undertake six 6-month placements. The four ‘core' areas of the programme are Adult and Child mental health (year 1) and Older adults and Intellectual disability (year 2); the third year comprises two specialist or supplementary placements. The majority of placements are located within South London and are accessible via public transport links. Trainees prior experience and future career preferences are taken into consideration in placement allocation.

The third year comprises two specialist or supplementary placements. There is a wide, exciting range of specialist placement opportunities for trainees to choose from, at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KCH), Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) and in other organisations. SLaM provides the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK.

Placements are offered in a variety of specialisms and settings, including primary care, secondary care, inpatient, secure settings and non-statutory organisations. We are fortunate to have many national services across the Trusts, meaning that trainees have access to a number of specialist placements. Placements may be based in the community or hospital settings.

By May of the final year, trainees are required to submit a doctoral level research thesis of between 25,000 to 55,000 words.

The thesis is comprised of:

• Service-Related Project
• Empirical Project
• Systematic Review

The Service-Related Project is completed in the first year, supervised by a clinical placement supervisor. Trainees gain experience of conducting an NHS-related project that will inform service development. Recent projects have directly investigated issues of equality and diversity in service provision.

The Empirical Project and Systematic Literature Review are completed in the second and third year, supervised by a main and second supervisor. Staff in the Department of Psychology and wider Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience offer research expertise and supervision in a wide range of clinical topics. Most trainees are able to choose their research topic based on their interests and learning needs, and to co-create a research project with their supervisors. Trainee research is supported by the rich research environment at King’s, including close links with the department of Biostatistics & Health Informatics.

A developmental, competency-based approach is taken to assessment, combining formative and summative assessment methods. Please note that a number of the summative assessments undertaken by trainees in the third of training will be dependent on their pathway (either BABCP Level 2 or AFT Intermediate).

The failure of two placements, or of an examination resit, or resubmitted/resat case studies, case conferences or assessments of clinical competence, or the viva examination, will constitute a Programme failure. No lesser exit award is available under the Programme.

Summative Assessments (all trainees)

• Qualifying examinations are held in June of the first year. The pass mark is 50% and trainees who fail are allowed to re-sit on one occasion in August.
• Case Conferences : In the first year of training, trainees are asked to present a case that demonstrates their CBT knowledge and skills. In the second year of training, trainees are asked to present a case where they have worked with more than one person in the room, and to offer a systemic formulation and treatment plan to assess their knowledge and skills in systemic practice.
• Case Studies : Early in the second year of training, trainees will need to submit a CBT case study that will demonstrate theory practice links and reflection on their learning and development as CBT therapists.
• All six practice placements are graded Pass/Fail by placement supervisors.
• The research thesis is assessed at a viva by two external examiners.
• Research Progress Report trainees submit a report on their research progress every 6 months, which is formally reviewed by their supervisor and a panel of research tutors; a satisfactory outcome of the review is required for progression.

Head of group/division

Professor Katharine Rimes

Contact for information

Kayleigh Rawlings, Programme Coordinator

[email protected]

Important Information:

Before contacting the programme, please note we are unable to offer individual advice on how to create a successful application or advise on what route applicants should take. There are many different routes onto the Doctorate, therefore the pathway undertaken should be the applicant’s choice, based on their interests and career aims.

Contact email

Further resources:

• DClinPsy Clearing House Profile
• KCL-DClinPsy information about applying (padlet.org)
• Twitter: @KingsDClinPsy
• Entry requirements

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Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD)

• Visit an Open Day
• Request a prospectus
• Course details
• Entry Requirements
• Teaching and assessment
• Employability

Our Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD) leads to a professional qualification in Clinical Psychology and eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. It is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and confers Chartered status with the BPS.

This programme comprises a combination of academic teaching, research and research training, and professional training during clinical placements.

The programme will enable you to deliver psychology-based treatments by drawing upon a range of models, tailoring interventions to client needs within a range of service contexts.

Our staff have expertise across a range of specialisms, skills and models. Like all similar courses, we give special consideration to cognitive-behavioural approaches but we also equip trainees with knowledge and skills in systemic practice and in psychodynamic and behavioural approaches. In year two, you will be able to choose which of these approaches you wish to specialise in. We will also prepare you for the wider organisational demands of the NHS by providing opportunities for you to understand, appraise and develop your own leadership behaviours.

In the Centre for Applied Psychology, we are committed to involving experts by experience in all the different aspects relevant to our teaching and research. The Experts by Experience Steering Committee (EBESC) is a group that meets regularly to discuss, organise and support the work of experts by experience linked to the Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programme. We comprise members from various backgrounds, including local experts by experience who contribute to the course and staff from the Centre for Applied Psychology.

We contribute to our different courses in various ways:

• Contributing to teaching, including training workshops
• Reviewing, supporting, designing and contributing to research projects
• Contributing to the course at a strategic level through feeding into course management committees
• Involvement in the course admissions process

This programme comprises a combination of academic teaching, research and research training, and professional training during clinical placements. You complete five placements in a range of health settings in the West Midlands.

You will spend approximately 50% of your time in clinical practice, with the remainder divided between teaching, research and academic workshops. Workshops are delivered by experienced local clinicians and experts in the relevant clinical area. Time is scheduled for private study, academic assignments and research. Although there are some longer teaching blocks, a typical week consists of one day teaching, one day study and three days placement throughout the year. The programme is examined by continuous assessment, with students completing a series of assignments and projects over the three years.

Research, which is conducted in the second and third years of the programme, is written up for examination in the form of two papers for publication. The programme is organised on a collaborative basis with local NHS psychologists, and many local clinicians are involved in teaching.

The programme has a long and distinguished history, producing over 500 qualified Clinical Psychologists since 1967. It leads to a professional qualification in Clinical Psychology and eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. It is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and confers Chartered status with the BPS.

Our location in the West Midlands, which has a large and diverse population, means you will have access to a broad range of clinical placements and research opportunities. The course is also well integrated with clinical psychology services in the local area.

Birmingham is one of the major centres for clinical psychology training in the UK and most graduates take up posts in NHS departments. At present UK/EU trainees are hosted by a local NHS Trust and paid a salary. University fees are paid by the NHS.

This programme is subject to a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise regulations, to which trainees are required to sign up. 

Related links

• School of Psychology website
• Clearing House for Clinical Psychology website:  https://www.clearing-house.org.uk/

The course has close links with local clinicians who provide teaching and reflective practice and they work really hard to fit the placements to our learning needs, interests and ambitions. We have five placements across the course working with adults, children, people with intellectual disabilities and older adults, plus a placement in a specialism of our choice, meaning we get to experience a wide range of clinical settings. Our research projects were very flexible in that you could choose pre-arranged projects or general topic areas, and the department established links with appropriate supervisors for the area you wanted to study. Tom Watson, Clinical Psychology Doctorate alumnus

• Research in Clincal Psychology
• Reflection Practice in Clinical Psychology

You will continue to attend workshops relating to the academic underpinnings of clinical practice, work under supervision on a clinical psychology placement(s) in the NHS and undertake self-directed learning. You are required to complete one clinical practice report which in due course is bound into the thesis. You also pursue your research project.

You must attend a minimum number from a wide choice of workshops relating to clinical psychology. You continue to work under supervision on a clinical psychology placement(s) in the NHS, undertake self-directed learning and complete work on your research thesis. You are required to complete two clinical practice reports which are bound into the clinical volume of the thesis.

At present UK trainees are hosted by a local NHS Trust and paid a salary. University fees are paid by the NHS. This model may change in the future but candidates should not be deterred from applying and should check the Clearing House for updates at:  https://www.clearing-house.org.uk/

The International self-funded fee for 2024/25 is £30,420.

How To Apply

Uk applications for 2024 entry (via the clearing house and directly) are now closed. interviews will take place between 20 - 26 may 2024 inclusive..

For those assessed as being ‘home for fees’, applications to the ClinPsyD for NHS funded places should be made through the  Clearing House in Clinical Psychology .   Home applications close at 13:00 on 22 November 2023.

International/Overseas self-funding applicants

International applications for 2024 entry are now closed (26 January 2024). We are unable to accept late applications.

The application process for overseas applicants has three stages:

• The application form is screened when received through the University Application Portal.
• Candidates meeting the admission requirements are invited to complete an online ‘written exercise’ between 26 February to 8 March 2024.
• Successful candidates will be invited to interview with us (via Zoom) week commencing 6 May 2024.

Our Standard Requirements

You must have at least a 2:1 degree or recognised equivalent at undergraduate level and you will need to provide a certificate or transcript showing your degree level at the time of applying. We welcome applicants with higher degrees which should ideally be in a clinically relevant area. Unfortunately, we do not accept applicants with a 2:2 at undergraduate level, even if they have a Master's or PhD. Whilst people who have taken conversion courses are not at a disadvantage in our process, we do require their original degree to be 2:1 or above.

We also require evidence of competence in research methods as evidenced by a score/rating of at least 60% on the undergraduate research dissertation – noted on the undergraduate transcript. Applicants who do not yet have an undergraduate transcript, or who have completed a conversion course without a detailed transcript, would need to provide formal evidence of research competence from the awarding University. This could take the form of an academic referee commenting specifically upon these competences, including explicit reference to the applicant's scores on research and statistics modules.

Candidates must have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society. For guidance on the kinds of experience considered to be relevant when applying for the Clinical Psychology Doctorate, please visit the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology’s website .

Selection Procedure

We operate our selection procedures in line with NHS Values Based Recruitment .

Our selection process is as follows:

• NHS funded applications are initially made via the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology’s website (for international applications please see below).
• Applications are screened to ensure that candidates meet our minimum academic entry criteria (as described above).
• Applicants who meet our minimum academic criteria are short-listed according to information presented on the application form. This includes elements such as academic/research competence and relevant experience. Seventy five short-listed candidates are invited to attend the University of Birmingham for half a day (morning or afternoon), which includes a series of interviews and a written exercise designed to assess competence in research. Experts by experience and local clinicians are involved in the interview process. After the final interview date, offers are made to the most suitable candidates subject to satisfactory DBS disclosure and Health and Immunisation checks . Please note : the offer process at the University of Birmingham has several steps, and the final formal offer will be made by the University of Birmingham Admissions Team.

Equal opportunities

We are very conscious of being situated in an area of rich ethnic and cultural diversity, and the course particularly welcomes applications from people from ethnic minority groups.  We take measures to ensure that no applicant is discriminated against on the grounds of age, social class, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religion. 

We are actively addressing issues of race and diversity in the curriculum and in all aspects of the course. We do not currently use equal opportunities data during the selection process and we do not currently subscribe to the " Disability Confident Scheme " (also known as "double tick"). However, we are actively considering how best to include contextual admissions values in our selection procedures, and although we don’t yet have a formal position on this, we will update this webpage with any developments.

Please note that if you have given your consent, we may use equal opportunities data collected by the Clearing House during selection to inform future selection strategies.

Work experience

Applicants must demonstrate that they have been engaged in work experience that allows them to understand the profession of clinical psychology, and to demonstrate skills that can be enhanced through training, that are relevant to the role. We require applicants to have completed at least one year's full-time clinically relevant experience (which can include placement experience from a clinically relevant Master's degree) at the time of applying. This experience could come from a variety of roles, including Assistant Psychology and research posts, and graduate roles within IAPT services. However, this is not an exhaustive list of potential relevant experience. Applicants need to demonstrate that they have been applying psychological principles in a clinical setting, preferably under the supervision of a psychologist, or have been engaged in research that is relevant to a clinical population (eg as a research assistant or as part of a 3-year PhD). The experience could be spread across more than one year but must equate to one year full-time as a minimum requirement. Candidates are required to describe this experience clearly on the application form. Candidates who have previously pursued relevant professional careers will be considered on an individual basis; however, all applicants must meet our minimum academic requirements and requirements for GBC (see above for details).

Please ensure when detailing Clinical Experience gained, that you are clear how many hours you worked per calendar week if this role is part time. In addition, it is helpful to detail the tasks / role carried out and the profession of the person supervising or overseeing that work. This information could be within your supporting information or an uploaded CV.

Please note that for applications for the ClinPsyD, a research proposal and names of proposed research supervisors are not required as research projects are developed during the first year of training in collaboration with staff and local clinicians.

International students

We welcome applications from international self-funding candidates. Such applicants must meet the same entry criteria as those applying for NHS funded places (see above) and also have overseas fees status. This is assessed by the University Admissions team.  Applications for overseas candidates are made directly to the University of Birmingham and not through the Clearing House . 

Standard English language requirements apply

For candidates whose first language is not English or whose first degree was not taught in English the minimum requirements are IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band. 

International Requirements

For entry to a PhD programme, any of the following Masters equivalent programmes with a minimum grade of 8/10 will be considered: - Kandidat i Shkencave (Candidate of Sciences) - Certifikate Specializimi (Specialisation Certificate) - Diplomë e Nivelit të Dytë (Second Level (University) Diploma) - Master i Arteve të Bukura (Master of Fine Arts) - Master i Nivelit të Dytë (Second Level Master's degree ) - Master i Nivelit të Parë (First level Master's degree) - Master Shkencave (Master of Science)

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 14/20 from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

Applicants who hold a Masters degree will be considered for admission to PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Diplomstudium/Magister or a Masters degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good post-2001 Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below. 

Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , Shanghai Ranking 2024 (full table) and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2024

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2024（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2024 。  

Business School (excluding MBA)   and School of Computer Science programmes 商学院 （ MBA除外） 及计算机学院硕士 课程入学要求

* Applicants from Group 4 institutions are only considered for the following 7 programmes

来自第四类院校的申请人仅限于申请以下7个课程：

• MSc Financial Management
• MSc Investments
• MSc Financial Technology
• MSc Economics
• MSc Financial Economics
• MSc Money, Banking and Finance
• MSc Computer Science

All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements.

如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]  

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, or a GPA of 3 out of 4, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalár from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), or a good post-2002 Magistr (Masters), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters/ Magisterkonfereus/Magister Artium degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B, or a good one- or two-year Magistrikraad from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 4/5, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters/Maîtrise with a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, or a Magistère / Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures Specialisées / Mastère Specialis, from a recognised French university or Grande École to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

The following qualifications may be considered for entry to a Masters programme: Bachelor degree - Transliteration: Bakalavris Khariskhi Diploma in Dentistry / Medicine / Veterinary Medicine) Certified Specialist - Transliteration: Diplomirebuli Spezialisti (when studied for 4 years) (awarded between 2005 and 2010) Specialist Diploma - Transliteration: Umaghlesi Ganatlebis Diplomi (last awarded in 2005) For qualifications awarded 2005 onwards, a B or 81-90/100 can be considered equivalent to a 2.1, and a C or 71-80/100 can be considered equivalent to a 2.1. 

For qualifications awarded before 2005 on a grading scheme out of 5, the following equivalencies may be considered: 2.1 = 4.5 - 4.9, and 2.2 = 4.0 – 4.49

Holders of a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5, or a good two-year Lizentiat / Aufbaustudium / Zweites Staatsexamen or a Masters degree from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, from a recognised Greek university (AEI), and will usually be required to have completed a good Metaptychiako Diploma Eidikefsis (Masters degree) from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés or Egyetemi Oklevel from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 3.5, or a good Mesterfokozat (Masters degree) or Egyetemi Doktor (university doctorate), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution, with 100 out of 110 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10, or a post-2000 Magistrs, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 16/20 or 80% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, or a good post-2001 Magistras, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, or a Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées (comparable to a UK PGDip) or Masters degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from the University of Malta with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons), and/or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10, and/or a good Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters, Mastergrad, Magister. Artium, Sivilingeniør, Candidatus realium or Candidatus philologiae degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0/4 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Bachiller, Licenciado, or Título Profesional with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4 out of 5, dobry ‘good’, and/or a good Swiadectwo Ukonczenia Studiów Podyplomowych (Certificate of Postgraduate Study) or post-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus 'better than good', will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, and/or a good Mestrado / Mestre (Masters) from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree/Diploma de Master/Diploma de Studii Academice Postuniversitare (Postgraduate Diploma - Academic Studies) or Diploma de Studii Postuniversitare de Specializare (Postgraduate Diploma - Specialised Studies) to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) or Диплом Магистра (Magistr) degree from recognised universities in Russia (minimum GPA of 4.0) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/PhD study.

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’, and/or a good Inžinier or a post-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10, and/or a good Diploma specializacija (Postgraduate Diploma) or Magister (Masters) will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 7 out of 10 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good "PostGraduate Certificate" or "PostGraduate Diploma" or a Masters degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) may be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for entry to our postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree or Mphil from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree / Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised Ukrainian higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

International Students

• How to apply
• Online chat events

Doctor of Clinical Psychology DClinPsy

Most students complete this programme in 3 years full-time.

The aim of the programme is to train clinical psychologists skilled in evidence-based psychological assessment, intervention and research.

The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) at the University of Bath is a professional training course for Clinical Psychologists in the United Kingdom, leading to a doctoral qualification approved by the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP: Level 2), and Association for Family Therapy (AFT: Foundation Level).

The programme provides a comprehensive range of placement and research opportunities. In all aspects of the programme there is a strong emphasis on integration of theory, research and practice, and on equality, diversity and inclusion, supporting trainees to become reflective scientist-practitioners. People with personal experience (PPE) are involved in and shape all aspects of the programme.

There are opportunities for trainees to join active research programmes in: Adult Lifespan Mental Health; Clinical Health Psychology; Children and Young People’s Mental Health; Autism & Intellectual Disabilities; Anxiety & Depression; Trauma; Addictions; Pain; Psychosis; Mindfulness; Environmental Psychology.

Find out about the department's research activities.

• Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 3 years. You cannot take less than 3 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 3 years.

Throughout the three years, three days per week are spent completing six clinical placements, with the remaining two days per week dedicated to teaching (mostly on the University of Bath campus), study time and research.

Occasionally, trainees are unable complete the programme within the three years, which may be due to difficulties with meeting the programme requirements or personal circumstances. The programme works collaboratively with trainees in finding solutions in these cases. If programme registration does extend beyond three years where there are exceptional circumstances, then a funded extension may be possible; if there is no funded extension, then a trainee may incur tuition fee costs (we stress this is exceptionally rare).

There are compulsory taught elements throughout the three-year programme. The focus of teaching, assessment and clinical placements are aligned to support integration of theory and practice and support placement work.

There is no part-time option for this programme. For each new intake there is a single start date, which falls in late September or the first week of October.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

• Registration
• Taught phase
• Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
• Submission for examination
• Examination (Viva Voce)
• Examiners report
• Final submission of thesis / portfolio
• Case Studies 1 and 2
• Placements 1 and 2
• Identification of research projects and initiation
• Case studies 3 and 4
• Placements 3 and 4
• Continuing research projects
• Case study 5
• Placements 5 and 6
• Finalising research project
• Portfolio Submission and Viva Examination
• Final Submission
• Programme content
• Clinical experience
• Interaction and networking
• Online resources
• Practical sessions
• Real-life case studies
• Research project
• Supervisory team
• Video materials

Taught content

Teaching attendance is mandatory. The academic teaching works in tandem with clinical placements.

Year one will cover core competencies and the knowledge required for clinical practice with adults of working age and later life.

Year two will cover working with children and young people, people with learning disabilities and neuropsychology.

Year three will focus on specialist areas of clinical psychology, and emphasise the development of higher-level competencies and meta-competencies including supervisory, management and leadership abilities.

There is a progressive shift from first to third year from supervision towards mentoring, peer supervision and supervising others.

Throughout the course trainees will also receive specialist teaching on our primary therapeutic models, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Systemic Therapy.

The course emphasises the integration of university-based theoretical and clinical skills training using a range of research led teaching and learning strategies. This includes traditional lectures using blended learning, flipping, workshop-based training, problem-based learning, small group sessions, and debates, matching the topics to be taught to the methods of teaching. Teaching is enhanced through the common use of interactive learning methods to ensure an engaging learning experience.

The integration of clinical, research, and academic aspects of the programme is enhanced by teaching which is delivered both by course staff and clinical psychologists from across the region with respective expertise in their fields, as well as teaching by national experts. During the programme occasional teaching days take place in NHS settings as "Away Days". These sessions are also an opportunity for trainees to familiarise themselves with the range of NHS and social care services across the region.

You will usually complete six placements, normally of six-months duration, over the three year of the programme. The first two years focus on: core placement experiences. This involves working with adults of working age and adults with issues relating to later life in the first year, and, in the second year, with people with intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental disorders and children, adolescents and young people. The first placement is mostly observational at first with only one day per week in placement. This increases to two and then three days per week, as the trainee takes on more clinical responsibility. At this point they then have two days per week at the University. In April, trainees will begin their second placement. Some first-year placements are within lifespan services, and in such cases, trainees may remain in the same setting for the whole of the first year.

In the final year, trainees can choose their ‘elective placements’. As the course has a strong commitment to Clinical Health Psychology training, trainees who have not yet had a placement of this kind will be strongly encouraged to complete one in their final year. However, trainees who wish to gain experience in other specialist areas can choose to do so.

Whilst most placements are six months in duration, in some instances it is possible to have extended, 12-month placements. This may involve ageless services in the first year (covering competencies for working age adults and later life), or specialist services in the third year, where certain therapeutic models (e.g. DBT) or client groups (people who are harder to engage or have more severe and complex needs) benefit from extended contact.

There may be some flexibility in timings and placement arrangements according to training needs and interests, provided competencies in the core areas have been attained.

The aim is to arrange placements that meet the requirements of clinical psychology training whilst offering some flexibility to account for the particular needs, interests and career aspirations of the trainee. There is a personal planning and training needs assessment process which is central to making such arrangements work.

A range of other specialisations may also be developed, based on trainee career aspirations and NHS requirements, availability of appropriate expertise and supervisory capacity. Such specialisation can begin relatively early in the course. Assuming sufficient development of core professional competencies, specialisation can be emphasised during the third year of the course through elective placements.

Our training programme works in close partnership with NHS trusts in the Southwest region. This includes Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Health Foundation Trust, North Bristol NHS Trust, Sirona, and in Bath and North East Somerset Community Health and Care Service. It should therefore be noted that our places are spread over a wide area. We also work with other providers including third sector organisation. Together, these services provide a range of excellent training placements.

To access the opportunities across the region, and meet their training needs, trainees will need to travel over the course of training. It is the responsibility of the trainee to be able to get to their placement and to fulfil the need of work associated with that placement. You are therefore expected to drive your own car or to provide your own transport means and given the rural localities please note public transport is not always available.

Reasonable adjustments are made as required for those trainees with a disability that may prevent them from driving. If you think this applies to you please contact [email protected].

Currently, candidates do not need a full license at the point of applying. However any offer made to you would be conditional upon you confirming that you will have a valid driving license and access to a suitable vehicle (or that you will be able to organise suitable independent transport arrangements) for any placements.

Research content

Consistent with the aim to train competent scientist-practitioners, the course has a strong emphasis on research and service-evaluation. The thesis assessed at viva comprises three projects:

• service-related project
• literature review
• main research project

all to be completed by May of the third year.

Trainees are supported in their research activities by a primary and secondary research supervisor. Research supervisors are drawn from the DClin programme team and wider university departments, as well as the pool of clinical psychologists working within the region. All trainees involve people with personal experience in one or more of the three projects.

The research projects are presented in a portfolio in a style suitable for publication in an appropriate journal, with at least one being of a publishable standard, rather than as a thesis which must then be rewritten for publication. This will help trainees develop skills in writing for publication and ensure that much of the high- quality work conducted by trainees finds its way into journals.

See a list of trainee publications .

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment methods

• Work-based placement

Assessment description

Assessment of academic, clinical and research competence takes place across the course of the three years. This will take the form of:

• Five case studies. Each case study is an academic report based on a piece of clinical work undertaken on placement. Case studies demonstrate skills in psychological practice and knowledge of the wider theory and research base, as well as evidence of self-reflection and cultural awareness.
• Clinical competencies will be regularly assessed by your placement supervisor(s). Your clinical supervisor will offer regular supervision and observation of your clinical work. You will complete formal direct assessments of clinical competency twice in each placement, with additional informal observations from your supervisor(s). Your clinical tutor will attend a Mid Placement Review meeting half-way through each placement with you and your supervisor(s), and if there are outstanding training needs or essential competencies to be met in order to pass placement these will be identified, and a plan put in place to ensure these are met. There will be a final End of Placement Review meeting towards the end of each placement and at this point all relevant competencies must be passed in order to pass the placement and proceed onto the next placement.
• Annual appraisal
• Reflective narrative
• Research conference presentation
• Developmentally appropriate cognitive assessments
• Research project proposals – you will write a proposal for each of the projects which makes up your portfolio
• Research portfolio/viva – your research portfolio will be examined in a viva towards the end of the final year of the programme.
• Entry requirements

Academic requirements

You must meet a range of essential criteria to be considered for a place on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course.

Academic qualifications - you must hold at the point of application, either a 1st class or 2:1 in an undergraduate psychology degree, OR an undergraduate degree in another subject, plus a Master's level conversion course (at merit or distinction).

Research experience - Research experience in addition to an undergraduate project. This can be an undergraduate placement year, if additional to the degree requirement. Other suitable experience includes service audit/evaluation and development, PhD, MSc or other research posts.

Additional Academic Criteria

Undergraduate degree classifications for subjects which are not GBC accredited are not considered as part of the selection process.

PGDip conversion courses are only accepted where an applicant with an undergraduate degree including modules in psychology (with a minimum 2:1 or above) has taken a conversion course to achieve GBC.

No score will be allocated to the PGDip as part of the academic score (see the Selection Procedure section below for details). Account will be taken of further qualifications in short-listing.

Any offers made to applicants currently studying for a PhD will be conditional on passing their viva with at most minor modifications before the programme start date. Applicants should take account of this early in their planning in organising Vivas.

Professional requirements

Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS) - Candidates from non-GBC accredited courses need to have applied and gained membership themselves.

Clinical experience - a minimum of nine months, full time equivalent, relevant clinical experience of working with people with psychological needs either in a paid or voluntary capacity, or a clinically relevant research capacity, at the time of application. (see ‘desirable criteria’ below for examples).

Other requirements

Desirable criteria:

Appropriate research experience - research development, co-ordination, co-production of research with people with personal experience (PPE) and stakeholders, ethics-approval and dissemination (for example) are rated more highly than data collection/entry. Research development, co-ordination, ethics-approval and dissemination (for example) are rated more highly than data collection/entry.

Appropriate clinical work experience - we give credit for the following types of relevant clinical experience:

• the NHS or a health or social care setting (such as those commissioned by Clinical Commissioning Groups)
• experience with a wider range of client groups or variety of settings and over longer periods of time
• experience that indicates a candidate has shown development in their skills and competencies
• direct experience of delivering psychological intervention under appropriate supervision (such as an assistant psychologist or psychological wellbeing practitioner)
• structured clinical or neuropsychological assessments
• clinical health psychology

We value voluntary work and commitment to social change and environmental issues.

Publications - we give credit for authorship of publications in peer-reviewed journals where the candidate has evidenced their contribution to the work. We also give credit for oral and poster presentations at national conferences and contribution to substantive health service publications.

Additional skills and competencies - we value a range of additional activities, skills and training (such as postgraduate certificate level training and counselling courses). Valued indirect skills include:

• leadership skills
• teaching qualifications
• community involvement projects
• drama skills
• competency in different languages
• media experience

We operate an equal opportunities policy and you will not be disadvantaged in the selection process or through training because of race, religion, age, gender, social class or sexual orientation. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds including mature or second career applicants. We encourage applications from candidates who have a disability, and are committed to making all reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of interviewees and trainees with disabilities. We intend to use contextual information as part of this process, and so encourage applicants to provide such information as relevant. We use contextual information in positive action initiatives in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Personal qualities and values consistent with the NHS constitution - you must demonstrate that you can give the highest standards of professional care. You must demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice.

The ethos of the Bath Programme is consistent with the core values of the NHS Constitution and of inclusivity and equality.

We aim to recruit individuals who:

Demonstrate personal qualities and values consistent with the core values of the NHS Constitution

Show evidence of a commitment to the core principles of clinical psychology and the specific ethos and philosophy of the Bath course

Are from many differing backgrounds, with a wide variety of life and work experiences, aptitudes and talents

Have the ability to form meaningful and productive connections with the full range of vulnerable people and to always act in their best interests.

Have willingness and capacity to develop and manage these connections in a compassionate way in clinical, research and other roles.

Demonstrate understanding of the personal qualities and values that will support the provision of the highest standards of professional care.

This can in part be demonstrated through their personal qualities, values and beliefs which we assess throughout our selection procedure.

Ability to transport yourself to placement locations - You are therefore expected to drive your own car or to provide your own transport means and given the rural localities please note public transport is not always available. Reasonable adjustments are made as required for those trainees with a disability that may prevent them from driving. If you think this applies to you please contact [email protected].

Additional Information for International Applications: - All places are NHS funded. We do not currently accept applications from International candidates or offer any self funded places. See Fees and funding section for more details.

English Language requirements

You need either of the following:

• IELTS: a minimum score of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each element
• a completed degree in an English-speaking country or from a non-English speaking country taught in English, studied for at least three years

You need to have gained your English language qualification within 24 months before you start the course.

Two strong references from appropriate referees. One of these must be from an academic referee who has taught or supervised you in an academic setting. One of these must be from an experience referee who has knowledge and experience of you working in a relevant clinical setting. Each reference (suitability statement) must be provided by a different person.

• Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Doctor of Clinical Psychology DClinPsy

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

Funding options

Eligibility for Home/EU fee status - find out more about eligibility and fee status .

Eligibility for Funding - Health Education England South West commissions the course and provides trainees with financial support. You must ensure before applying that you are eligible for both home fees status and have the right to work in the UK. For any queries regarding eligibility, general immigration and residence requirements, see the website and the HEE funding for psychological professions training programmes FAQs .

Have you already done NHS-funded training? - If you have already received NHS funding for training in the psychological professions you may not be able to apply this year. See further information at Clearing House

Clearing House Funding Page

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Read more about your payment options

• Application information
• Programme title Doctor of Clinical Psychology DClinPsy
• Final award DClinPsy
• Mode of study Full-time
• Course code RHPS-AFD02
• Department Department of Psychology
• Location University of Bath Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY

For a September/October start the deadline is the November in the preceding calendar year for UK students only.

• Regulator The Office for Students (OfS)

Selection process

We will review all applications received and compile a short-list. If you are to be considered for this course then you will be invited for an interview.

All correspondence regarding the selection process will be sent via email, using the email address on the Clearing House application form. Successful candidates are notified by telephone as soon as possible after the interviews. Reserve list and unsuccessful candidates are notified by email in the first instance and general interview feedback is provided by email.

Formal offers will be sent out after the interviews by email. Reserve list candidates will be kept informed of any significant changes regarding their place on the reserve list.

If you are accepted on to the course you will be an employee of the NHS for the duration of your training. Trainees on our course will be employed by  Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

You will receive salary support paid at  Band 6 of the Agenda for Change pay scale

Any offer of a place will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and an Occupational Health check, both carried out by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

Any offer of a place will be conditional upon you confirming that you are able to organise suitable independent transport links for any placements. Ideally this would be a valid driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle.

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) publication,  a disabled person’s guide to becoming a health professional .

Find out more about pre-employment checks for candidates with EU nationalities, including settled status .

• Programme enquiries

DclinPsy Programme Team

• Apply for this programme

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Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Introduction.

The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society and is recognized by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as meeting their requirements for registration.

The programme provides academic, clinical and research training for psychologists to a standard that meets the society's standard for Chartered Clinical Psychologist status, and its graduates are fit to practice in the UK National Health Service.

Please note that you cannot apply directly to the programme, see the Clearing House website for more details on entry requirements and how to apply. We cannot respond to individual requests for information about the application process.

Current trainees can find all resources on the VLE .

Local Clinical Psychologists and contributors to the Programme can access our further resources on our extranet site . 

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Postgraduate Study - PhD and Research Degrees

• Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)
• Postgraduate Research home

Research topics and degrees

• Over 40 years' experience in providing clinical psychology training
• Emphasis on adult lifelong learning exemplified in our problem-based learning approach
• Strong commitment to offer a broad theoretical base in the three major evidence-based approaches (CBT, CAT and systemic)
• Expertise in clinical neuropsychology and mood disorders
• Commitment to equity, inclusion and promoting diversity
• Active involvement by Experts by Experience in designing and delivering teaching, committee membership and recruitment of staff and trainees
• Excellent range of research opportunities

View 2024 Entry

How to apply

Apply online

Ask a question

Clinical doctorates website

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

DClin PGR support team: [email protected]

Internationally respected and fast developing social, environmental and organisational psychology research group, and a major centre for cognitive, clinical and neuroscience research

11th in the UK for internationally excellent research in Psychology

REF 2021 based on 4* and 3* research, submitted to UoA4 Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience

Top 10 in the UK for Psychology

9th (joint) in the Guardian University Guide 2025

Extensive research facilities including eye tracking, EEG/ERP and TMS laboratories, audio-visual recording suite and MRI scanner

Accreditations

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society and has been approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .

BPS Accreditation

Our latest BPS Accreditation visit in June 2022 highlighted these areas of good practice for our programme:

• The range of therapy modalities and potential opportunities for dual accreditation that the programme provides for trainees.
• The programme team offers great support and engagement for Experts by Experience (EbE).
• There is a positive relationship between placement supervisors and trainees.
• The programme is highly regarded by the University stakeholders.

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Applications are made through the  clearing house website .  Overseas applicants who do not meet criteria for home fee status should also apply through the Clearing House system.

All applications must be sent to the Clearing House by the beginning of December the year prior to entry. Visit the Clearing House website for precise deadline dates each year.

Visit the Clearing House website for more information on how to apply.

Our approach to selection:

We are looking for trainees ready to embrace learning, with an existing commitment to inclusion, reflection and developing high levels of competence in research, clinical work, academic assignments and socio-cultural competence. We also want to attract trainees who are able to demonstrate that their values and behaviours align with the values of the  NHS Constitution   and who meet the requirements of the Clinical Psychology Trainee Job Description and Person Specification (.pdf)

Our selection process:

Minimum requirements for application.

All applications that meet the minimum academic and clinical requirements for the course will go through our shortlisting process. In order to apply you must have:

Graduate Basis for Registration (GBC) confirmed at time of application;

Plus one of the following

• 1st class or 2:1 psychology degree
• 1st class or 2:1 non-psychology degree plus completion of an accredited psychology conversion course, awarded at a Merit or Distinction
• 2:2 undergraduate psychology degree plus a research Masters (a course that requires completion of a research dissertation), awarded at Merit or Distinction, a DPhil or a PhD
• 2:2 without a Masters if one of the Contextual Admissions criteria (on the Clearing House Contextual survey) is met

Plus a minimum of 1 year (full time equivalent) of clinically relevant experience

Shortlisting

All applications that meet the minimum academic and clinical requirements for the course will go through our shortlisting process outlined below:

Assessment questionnaires 

All applicants who meet the minimum application criteria will be invited to undertake a battery of questionnaires which ask about various relevant capacities (such as self-reflection, receptivity to feedback, compassion and team working).  These questionnaires are not tests of intelligence or mental ability; you will be sent a link to complete these questions at home.

Fairness and equality of access is our priority at Exeter.  The questionnaires used have been rigorously tested for validity and reliability across a range of populations and we have undertaken our own internal checks to ensure that their use has not shown bias towards any particular group.  We will continue to review this every year.

Application form review

Scores on the assessment questionnaires are rank-ordered and the top 50% are sent to our second stage of shortlisting, where forms are reviewed by our shortlisting panels.  After this, applicants will be informed if they have been invited to interview.  We shortlist 90 applicants to interview for 30 places. 

Positive action

Due to the underrepresentation of people from the global majority in the profession of clinical psychology and the demonstrated bias towards white applicants in the shortlisting process, we have devised a Positive Action route for applicants who identify as being from a racially minoritised group; this has been used for the past two years

Following the application form review, all those who are not shortlisted for interview and who identify as from a racially minoritised group, will be considered under the Positive Action policy.  Eligible applications are reviewed and if they meet the minimum interview criteria (a minimum score across our standard shortlisting criteria), they will be offered interview.  Additionally, any applicants eligible for Positive Action who are placed on the reserve interview list during the shortlisting process, will be automatically offered interview.  

Positive Action interviews are offered in addition to the 90 short-listed interviews.  Positive Action interviews are randomly allocated to interview panels throughout the interview days and are undertaken in exactly the same way as other interviews; panel members do not know who has come from the Positive Action route and application forms are not made available to interview panels.  In the two years we have used Positive Action, people coming from this route have been amongst those who received first-offers and reserve-offers to our cohort.  

If you would like to make use of our positive action processes you will need to provide consent for your Equal Opportunities data to be shared with the course at the time of application.  

Application data

The data you provide in your application is used in the following areas:

• for processing your application and for the selection processes we use as a programme;
• for audit, research and service enhancement, which may include making anonymised data public;
• for producing and reporting monitoring statistics, which may include making anonymised data public.

Please note that when making anonymised data public, this will always be reporting data as a group and never for individuals.

Following shortlisting, applicants will be notified whether they are being invited for interview, on the reserve list for interview, or have been unsuccessful. 

Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams in the spring of each year. We have a two-stage interview process - one interview will focus on research knowledge and ability, the other will focus on clinical knowledge and ability, and readiness for training.  Interviews will take place on the same day with a break in between and will be undertaken by different interview panels, allowing for multiple and diverse perspectives to feed into the outcome.  Interview panels will be made up of course team members, clinicians and experts by experience.  Candidates may be given tasks to undertake prior to the interview in preparation for the day, such as a video/roleplay/research design. 

Applicants who are invited for interview will be able to take advantage of our buddy system, enabling them to meet with a current trainee prior to interview to find out more about the lived experience of the course and trainee life at Exeter. Applicants who require adaptations to interview processes due to disability / additional needs should contact us.

Applicants should consult the Clearing House website to find out the dates for interview for the relevant year and whether interviews will be online or in person. In exceptional circumstances, alternative interview dates are available, please contact the course team to find out if your circumstances apply.

Once interview days have concluded, applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application (offer, reserve offer or unsuccessful). Unsuccessful and reserve list applicants will be given the opportunity to meet with the chair of their interview panel to get feedback on their interview.

All offers of a place on a course are dependent on satisfactory criminal record and health checks and compliance with health checks will be acted upon.

International Trainees

We hold our international interviews a month before our ‘home student’ interviews. Shortlisting for international interviews is done by programme staff and the interview panel is made up of a member of the programme senior management team and a Psychology Head of Service from one of our local NHS Trusts. Like the home students, unsuccessful international trainees are offered a chance to talk to the course staff that interviewed them for feedback.

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile F : view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country .

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The programme is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across all aspects of the course, not only from a social justice standpoint, but because we recognise the immense value that a broad range of experiences and backgrounds bring to the profession of Clinical Psychology. We are committed to diversifying the profession so that clinical psychologists also reflect the diversity within the client groups we serve.

We welcome applicants from diverse cultural and personal contexts, mature applicants with extensive life experience, and applicants with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities are welcome to contact us to discuss the programme's capacity to meet their training needs. Please contact the Programme Administrator or the University AccessAbility department for further details.

Our selection procedures are designed to be fair, and informed by current thinking on broadening access, thereby enabling the Exeter programme to select the strongest candidates. We use positive action for people from racially minoritised groups and contextual admissions processes for those who have faced socio-economic disadvantage. We do not require candidates to have a driving licence; however, because of the remoteness of some of the placements this is advised.

We run two mentoring schemes for those from racially minoritised backgrounds: Breaking Through ,  for those considering applying for DClinPsy training, and Amplify, for those currently on training. We also have active ‘Anti-racism’ and ‘Addressing Disability’ working groups on the course so that we can continuously review and refine our processes.

DClinPsy training at Exeter is informed and enriched by input from our Lived Experience Group. Experts by experience are involved in the design and delivery of the course including selection, the curriculum and teaching, and research consultation, and we are committed to continued involvement. We encourage those with experience of using clinical psychology and mental health services to apply.

DClinPsy Open Day resources

• Welcome to DClinPsy Open Day 2023
• Academic Overview
• Clinical Module Overview
• Research Module Overview

Fees and funding

Fees are paid by HEE for students who have obtained a commissioned place. Trainees are appointed at Agenda for change band 6 at the first point on this scale.

International fees for 2025/26 are: £31,200 per annum

My favourite aspect of training at Exeter is the plurality of perspectives that are encouraged across the academic, clinical, and research strands. 

As someone who tends to think about psychological distress in terms of relationship and community connection, I loved the fact I was exposed to ideas and approaches that reinforced my perspective but also added new layers and sometimes even challenged my assumptions. This has enabled me to think much more broadly and deeply about clinical work, research, and my own self-concept as a psychologist. 

Read more from Trainee

Cohort 2021

Course content

Teaching, research and placements.

We place an emphasis on core competencies across clinical specialisms and theoretical orientations. The academic content is enriched and informed by the experiential learning gained on clinical placements.

The programme works in partnership with local NHS providers and has strong links with the region’s clinical psychologists who contribute to teaching and are able to offer a wide range of clinical experience in a variety of settings. We offer training to supervisors on having a trainee and on anti-racism and inclusion.

Progression through the doctorate requires successful completion of continuously assessed tasks which are coordinated across the three modules to ensure a reasonable workload. These are supplemented with a number of formatively assessed assignments.

Feedback is regularly sought from trainees on the quality of teaching, placements and all other aspects of the programme.

The views of our stakeholders are valued highly and all stakeholders, including trainees, are key members of decision-making committees that influence programme development (e.g. placement, curriculum, selection, joint training committee, etc.)

Course Handbooks

• DClinPsy Programme Handbook
• DClinPsy Academic Handbook
• DClinPsy Research Handbook
• DClinPsy Clinical Handbook
• DClin Systemic foundation level handbook
• DClin Systemic Intermediate level handbook
• BABCP Level 1 Handbook
• BABCP Level 2 Handbook
• DclinPsy Map Raising Complaints and Accessing Support
• CAT foundation level handbook

As a marginalised person, I had my concerns about relocating to the South West of England. However, placement supervisors, clinical tutors, and management, including my appraiser, have been extremely supportive and considerate of my needs, social positioning and both personal and professional goals

I have also found the faculty overall to be genuine, and I have had enjoyable conversations with them about clinical psychology and how it relates to our lives.

Placement supervisors have also appropriately and genuinely initiated conversations about race, neurodiversity, gender, sexuality, and other social graces. I also admire the course's dedication to diversity and inclusion. The course has plans and will continue to explore ways to make the profession more diverse and inclusive.

There were so many interesting topics to learn about on the course, including and not limited to systemic practice, leadership and organisational influence, dynamic models of working, neuropsychology and cognitive analytic therapy. Overall, my time here has been truly a life-changing experience.

Cohort 2019

Our selection procedures are designed to be fair, and informed by current thinking on broadening access, thereby enabling the Exeter programme to select the strongest candidates. To address socio-economic inequality and contextual admissions, we have a slightly different selection criteria for those with contextual admissions. You do not need a driving license to study at Exeter; however, because of the remoteness of some of the placements this is advised.

We run two mentoring schemes for those from racialised minority backgrounds: Breaking Through (PDF) , for those considering applying for DClinPsy training, and Amplify, for those currently on training. These mentoring schemes are to try to overcome the barriers that structural and systemic racism create. We also have active ‘Anti-racism’ and ‘Addressing Disability’ working groups on the course. We choose to have working groups rather than an EDI committee so that we can stay task focused and put our energy into making changes for the better.

Once such change is that if applicants from a racialised minority ethnic group meet a minimum shortlisting criteria (which is not detailed on this website), then we will put people through to interview. The minimum criteria is there because all candidates must fulfil this in relation to research, clinical skills and readiness. We will put this in place for all applicants who have given the Clearing House permission for us to know your racialised identity, and if this falls into a racialised minority because of this underrepresentation in Clinical Psychology.

We encourage those with experience of using clinical psychology and mental health services to apply: [email protected]  

Supervision

As well as senior and experienced trained clinicians who are also working in various clinical settings, teaching on the programme, students also have access to senior, research active supervisors and teachers in a range of research methodologies, qualitative and quantitative, with a wide spectrum of research interests. For more information about the course team and their clinical and research interests, see our  Staff Profiles.  

You can expect:

• High-quality research supervision to develop and nurture your potential
• A tailored supervision approach to help best suit your requirements
• Accessible supervisors who are enthusiastic about working directly with postgraduate research students
• Regular timetabled meetings with your supervisor
• Regular meetings with your supervisory team, other members of your research group, and mentors

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The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.

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Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.

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Clinical and Health Psychology PhD, MScR

Awards: PhD, MScR

Funding opportunities

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

Join us at this annual event comprising 200+ live webinars covering our postgraduate programmes.

Find out more and join our mailing list to hear when registration opens

Research profile

The PhD and MSc by Research in Clinical Psychology offer the chance to work with, and be supervised by, a range of clinical academics across many areas of psychology.

Candidates should note that these programmes do not lead to Chartered Clinical Psychologist status.

Our research involves national and international collaborations, with many projects involving NHS partnerships.

Our research interests include:

• mindfulness and third wave approaches
• eating behaviours and disorders
• psychosis and complex mental health
• risk and resilience in children and adolescents
• psychological treatments
• violent behaviour
• sexual offending

You can find out more about MScR and PhD programme options, including supervision information, on the School of Health in Social Science's website:

• MScR Clinical and Health Psychology
• PhD Clinical and Health Psychology

We have an active research group in the area of applied developmental psychology and psychological therapies research for severe mental health issues. A large number of the clinical psychology team and our students are part of the Centre for Applied Developmental Psychology, specialising in research that aims to promote the wellbeing of young people and aid recovery in those with mental health problems.

• Centre for Applied Developmental Psychology

Training and support

The PhD and MSc by Research programmes allow you to conduct an independent research project that makes a significant contribution to your chosen field of study and to further develop your research skills. We provide expertise in a variety of research methods including qualitative and quantitative approaches.

You will be assigned two supervisors (usually one for MSc by Research) and you will meet with your supervisors regularly. Workshops, seminars and courses in research methods are available to postgraduate students undertaking a higher degree by research.

We work in close collaboration with the Graduate School of Social & Political Science, enabling School of Health in Social Science research students to benefit from the extensive suite of social science research courses offered by both Schools.

With close ties with other humanities disciplines and with colleagues in the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, we offer PhD students excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary supervision and research project development.

PhD by Distance option

The PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in the same areas as our on-campus programmes: Clinical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Health in Social Science and Nursing Studies.

The programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh full time to study for a PhD in a field of Health in Social Science from their home country or city - however this is not intended to be a fully online distance learning programme.

Students enrolled on this programme will be expected to come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study to meet with their supervisors. The length and timing of these visits are negotiable but students should expect to spend at least two weeks at the University of Edinburgh during each year of study.

For further information on the programme (including entry requirements and how to apply) please see the school website:

• Health in Social Science PhD by Distance

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

For MScR: A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject area.

For PhD: A UK 2:1 honours degree and a UK masters degree, or their international equivalents, in a relevant subject area. We may also consider your application if you do not have a masters degree, but have other relevant research experience.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• Fees and costs

Read our general information on tuition fees and studying costs:

Scholarships and funding

Featured funding.

• Postgraduate research scholarships and funding

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Research Admissions Administrator
• Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5144
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Health in Social Science
• Medical School
• Teviot Place
• Central Campus
• School: Health in Social Science
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This programme is not currently accepting applications. Applications for the next intake usually open in October.

Start date: September , January

Application deadlines

The School of Health in Social Science operates a gathered field approach to PGR applications - this means that all complete applications which satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be held until the nearest deadline and an admissions panel will meet to consider all applications received together after that date.

The application deadlines and dates for decision are listed in the table below. In order to ensure full consideration of your application we ask that you submit your complete application including all supporting documentation by these dates. More information about what will be considered a complete application and how to apply can be found on our School website:

• School of Health in Social Science Postgraduate Research

Applicant's planning to apply for the University of Edinburgh's funding opportunities must apply by the first deadline.

• How to apply

To apply for this programme you must submit the following:

• a completed research proposal form
• 2 references
• the online application form, completed via the ‘Apply’ section above

For guidance on completing the research proposal form, please see the research proposal guidance document provided by the School of Health in Social Science:

• Research proposal guidance

We strongly recommend that you discuss a draft version of your research proposal form with your proposed supervisor and/or with the Programme Director. Please read the ‘Discuss and develop your idea’ section in the research proposal guidance document for more information.

Your reference must be specific to your application, on headed paper, signed by the referee, and dated within the last 6 months. Your reference can be uploaded directly by your referee, or you can upload it yourself.

• Guidance on uploading a reference to the Applicant Hub

We must receive all the information before the deadline for your application to be considered.

If your online application is not completenby the application deadline it will be rejected. If this happens, you can submit another application for a later application deadline.

After you apply, we will evaluate your application. If we are able to progress your application beyond the online stage, you will be invited to participate in an interview with your prospective first supervisor.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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Course type

Qualification, university name, doctorate degrees in clinical psychology.

37 degrees at 30 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

About Postgraduate Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology is a practice-oriented branch of psychology which is a key part of public and private health services in the UK. It deals with the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Studying a doctorate in the subject represents the highest level of education within the field.

A doctorate in clinical psychology is a research-based degree, and in addition to a strong undergraduate and often master’s level qualification in a psychology related field, you’ll need to demonstrate a significant amount of clinical work experience and will also need to prepare a research proposal for the university’s consideration. This will inform the basis of your doctorate work.

There are 29 UK universities offering doctorate courses in clinical psychology, and 11 of these offer part-time attendance. Holding a PhD in clinical psychology opens doors to the highest levels of professional work.

What to expect

A part-time doctorate in clinical psychology can last up to eight years; however, the majority take between four to six years to complete. You’ll continue your clinical psychology practice alongside your doctoral studies, and this gives you an opportunity to integrate your research outcomes with your current professional work.

As a research student, you’ll be undertaking a detailed enquiry into a topic of your choosing, under the supervision of an academic mentor. Your work will be at the level where it can make a meaningful contribution to the field of clinical psychology, and you may also be a teaching component to your course structure.

It is recognised that most graduates will go on to work in the NHS, and your programme will be validated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and your course should carry the accreditation credentials of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Related subjects:

• Doctorate Clinical Psychology
• Doctorate Applied Psychology
• Doctorate Behavioural Psychology
• Doctorate Child Psychology
• Doctorate Cognitive Psychology
• Doctorate Criminal Psychology
• Doctorate Developmental Psychology
• Doctorate Educational Psychology
• Doctorate Forensic Psychology
• Doctorate General Psychology
• Doctorate Human Sexuality
• Doctorate Occupational Psychology
• Doctorate Organisational Behaviour
• Doctorate Organisational Psychology
• Doctorate Psychological Counselling
• Doctorate Psychology
• Doctorate Psychology Specialisations
• Doctorate Social Psychology
• Doctorate Sports Psychology

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

DClinPsych Clinical Psychology

University of plymouth.

Become a competent and capable clinical psychologist. Receive training which emphasises psychotherapy, reflective practice, complex Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree

DClinPsychol Clinical Psychology

Canterbury christ church university.

Studying Clinical Psychology opens the door to a career which is infinitely varied, enabling you to undertake clinical work with a broad Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree

Postgraduate Research in Clinical Psychology

University of east anglia uea.

We are a top tier, research-led university and are committed to making a substantial impact on the global challenges facing society. Our Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

University of hertfordshire.

Our programme is striving towards embedding social justice and anti-racist principles into practice, and we welcome applicants from Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £27,800 per year (UK)

Prof Doc Clinical Psychology

University of east london.

The Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych) course provides a comprehensive training programme comprising concurrent Read more...

Clinical Psychology DClinPsych

University of glasgow.

This Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is collaboratively funded through NHS Education for Scotland and the University of Glasgow. You will Read more...

• 36 months Full time degree

Clinical Psychology Doctor of (DClinPsy)

Newcastle university.

Our course integrates research and clinical practice. It will prepare you for practice as a professional clinical psychologist. The Read more...

Clinical Psychology DClinPsy

University of nottingham.

Become a skilled, clinical psychologist, who'll be eligible to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) .The course Read more...

Health Psychology PhD

University of surrey.

Why choose this programme Contribute to a rapidly evolving area of/ practice and research that is becoming increasingly relevant to modern Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Health Psychology DHealthPsy

Bristol, university of the west of england.

This part-time programme provides BPS-accredited Stage 2 training, a doctoral-level education and a professional Health Care Professions Read more...

• 3 years Part time degree

North Wales Clinical Psychology DClinPsy

Bangor university.

We would like to give you a flavour of what North Wales is like as a place to live and work. Should you end up here, you will spend three Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

We are the world's leading integrated department of applied psychology, focusing on the implementation of groundbreaking research to Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £3,015 per year (UK)

DHealthPsych Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology

Liverpool john moores university.

LJMU's Prof Doc in Health Psychology meets the requirements for BPS Stage Two training in Health Psychology and leads to eligibility for Read more...

• 27 months Full time degree: £7,450 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £3,725 per year (UK)

Doctorate Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych)

University of southampton.

Join a global top 100 research-intensive university and study a mixture of taught and research components on this Clinical Psychology Read more...

Forensic Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ForenClinPsyD)

University of birmingham.

Our Forensic Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ForenClinPsyD) offers broad comprehension in two varying branches of Applied Psychology. Upon Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £15,030 per year (UK)

Health Psychology, PhD

Swansea university.

The importance of psychological factors in promoting good health and managing illness and health risks is an increasingly important Read more...

Clinical Psychology PsychD

Why choose this programme Our professional clinical psychology training is based on a unique combination of psychological theory, research Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree

The DClinPsy at UCL offers a uniquely broad range of clinical and research opportunities to trainees. Current research specialities Read more...

Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD)

Our Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD) leads to a professional qualification in Clinical Psychology and eligibility to apply for Read more...

Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Coventry university.

This is a 3-year full time course which upon successful completion leads to a professional qualification in Clinical Psychology Read more...

1-20 of 37 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning Doctorate
• Full time Doctorate
• Part time Doctorate

Qualification:

Universities:.

• Cardiff University
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• The University of Edinburgh
• King's College London, University of London
• University of Stirling
• University of Manchester
• University of Oxford
• Teesside University
• Lancaster University
• Queen's University Belfast
• University of Liverpool
• University of Exeter
• Staffordshire University

Related Subjects:

• Postgraduate Research

Clinical Psychology PhD / MPhil

• Part time available: yes

Studying in:

• institute-of-population-health
• Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Clinical Psychology registers postgraduate students for both MPhil and PhD degrees, both full-time and part-time. In recent years, up to 24 students have been registered for a higher research degree at any one time.

Why study with us?

(joint) in the UK for our 'world leading' (4*) environment in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)

leading academics.

annual support to extend the impact of our studies.

The Institute of Psychology, Health and Society conducts conducts internationally acclaimed research into many aspects of psychology and human behaviour, including perception, language development, pain, addiction, appetite, and offending behaviour.

We have a long and successful history of research links with NHS services, including a nationally unique psychology service for people in Liverpool who are affected by cancer, which is provided in partnership with the University. Therefore we are extremely well placed to help develop students’ clinical research expertise across a range of settings in mental and physical health care. Our experience is that people undertake research degrees within Clinical Psychology at different stages in their careers and for different reasons.

Our research students include those with first degrees in Psychology, those who already have professional qualifications in Psychology, graduates of disciplines other than Psychology and professionals in other, related disciplines. This reflects the commitment to multidisciplinary approaches, but makes it difficult to make generalisations about the career paths of graduates from research degrees in this area.

Some research students will go on to an academic career in research and teaching. Some students go on to undertake further training in an area of applied psychology (eg Forensic, Clinical) and to careers in, for example, the NHS. Some students are already working in the NHS and undertake a research degree part-time as part of their continuing professional development. For students who have BPS Graduate Basis for Registration, undertaking a research degree may fulfil some of the requirements for gaining Chartered Psychologist status.

The Institute of Psychology, Health and Society conducts world-leading research into the effectiveness of health services, the social origins of health and social inequalities in healthcare, mental health and well-being, including the evaluation of a wide range of psychosocial interventions and therapies and conduct internationally acclaimed research into many aspects of psychology and human behaviour, including perception, language development, pain, addiction, appetite, and offending behaviour. We work collaboratively; the Institute employs academic GPs, public health professionals, psychologists from a range of professional backgrounds, psychiatrists, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and social scientists.

Our research groups work with colleagues from hugely diverse backgrounds; from academic colleagues from many Universities across the world, with industrial partners, with the NHS and other healthcare providers, politicians and political administrators, the police and partners across civil society.

We work across the world - from investigating respiratory disease in central America, through promoting the psychological well-being of young mothers in the middle east to studying attitudes towards epilepsy in Asia - and across widely different aspects of human behaviour - from innovative therapies for many different psychological problems, managing substance use and obesity, through helping people return to work after periods of ill-health and innovative food policies through to the policing of terrorist incidents. In all these areas, our work is characterised by a focus on research excellence and by attention to the real world impact of our scholarship.

In addition to our large and active programme of postgraduate research, we contribute substantially to undergraduate teaching in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, and many of us provide clinical services through local NHS Trusts.

Research groups

• Mental Health in Context
• Forensic and Investigative
• Psychology of Healthcare

Study options and fees

The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year

The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.

* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.

^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.

Entry requirements

A good (2:1 or first class or equivalent) degree in a relevant subject is normally required. Potential students should be aware that for certain projects criminal record checks may be necessary. Projects will always be subject to appropriate ethical approval and in some cases collaborating NHS Trusts may require health checks before permitting access to patients. Prospective applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors in their area of interest before submitting a formal application.

English language requirements

How to apply

Research degree applications can be made online.  You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.

Applications are  open all year round .

More about applying for research degrees

Apply online

Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal

Find a supervisor

Need help finding a supervisor contact us.

• IPH PGR Administrator
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +44 (0)151 794 8293

Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects

Find a scholarship.

We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.

See scholarships

Find a course

• A-Z of courses /
• Studentship vacancies

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Postgraduate Taught

Clinical Psychology

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This unique programme is an exclusive opportunity for BSc Psychology students at the universities of Hull and York to fast track their clinical psychology career, with their fees paid for them, and earning a salary while they train.

So, unlike other universities, you don't need to take one or two years out after your degree to gain employment or voluntary experience before applying for doctorate in clinical psychology.

As long as you’ve successfully completed specialist clinical psychology modules in the third year of your psychology degree at Hull or York universities, you can apply.

Earn while you learn

employed by the NHS on this fully-funded course 1

by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

to a Clinical Psychology career 1

by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Only programme of its kind

About this course

Your week will be split between training on clinical placement over three days, and two days a week in academic teaching and research work.

Over a total of six placements, you’ll work across a range of teams and healthcare settings. You’ll work directly with clients and their families, under the supervision of qualified and experienced clinical psychologists. Working holistically, you’ll liaise with the teams and other professionals who are supporting clients.

You’ll develop psychological assessment and intervention skills, learn how to evaluate psychological services and outcomes, and build your research skills with your own project. You’ll also learn how to write papers for publication.

Employed by the NHS as a Trainee Clinical Psychologist, you’ll earn a salary and have your fees paid 1 . You’ll also get the same benefits as other members of NHS staff including a pension and access to the full range of wellbeing and continuous professional development support. 1

The programme is accredited by the BPS, so when you graduate you can apply for Chartered Membership. It’s also HCPC approved. So you can apply to register to practise as a clinical psychologist after you’ve graduated.

Choose your modules

The Doctorate is a full time, three year programme. You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning – with guidance and supervision – and you will have many opportunities to learn from and with your fellow trainees.

The Doctorate includes the following:

• Much of your teaching will be by NHS clinical psychologists, so your learning will be grounded in clinical practice.
• You will spend three days of each week on placement in a range of teams and health settings and two days a week on academic teaching and research work at the University of Hull.
• You will be working both directly with clients and their families and also with teams and other professionals who are supporting clients, under the supervision of qualified and experienced clinical psychologists.
• As a full time employee of Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust you will have the same benefits and responsibilities as other members of staff.

It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practice using the protected title “Clinical Psychologist” is on the HCPC Register . The Hull Clinical Psychology Doctorate Course has full approval from the HCPC. Successful completion of this Course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

Important information

This course is accredited by

You’ll be taught by practising psychologists and research-active academics. So your learning is grounded in clinical practice.

Our broad range of expertise includes neuropsychology, psychology and climate change, learning disabilities, community psychology, and adult and children’s mental health.

See more academics for this subject

Dr Nick Hutchinson

Nick is our Programme Director and an honorary Clinical Psychologist for the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust. His clinical practice background is in working with adults with intellectual disabilities which is also his area of research expertise.

Dr Emma Lewis

Emma is a qualified cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) practitioner as well as one of our tutors. She works as a Principal Clinical Psychologist in the Hull Integrated Community Stroke Service, carrying out psychological assessments and interventions.

• International

What do I need?

The Doctorate is only open to applications from students in the third year of the BSc Psychology at the University of Hull and the University of York. 

As the Doctorate is funded by the NHS, to apply you must be from the UK or have the right to work in the UK under the EU settlement scheme (EUSS) without restriction.

All applicants must have successfully completed specialist clinical psychology modules in their third year of the BSc Psychology course and graduated with a 2:1 or 1 st class honours degree. In the Hull undergraduate programme, around 30 – 40 students are selected for the clinical modules running in the third year. Selection for these modules takes place towards the end of semester two in the second year of the undergraduate course.

Applicants are not required to have lengthy pre-training clinical experience. However, we do expect to see evidence of commitment to clinical psychology, such as voluntary work or other experience with vulnerable people.

Selection for the postgraduate course takes place in the second semester of the third year of the undergraduate course. The selection process includes an interview with clinical psychologists, an interview with a person who has lived experience of psychological difficulties and receiving help, and references from academic staff and from relevant work settings.

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust acts as the employer (Hosting Trust) for trainees on the Hull Clinical Psychology course. Successful candidates will need to complete a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) and health check before beginning the programme, details will be provided to successful applicants. Trainees are required to have vaccinations and occupational health assessments as required by the employer.

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses .

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it.

The National Health Service (NHS) currently provides the funding for all places on clinical psychology courses. People accepted on these NHS funded places are currently employed by the NHS as Trainee Clinical Psychologists while they study.

Please see the NHS Health Careers website for more information about NHS pay and benefits.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

• Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
• Optional field trips
• Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
• Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
• Student visas (international students)
• Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PCs on campus, but you may want your own)
• Printing and photocopying
• Professional-body membership
• Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

This course is fully funded by the NHS.

This course is open to UK applicants only.

Take a look at our facilities

Allam medical building.

Your taught programme includes full and half-day workshops, some of which will take place in our award-winning Allam Medical Building – the heart of our £28 million Health Campus.

Clinical Placement Facilities

Our strong links with the NHS and other healthcare organisations give you the chance to take a range of different clinical placements where you’ll work directly with clients in fantastic facilities.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our seven-storey library is a superb learning space. As well as over a million books, there’s a variety of study areas, and one amazing view.

Open-access PCs

You’ll find over 400 open-access PCs at your disposal in our library. As well as over 70 laptops available to borrow.

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Look around

There’s a strong demand for qualified clinical psychologists across the UK and this programme is a unique opportunity to enter the profession early.

Clinical psychologists work with a range of clients from children, young people and their families, to adults with mental health challenges, injuries, chronic ill-health and disabilities. And within a variety of clinical settings including hospitals, clinics, health centres and community teams.

Our graduates go on to a range of careers within the field including one-to-one psychological therapy, teaching and training, consultancy, forensic clinical psychology, service evaluation, research, supervision and clinical psychology leadership roles.

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.

Not ready to apply?

We regularly deliver virtual and on-campus events to help you discover your perfect postgraduate course, whether it’s a subject you already love or something completely different. Our events are an opportunity for you to chat to tutors and current students and find out about the career options a postgraduate degree could lead to.

You may also be interested in…

Msc clinical applications of psychology.

• The National Health Service (NHS) currently provides the funding for most of the places on clinical psychology courses. People accepted on these NHS-funded places are currently employed by the NHS as Trainee Clinical Psychologists while they study. The starting salary is at the bottom of Band 6 on the Agenda for Change pay scale (please NHS Health Careers website for more information about NHS pay and benefits). Course fees are usually paid by the NHS.

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies and similar tracking technologies described in our privacy policy .

Your membership has expired. Renew today!

February 12, 2023

Understanding the Differences Between Graduate Degrees in Clinical Psychology

• Graduate & Professional School Advising
• Graduate School
• Graduate Students

If you are working with students applying to graduate school in clinical psychology—or planning to do so in the future—you are bound to confront the question: what is the difference between a PhD in clinical psychology and a PsyD program? How do these two degrees vary in terms of application requirements, academic experience, and career paths offered? Furthermore, what can psychology students who graduate with a master’s degree go on to do? I have worked with applicants to graduate programs in psychology for over ten years and recently spoke with four knowledgeable professionals to gain an even deeper understanding of the options available to students. In the article below, I’ll walk you through defining features of the various graduate degrees in psychology and discuss how to help your students make the best choice for their interests, preferences, and goals.

Overview of Accredited Program Types

First, let’s take a look at the options students have, by the numbers. There are 418 APA-accredited doctoral programs of psychology, including 310 PhD programs and 108 PsyD programs, according to the American Psychological Association.

Interestingly, very few universities offer both PhD and PsyD programs, and the schools that offer PhD programs tend to be the more research-based “R-1” universities (as classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education based on the schools’ investment and productivity in research).

The Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, in clinical psychology is the most research-focused of the three degrees. Such programs are said to follow a “scientist-practitioner” or “scholar-practitioner” model, in which the generation of new knowledge is the first priority. PhD programs thus focus on admitting students who have at least two years of research experience prior to applying and make the creation of original scholarship a centerpiece of the graduate school experience. Such programs take five to eight years to complete, and generally require that students write a dissertation.

PhD programs tend to be small and are highly selective in their admissions. Nova Southeastern University’s PhD program, for example, admits many fewer applicants than their PsyD program because PhD students work with specific faculty members throughout their training. “We have these wonderful one-to-one number of faculty who are available to be a mentor for that applicant,” says Gregory Gayle, EdS PhD candidate in educational leadership, director of recruitment and admissions for the College of Psychology at Nova Southeastern. An added bonus of PhD programs is that they often provide students with full or partial funding.

Applying to a PhD program at which you’ll work with a specific research adviser throughout your training is “a bit of a risk if you are not completely sure what you want to study,” says Mary Thorn,* a third-year PhD student in clinical psychology at the City College of New York. But such programs tend to provide full funding, so “financially, it makes a lot of sense—but those programs are by far the most competitive, because you get a full ride.” When Thorn applied to graduate school in 2019, she looked at the faculty accepting students at each program she was considering and, if there wasn’t someone whose specific research area appealed to her, didn’t apply to that school.

Thorn applied to a total of around 15-18 graduate programs, including about two-thirds PhD programs and one-third PsyD programs—so she hadn’t decided which route to take by the time she applied. But, per her interests and background, she favored programs with a more clinical bent that were still PhD programs, which were more affordable, skewed older (Thorn was in her late twenties when she applied), and tended to have more diverse student bodies, as far as she could tell. Thorn ultimately was accepted to six PhD programs and four PsyD programs, and narrowed her choices down to three PhD programs that had more psychodynamic or mindfulness-oriented offerings than the others: Adelphi, Hofstra, and City College, which she ended up selecting.

PhD degrees are ideal for students who enjoy conducting original research, are up for a long schooling experience, want or need to spend little to no money on graduate school, and hope to pursue a combination of research, teaching, and clinical work. Many of Thorn’s classmates hope to balance out private practice with work that’s more affordable for patients and have a wide variety of career aspirations: one wants to focus on eldercare; another wants to be a sports psychologist for a premier-league team; others are particularly interested in cross-cultural studies (since research to date has primarily focused on societies that are “WEIRD”: Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic). Many PhD students go on to complete post-doctoral degrees upon graduation—for example, at psychoanalytic institutes like IPTAR or the William Alanson White Institute.

“PhD—there’s more gravitas to it, and people in a social psych lens will respect it more,” Thorn says. Teaching opportunities can come more easily to PhDs, who can teach at any level, including at PhD programs. But as we’ll see in the next section, the difference between PhD and PsyD programs has become less and less acute over time.

The Doctor of Psychology, or PsyD, is more focused on the clinical experience than the PhD. While PhDs follow a “scholar-practitioner” model, PsyDs tend to follow an inversion of it, namely: the “practitioner-scholar” model. While PhD programs train students to generate original knowledge, PsyD programs have traditionally been centered on applying said knowledge in the field. PsyD programs are a bit shorter than PhD programs—they take four to six years to complete—and do not tend to be funded.

“Historically, when PsyDs were newer to the space of psychology, the career paths were very different,” says Katherine Marshall Woods, PsyD, assistant professor of clinical psychology, director of clinical training, and deputy director of the Professional Psychology Program at George Washington University. “That is no longer the case. Most things that one can do with a PhD, one can do with a PsyD. There is no longer that sort of discrepancy.” Gayle echoes this sentiment: PhD graduates working in the academy and PsyD graduates working in the clinic “is really not a strong difference anymore,” he says. “We have individuals who are PsyDs teaching, we have individuals who have their PhD working in agencies, etcetera. But historically, that has been the difference.” Thorn points out that many PsyD programs have developed robust clinical research tracks that align to some degree with PhD programs’ research sequences. And PsyD students can, like PhD students, go on to teach at the college level, do original research, and/or become licensed psychologists (pending passing a licensing exam after graduation).

Overall, though, research requirements tend to be less rigorous in PsyD programs, whose students dive into clinical work more quickly. “In a PsyD program, it is more about applying the theory to patients within actual clinical experiences,” says Woods. PsyD students must do some research in order to graduate and can lean into it more deeply if they choose—but they usually don’t have to write a dissertation, as PhD students do. At some PsyD programs, students have a different sort of writing requirement: at GW, for example, PsyD students must compose a long piece describing a clinical experience that they’ve had with a patient. Such a work is challenging, like a dissertation, but differently focused. Other PsyD programs, like Nova Southeastern’s, do not require that PsyD students complete a capstone piece of writing at all.

Claire Banko,* a second-year student in the PsyD program at Nova Southeastern, only applied to PsyD programs because “my main focus was to continue developing my clinical knowledge skills,” she says. “I did my undergraduate program in Bogota, Colombia and did a specialization and internship with adolescents and adults conducting evidence-based therapy. This motivated me to continue further in my career and apply to a more practice-focused degree.”

When Woods applied to graduate programs in clinical psychology, she, like Thorn, focused more on specific programs than on the PhD-versus-PsyD divide. “I was interested in this program in particular, the George Washington University PsyD program, for years—actually, since its inception, which was not that long before I went to grad school,” she says. She points to a number of unique features of the program, chief among them its psychodynamic orientation and special interest in psychoanalysis. (GW students still can take courses that follow other models, like CBT, or gain exposure to such lenses through externships.)

She was also drawn to the GW PsyD program’s focus on both the scholar and the practitioner elements of education. “You are a scholar—you are always someone who is learning—and you are an individual who practices psychology daily,” she says. At that time, she was not as interested in research: “I wanted to be somebody who was always learning and thinking and doing so while being a practitioner, and having whatever I’m learning be something that was applicable to serve the public.” PsyD students at GW typically take three years of full-time coursework in clinical psychology, followed by a yearlong internship.

Woods went on to graduate from GW’s PsyD program, and now serves on the program’s faculty. Her role involves not only teaching but also supervising students, advising, and helping students obtain training in the community as well as internships. She wears many other hats, too: she spends 12-15 hours per week treating patients in private practice; hosts a television show, A Healthy Mind, that aims to enhance community health awareness; assists filmmakers in developing characters in a way that is realistic and accurate; writes blog posts and books; and more. Her PsyD degree has enabled her to do clinical work, teach, and beyond.

If the difference between the PhD and PsyD degree has narrowed in recent years, the master’s in clinical psychology degree still stands apart: it usually does not enable graduates to teach at the college level or practice as a licensed clinical psychologist. This makes sense, as the MA degree takes only one to two years to complete, does not involve original research, and typically involves fewer than twenty hours of fieldwork. Master’s programs, like PsyD programs, are not funded.

However, an MA in clinical psychology may be an ideal option for students who want to apply to PhD programs but don’t yet have the requisite two-plus years of research experience. It can take much longer than two years to actually amass this experience, as getting such posts can be competitive: it might take years for a student to get their first research gig. Obtaining an MA would supplant the need for such experience prior to applying.

Master’s degrees in other psychology-related fields can offer other opportunities, so such a degree might be ideal for students who are interested in psychology but don’t want to invest in upwards of four years of graduate education. Obtaining an MS in counseling, for example, enables students to work in such environments as mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, and more. Obtaining a master’s in social work, or MSW, degree, followed by many hours of supervised training as well as licensure, enables graduates to serve as clinical social workers—which can be the jumping-off point for careers as disparate as social worker on the one hand or psychoanalyst in private practice on the other.

Tips for Students

Consider Overall Career Priorities. Since there is increasing overlap between PhD and PsyD programs, I advise helping students identify, as specifically as possible, the areas they’re interested in before they apply to psychology graduate school. Start by discussing the balance they desire, for their future career, between clinical work, research, and teaching; then, drill down into the specifics of their interests. Are there subject areas, populations, and/or disorders that they feel most compelled toward?

Identify Specialty Areas. There is a wide range of specialties students can pursue, from those involving the individual and relationships (like developmental psychology, or marriage and family psychology) to school-related areas (like educational psychology or educational testing) to a variety of additional areas (like public policy, substance abuse, industrial-organizational psychology, and more). Each grad program has a unique combination of concentrations or tracks. As an example, Harvard University offers psychology PhD students a focus in one of four areas: experimental psychotherapy and clinical science; developmental psychology; social psychology; or cognitive, brain, and behavior. At Rutgers University, PsyD students can complete programs in clinical psychology, school psychology, or organizational psychology. At Columbia University, the MSW program has a variety of specific fields of practice for students to choose from, including aging; contemporary social issues; and family, youth, and children’s services. And Pepperdine University’s master’s degree in psychology focuses on marriage and family therapy.

The more clearly students have defined their interest area(s), the better you’ll be able to determine not only which degree makes the most sense for them but also, within that category, which specific programs will be the most fruitful match. These days, it is more effective to build an application list that fits an interest range than to apply to only PhD or only PsyD programs. If, like Thorn or Woods, students are specifically interested in a psychoanalytic lens, that will eliminate far more programs—and result in a list of much more appropriate matches—than choosing one degree type over the other right off the bat. Banko was particularly drawn to Nova Southeastern’s wide variety of specialized tracks. “While choosing a concentration or track, students can see coursework specialized in certain topics,” she says. “In my case, I’m following the child and adolescent track, which so far has been giving me more in-depth knowledge through child-related courses.”

Identify Demographic Populations of Interest. Students may also have a preference for working with certain demographics, such as immigrants or the underserved. As Gayle describes, training at Nova Southeastern allows students to work with clients from across South Florida, the Caribbean, and elsewhere. “We are a destination state, so every kind of mental health condition you can think of, you’ll find it in South Florida,” he says. “If you can be trained in South Florida, you can work anywhere in this country.” For Banko, the diverse demographics in the patient population was an important factor in choosing Nova Southeastern: “Coming from an Hispanic background, for me it’s very rewarding to work with the Hispanic population,” she says. “I want to be able to address the challenges that they have to help them improve their mental health and adjust to life in the US.”

Consider Personal Factors. Beyond the broad and granular outlines of the career students envision for themselves, there are personal factors and preferences to consider that will help them narrow down which schools to apply to and, ultimately, which program to choose. For example, consider geography: is your client committed to moving to or staying in a particular city—or, conversely, unwilling to move to a certain geographic area for school? (Thorn only applied to programs in the tri-state area because, by that point, she had a long-term partner and well-established life in New York.) What size program would help them thrive—a smaller program with more personalized attention or a larger program with more course options? And what are the student’s financial capacities?

The bottom line: spend a lot of time drilling down into students’ interests before you build a psychology graduate school list and prioritize the offerings of individual programs over the degree type. Take a cue from the experiences of Thorn and Woods and do not underestimate the role that emotion and passion should play in this decision. The specifics of what a program offers and requires, and the student’s gut-level pull toward that school, are far more important than the degree or the school’s ranking.

*Student names have been changed by the editor to maintain their privacy.

By Julie Raynor Gross, EdM, MBA, CEP, IECA (NY)

From the  Winter 2023 issue  of IECA’s  Insights magazine

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Applied Clinical Psychology MSc

2 years part-time, starting in september 2025.

Gain up-to-date knowledge of clinical psychology theory and practice.

Throughout this degree, you’ll follow a scientist-practitioner model. This means that your clinical practice will be grounded in research and implemented using scientific methods.

This approach will deepen your knowledge of psychological models, scientific principles, and contemporary research in clinical psychology, and allow you to consider its translation and application to real-world problems.

You’ll study different ways of understanding mental health problems in adults and children, and share insights into relevant theories and the latest practice models applicable within the UK. Alongside this, you’ll develop your understanding of evidence-based practice.

You’ll also be introduced to the foundational skills of clinical psychology - these include interviewing, observation, and psychometric assessment.

Studying clinical psychology at Bath means you will be joining our leading Department of Psychology . The research interests of our members span a broad range of clinically relevant topics, including ageing, common mental health problems, psychosis, autism, eating disorders, persistent physical symptoms, child maltreatment and trauma amongst others.

A student's story Faiza Abdul explores the reasons she chose to study MSc Applied Clinical Psychology at Bath. She talks about her previous experience as an intern with the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences in India, why the course at Bath stood out to her, and her future plans to pursue a PhD within psychology. Watch Faiza's video

Learn from experts in the field

You’ll learn from experts in clinical psychology, as well as staff in the wider Department of Psychology community. Their passion, knowledge, experience and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Use specialist facilities

The Department of Psychology is located in a new £30 million building.

You’ll be able to use this space for your seminars, group meetings and computer work. The building contains advanced psychology research facilities, including:

• biopsychology suite with two-way mirror
• crossmodal laboratory including a soundproof room
• sensory and pain research suite
• social and developmental observation labs , including the Bath Babylab
• virtual reality lab with motion sensor cameras
• an electroencephalogram (EEG) scanner
• eye-tracking equipment

As an MSc Applied Clinical Psychology student, you’ll have access to an independent workspace in 10 West. This contains PCs and working spaces.

Gain important career skills

This course is intended for psychology graduates interested in careers as practitioners or researchers. It will also appeal to current health service professionals with a degree in psychology or a related discipline, who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge.

We provide comprehensive support for finding and preparing for graduate positions, placements, internships, and varied employment opportunities. This includes CV writing workshops, interview preparation and professional skills training. All of these skills will help to make you more suitable for employers and further postgraduate programmes.

You will leave this course with:

• excellent research skills that can be applied to primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare settings
• foundation knowledge of clinical psychology approaches, theories and models
• a strong foundation for further postgraduate training in clinical psychology or work as an assistant psychologist

Graduate prospects

Studying this course will set you up with the knowledge and professional skills required to move into a range of health service and research careers. It is particularly good preparation for work as an Assistant Psychologist, and a foundation for further postgraduate training or research in clinical psychology.

Recent graduates of this course have gone on to work in a wide variety of roles, including:

• Assistant Psychologist
• Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
• Research Assistant

At organisations, such as:

• Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Foundation NHS Trust
• University of the West of England
• Oxfordshire Mind
• Tees, Esk, Wear and Valleys NHS Trust
• Elysium Healthcare

Many graduates have also gone on to become PhD students or to study the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) at different universities, including the University of Bath.

This course is not professionally accredited and will not provide you with a licence to practise.

2025/26 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

• Course structure

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Part-time students will typically take either two or three units in each semester. The actual balance will be flexible subject to agreement by the Director of Studies.

Compulsory units

Fundamentals of clinical and health psychology, fundamentals of clinical psychology practice, professional skills development, advanced research methods for applied psychology, applied clinical psychology dissertation.

• Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

You are expected to spend approximately 35-40 hours per week studying, with around 8 hours of this being structured classes. This will be made up of a combination of lectures, practical sessions, and tutorials. You will work as an individual and as part of small groups.

Part-time students typically study for approximately 50% of the full-time equivalent . Structured classes will take place in-person on our Bath campus.

Assessment breakdown

You’ll experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will be made up of coursework, which will include essays, reports, portfolios, oral presentations, set exercises and a dissertation.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘I really value the group work on our course. We have lots of people from all over the world working together, getting to know different opinions, cultures and ideas and all working together on psychology which is something we are all passionate about.’

• Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications.

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in psychology.

Your degree must be recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC).

If you do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology, we will consider applicants who have successfully completed a BPS accredited Masters conversion degree.

In your application, you will need to provide a max. 500 word personal statement which should explain

(a) why you are interested in studying for an MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology and the interests and skills you particularly hope to develop on the course and

(b) your research experience to date. As part of (b) you could describe key research teaching and assignments you have completed, your undergraduate dissertation project, or any research posts you have held. Please explain the skills and knowledge you have particularly gained from your research experience that you would bring to an MSc programme.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
• TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Sri Lankan qualifications

You should have a four-year Bachelor degree (Special or Honours) or a Bachelor degree (Professional) with a final overall result of at least 60%.

Your degree must be recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC). If you have gained your degree from an institution outside of the UK, before you apply to study we would encourage you to look at the eligibility criteria and application process for obtaining graduate membership and GBC with the British Psychological Society.

Filipino qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (awarded from 2022 onwards) or a Master’s degree from a prestigious institution with a final overall score of 1.75 on a 5-point scale (where 1 is the highest mark) or 3.0 out of 4.0.

Nepali qualifications

You should have a four-year Bachelor degree from a recognised university, or a Master's degree following a three-year or four-year Bachelor degree, with a final overall result of at least 65% or 3.25/4.0.

Swiss qualifications

You should have a Bachelor Degree (Baccalauréat Universitaire) with a final overall result of at least 5 out of 6.

Indian qualifications

Typically, you should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least First Class. However, due to the number of different grading scales in use, we ask that you upload a copy of the grading scale used by your institution, along with your transcript, when you submit your application.

If you receive an offer you will need to obtain Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS). If you have gained your degree from an institution outside of the UK, before you apply to study we would encourage you to look at the eligibility criteria and application process for obtaining graduate membership and GBC with the British Psychological Society.

If you have graduated within the last 5 years from an Indian university where the medium of instruction is English and have achieved the required level of English in your Indian 12th Standard examinations, we may be able to assess your English. More information can be found here .

Italian qualifications

You should have a Laurea, Laurea in Ingegneria / Architettura, Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello, Diploma di Mediatore Linguistico or Licenza di Academia di Belle Arti with a final result of at least 102 out of 110.

Russian qualifications

You should have a Diplom Bakalavra (Bachelor degree) or Specialist Diploma with an overall final result of at least 4 out of 5 (khorosho/good).

Lithuanian qualifications

You should have a Bakalauro Diplomas or Profesinis Bakalauras with an overall final result of at least 8 out of 10.

Zimbabwean qualifications

You should have a Bachelor Honours degree with a final overall result of at least Upper Second Division (65%).

Syrian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Licence/Al-ijâza) with a final overall result of at least 70-80% depending on the institution attended.

Albanian qualifications

You should have a Diplomë Bachelor or a Master i Shkencave with a final overall result of at least 8 out of 10. Please contact us if your institution uses a different grading scale.

Saudi Arabian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least 3.5 on a 5-point scale or 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

Malawian qualifications

You should have a Master's degree with a final overall result of at least 70%.

Jordanian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of Very Good or GPA 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

Singaporean qualifications

You should have a strong Bachelor (Honours) degree when studied at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Institute of Technology or Singapore University of Social Sciences with a final overall result of at least Second Class (Upper) Honours, or a strong Bachelor degree when studied at Singapore Management University (SMU) or Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Typically, we require a final overall result of at least Second Class (Upper) Honours, 60% or B, however we ask that you upload a copy of the grading scale used by your institution, along with your transcript, when you submit your application due to the range of grading scales used by different institutions.

Tunisian qualifications

You should have a Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieur, Diplôme National d'Architecture with a final overall result of at least 14 out of 20 (Bien).

Kenyan qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division).

Swedish qualifications

You should have a Kandidatexamen (Bachelor Degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelor degree) with a final overall result of at least Grade B. Please contact us if your institution uses a different grading scale.

Japanese qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Gakushi) with a final overall result of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (B).

Chilean qualifications

You should have a Grado de Licenciado with a final overall result of at least 5.5 on a 7-point scale.

Cambodian qualifications

You should have a Master’s degree from a recognised degree-awarding institution with a final overall result of at least 80%.

Finnish qualifications

You should have a Kandidaatti / Kandidat (University Bachelor Degree), (Professional Title) (AMK/YH) (Bachelor degree from a University of Applied Sciences), Arkkitehti / Arktitekt / Diplomi-insööri / Diplomingenör / Proviisori / Provisor with a final overall result of at least 3.5 on a 5-point scale.

Dutch qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree or Doctoraal with a final overall result of at least 7 out of 10.

Thai qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least CGPA 3.0.

Croatian qualifications

You should have a Baccalaureus or Baccalaurea with a final overall result of at least 4 out of 5.

French qualifications

You should have a Grade de licence / Grade de licence professionnelle with a final overall result of at least 13 out of 20.

Jamaican qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least Second Class (Upper).

Austrian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree or Fachhochschuldiplom/Diplom (FH) with a final result of at least Gut.

Icelandic qualifications

You should have a Baccalaureus or Candidatus/a with an overall final result of at least 7.25 on a 10-point scale.

Spanish qualifications

You should have a Título Universitario Oficial de Licenciado en (subject area) (Licenciatura), Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado en (subject area) (Grado), Título de Ingeniero or Título de Arquitecto with a final overall result of at least 7 out of 10 (Notable/Very Good).

German qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree, Erste Staatsprüfung (Primarstufe / Sekundarstufe I), Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) or Magister Artium with a final overall result of at least 2.5 (Gut).

Slovene qualifications

You should have a Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree), Diplomant or Univerzitetni diplomant with a final overall result of at least 8 out of 10 (prav dobro/very good).

Turkish qualifications

You should have a Lisans Diplomasi (Bachelor degree) or Mühendis Diplomasi with a final overall score of at least GPA 2.8-3.0 on a 4-point scale, depending on the institution you have attended.

Ugandan qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least Class II Upper or GPA 4.0 on a 5-point scale.

Canadian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Honours) or Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least CGPA 3.0 on a 4-point scale (B or 70%). Please contact us if your institution uses a different grading scale.

Kazakhstani qualifications

You should have a Bakalavr (Bachelor degree) or Specialist Diploma with a final overall result of at least 4.3 on a 5-point scale or 3.2 on a 4-point scale.

South African qualifications

You should have a Bachelor Honours degree, Professional Bachelor degree or Baccalaureus Technologiae (Bachelor of Technology) with a final overall result of at least Second Class (Division One) or 70%.

Estonian qualifications

You should have a Bakalaurusekraad (Bachelor degree), Diplomeeritud spetsialisti ülikoolidiplom/Kraadita Diploma (University Specialist's Diploma) or Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma) with a final overall result of at least 4 on a 5-point scale (B).

Hungarian qualifications

You should have an Alapfokozt (Bachelor degree) or Egyetemi Oklevél (University Diploma) with an overall final result of 4 out of 5.

Brazilian qualifications

You should have a Titulo de Bacharel, Titulo de [subject area] or Licenciado/a with a final overall result of at least 7.5 out of 10.

Pakistani qualifications

You should have a four-year Bachelor degree from a high ranked (HEC) university with a final overall result of at least a First Class (Division 1).

Malaysian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least Second Class (Division 1).

Belgian qualifications

You should have a Bachelier, Licencié or Licentiaat and other two cycle diplomas with a final overall score of at least 16 out of 20.

Bulgarian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least 5 out of 6.

New Zealander qualifications

You should have a Bachelor Honours degree or Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least B+/B or 6 on a 9-point scale.

Irish qualifications

You should have a Honours Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least Second Class Honours (Grade I).

Ukrainian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (awarded after 2007) or Specialist Diploma with a final result of at least 80% or 3.5 on a 4-point scale. Please contact us if your institution uses a different grading scale.

Emirati qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least 3 out of 4, 80% or B.

Israeli qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least 80%.

Chinese qualifications

You should have a four-year Bachelor degree with a final overall score of at least 75-80% depending on the institution attended.

Cypriot qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Ptychio) with a final overall result of at least 6.5 out of 10.

Kuwaiti qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (البكالوريوس) with a final overall result of 3.2 on a 4-point scale.

Australian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor Honours degree with a final result of at least Second Class (Upper Division) or a Bachelor degree with a final result of Distinction or higher.

Taiwanese qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least 75%.

Vietnamese qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Đại Học/Bằng Cử Nhân) of at least four years or a Master’s degree (Thạc sĩ) from a recognised degree-awarding institution with a final overall result of at least 7.0 on a 10-point scale.

Czech qualifications

You should have a Bakalár (Bachelor degree) with a final overall score of 1.5 on a 1-4 scale or Grade B. Please contact us if your institution uses a different grading scale.

Nigerian qualifications

Colombian qualifications.

You should have a Licenciado en, Titulo de, Profesional en, Maestro en or Diploma de [subject area] with a final overall result of at least 3.8.

Danish qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree, Candidatus Philosophiae, Diplomingeniør (Engineer), Professionsbachelor (Professional Bachelor degree) or Korrespondenteksamen with a final overall result of at least 7 out of 10.

Greek qualifications

You should have a University Bachelor degree (Ptychio) or Diploma with a final overall score of at least 6.5 out of 10.

Polish qualifications

You should have a Licencjat or Inżynier (Bachelor degree) with a final overall result of at least 4.5 on a 5-point scale.

Algerian qualifications

You should have a Licence, Diplôme in any specialised professional field, Diplôme d'Ingênieur, Diplôme d'Architecte d'État or Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures with a final overall score of at least 14 out of 20.

Macedonian qualifications

You should have a Baccalaureus/Baccalaurea (Bachelor degree) with a final overall result of at least 9 out of 10.

Ghanaian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of Upper Second Class (60% or 3.25 on a 4-point scale).

South Korean qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Haksa) with a final overall result of at least 3.0 out of 4.3 or 3.5 out of 4.5.

Indonesian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Sarjana I) with a final overall result of at least 3.0 out of 4.0.

Portuguese qualifications

You should have a Licenciado with a final overall result of at least 15 out of 20.

Tanzanian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least Upper Second (Very Good, B+ or GPA 3.5 on a 5-point scale).

Hong Kongese qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree (Honours) with a final overall result of Second Class (Division 1) Honours or 3.0 out of 4.0.

Romanian qualifications

You should have a Diplomă de Licență (Bachelor degree), Diplomă de Inginer or Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat with a final overall result of at least 8 out of 10.

Bangladeshi qualifications

You should have a Master's degree (following a 3 or 4 year Bachelor degree) with a final overall grade of at least 3.2 out of 4.0 (65% or B+).

Other qualifications

We welcome applications from graduates from all countries so if you can’t see your country in the list, please contact our admissions team for advice about your specific entry requirements.

Egyptian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor degree from a university with a final overall result of at least 75% (Very Good) or 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

Norwegian qualifications

You should have a Bachelorgrad (Bachelor degree), Candidatus/a Magisterii, Sivilingeniør or Siviløkonom with a final overall result of at least B.

Bolivian qualifications

You should have a Licenciado or Titulo de [subject area] with a final overall result of at least 75%.

Iranian qualifications

You should have a Bachelor's degree or Professional Doctorate with a final overall result of at least 14 out of 20 when studied at a state university and 15 out of 20 when studied at a private university.

American qualifications

You should have an Honors Bachelor degree or Bachelor degree with a final overall result of at least CGPA 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

Mexican qualifications

You should have a Título de Licenciado or Título (Profesional) de [subject area] with a final overall result of least 8 out of 10.

• Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Applied Clinical Psychology MSc part-time

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses .

Extra costs

There is a one off application fee of £60, payable during the online application process through the online store .

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £500 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

• Application information
• Course title Applied Clinical Psychology
• Final award MSc
• Mode of study Part-time
• Course code TDUPS-AC02
• Department Department of Psychology
• Location University of Bath Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY

We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

• Application eligibility Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
• Regulator The Office for Students (OfS)
• Course enquiries
• Related courses
• Applied Clinical Psychology MSc – 1 years full-time
• Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement MSc – 2 years full-time
• Applied Psychology and Economic Behaviour MSc – 1 years full-time
• Health Psychology MSc – 2 years part-time including placement
• Clinical Associate in Psychology Apprenticeship – 18 months integrated degree
• Psychology MRes – 2 years part-time

On this page

• Course changes for 2025/26
• Recognition of Professional Qualifications

Learn about qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as evidence-based practice, in psychology research and evaluation.

You'll develop skills in designing, conducting and evaluating research studies, using different approaches. Learn how to apply statistical analysis in an applied context and develop skills to use and interpret advanced statistics. You'll develop skills in undertaking qualitative data analysis and using statistics software.

• Year 2 - Semester 1
• Year 2 - Semester 2

Carry out an independent research project using the methods, theories and skills that you have learnt during the taught units.

Develop a critical understanding of research and appreciation of psychological theories accounting for physical and mental health problems in adults and children, including Biological, Neurological, Behavioural, Cognitive and Systems theories.

You will develop a critical appreciation of the role of the clinical psychologist in and outside the UK.

You will become familiar with health service provision and develop knowledge and skills on integrating psychological theory with clinical practice.

• Year 1 - Semester 1
• Year 1 - Semester 2

Develop your knowledge of Clinical Psychology Practice in context.

You will learn about the professional and ethical standards for clinical psychologists, understand theory underpinning clinical intervention, and develop foundational practical skills required as practitioners such as interviewing, assessment, and formulation.

You will learn from staff with a range of clinical expertise, and have the chance to practice skills in pairs and small groups.

Learn about and understand the professional context of working in the field of clinical psychology and begin to develop relevant professional skills.

Discover career pathways open to graduates with a foundation knowledge in clinical psychology and be supported to develop a personal development plan in line with your aspirations.

• Course Search
• Psychology BSc Hons

Psychology (with Specialist Pathways) BSc (Hons)

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Available with:

• Clinical and Health Psychology (Pathway)
• Developmental Psychology (Pathway)
• Foundation Year

Accreditations

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Course Summary

Why you'll love it, choose a specialist pathway, what you'll study, how you'll learn, entry requirements, fees and funding, who you'll learn from, where you'll study exton park, chester, your future career.

• Apply as Home Student via UCAS
• Apply as International Student
• Request a Prospectus

Are you intrigued by the human mind and behaviour? Our Psychology degree offers a deep dive into the complexities of human thought, emotions and actions. Whether you're interested in understanding mental health, social psychology or cognitive processes, our course provides a solid foundation. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, you'll be well-prepared for a rewarding career in psychology.

The University of Chester's Psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). As such, our course ensures you can achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartership of this professional body. Our dedicated teaching team provides personalised guidance and support, helping you develop essential skills like critical thinking, research methods and effective communication. We also offer flexible pathways to explore areas of psychology that interest you, such as developmental psychology, and clinical and health psychology.

Our course provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth; you can join our student-led Psychology society for social and academic events and explore study abroad options to broaden your horizons and pursue areas of study of your choice. Through our specialist psychology career programme, you can develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen field, whether it's as a professional psychologist or in another related field, such as positions in marketing, banking or management.

Support for your success

Our focus is on giving you a supportive learning environment, together with excellent teaching and resources to provide you with the best student experience. We believe in focusing on how you can apply psychology, with applied assessments such as case studies, and alternative ways of disseminating information such as vlogs or briefings for the public, so that no matter what you do in the future you can apply what you have studied with us.

Get career-focused

Our course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in psychology. All the modules you need to achieve British Psychology Society (BPS) accreditation are pre-selected for you. You’ll have access to our specialist psychology career programme which will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as either a professional psychologist (e.g., Clinical Psychologist) or in alternative fields.

Flexible learning options

With core material for accreditation split across the course, our curriculum offers you the flexibility to explore various areas of psychology across your degree, for example, optional modules in psychological therapies or forensic psychology, or new areas such as animal psychology. As these are options, you can change your mind about any of these in the first few weeks. There is also the option of taking a year abroad between your second and third year.

BSc (Hons) Psychology/Psychology (combined)

A specialist pathway is your opportunity to further tailor your studies to become an expert in your chosen field. Our pathways provide you with specific modules and opportunities to enable you to tailor your studies towards areas you are passionate about, and to have that reflected in your degree title, e.g., BSc Developmental Psychology .

When applying for this course with a specialist pathway , you will do so via UCAS. It is important to search for and submit your application for Psychology BSc (Hons) . Your chosen pathway will be confirmed post-application and this will be the award that you complete your studies in, i.e., Developmental Psychology BSc (Hons) or Clinical and Health Psychology BSc (Hons). If you choose to study this course without a pathway, your award on completion will be Psychology BSc (Hons).

Developmental Psychology pathway

Clinical and Health Psychology pathway

The BSc Psychology course contains core modules at each level.

At Level 4, students are introduced to research methods and the core areas of psychology (biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and individual differences). 

At Level 5, students build on research methods and expand on their learning around social psychology and individual differences. There is also the opportunity to engage in an experiential learning module, which allows students to integrate ideas from multiple perspectives in psychology and apply their knowledge ethically and professionally to real-world problems. 

At Level 6, students will have the opportunity to complete a large-scale dissertation where they will be able to demonstrate a range of research skills, including designing and planning, considering and resolving ethical issues, and analysis and dissemination of findings. They will also be able to learn in-depth knowledge on specific areas in psychology, such as psychopathology, health psychology and developmental disorders.

There are several optional modules which may run across all levels of the course depending on availability of staff expertise. Topics may include cyberpsychology, forensic psychology, organisational psychology and animal psychology. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways

This course is designed around in-person study

There may be some online learning activities

Curriculum developed to match workforce priorities

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, students study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules . Scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and ten hours per week depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught . Students can expect to take part in lectures, laboratory classes, workshops, seminars and one-to-one tutorials/supervision . Students are expected to engage in independent study (approximately 30-35 hours per week), which may include engaging with asynchronous learning material on the University’s VLE, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, preparing work for assessment, etc. There will also be times when students need to work collaboratively with others.

Teaching will be delivered by experienced academics and practitioners in the subject. This may be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers.

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of task they might encounter in the workplace. Assessment methods may include essays, research reports, reflective reports, presentations and multiple choice examinations. Other assessments such as case studies, portfolios and blogs allow students to demonstrate their competencies in these areas and to develop their skills in writing for both academic and non-academic audiences.

We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate level employment .

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence and key transferable skills to shape you into a world ready Chester graduate.

• Home Students
• International Students

120 UCAS Points

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
• Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements

72 UCAS Points

• Additional Costs

£9,250 per year (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition tee purposes.

£13,950 per year (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes. 

There may be opportunities to visit Chester Zoo as part of the Animal Psychology module. The cost of this field trip varies with external factors, but is likely to be approximately £32 (this may change depending on the prices Chester Zoo set for admission). The field trip is optional and students are not required to participate in order to successfully complete the course.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Dr Liz Whelen

Dr Janine Carroll

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Support Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness Facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

Chapel, Chaplaincy and Multi-Faith Spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Job Prospects

Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate studies in psychology (e.g., cognitive neuroscience, forensic and sport psychology) or have secured a graduate role in industries such as marketing, banking and project management due to their sought-after transferable skills, such as communication, team working, analysis, and creative and critical thinking.

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service, which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course, and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study .

Related Courses

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PhD Clinical Psychology / Entry requirements

Year of entry: 2025

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Academic entry qualification overview

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

English language

For applicants whose first language is not English, or if you have not studied recently in the UK, you must provide evidence of how you meet the English Language requirement.

We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.

We require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall or TOEFL iBT 100. For the writing component, we expect that you have achieved a minimum of 7.0 (IELTS) or 25 (iBT). 

If your IELTS or TOEFL expires before the start of your programme, you will need to take another official English test before we can issue you with a CAS for your visa application. This is a requirement of UKVI.

For more information about English language tests see  English language requirements .

Please contact us at [email protected] for further information.

English language test validity

Other international entry requirements.

UCL Psychology and Language Sciences

Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy

• Mental Health Wellbeing Practitioner (MHWP) Postgraduate Certificate

We offer an unrivalled portfolio of clinically-oriented masters programmes covering therapeutic modalities from psychoanalysis to cognitive behavioural therapy and soon to include systemic family practice and interpersonal psychotherapy.

• Theoretical Psychoanalytical Studies MSc : this one-year programme provides students with a grounding in the nature, history, content and context of psychoanalytic theory, as used by practising psychoanalysts.
• Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Common Mental Health Problems PG Cert : this programme provides formal training for students employed as Low Intensity Trainees in primary care trusts that are part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme (IAPT).
• Clinical Psychology DClinPsy : t his programme is a professional training course for clinical psychologists, leading to a doctoral qualification accredited by the UK’s Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Psychological Society (BPS).
• Educational and Child Psychology DEdPsy : t his is a three-year programme of professional training in educational psychology, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Clinical Associate in Psychology (Adult Mental Health) apprenticeship programme MSc : this  programme provides the formal apprenticeship training required as part of the student's employment within the NHS and students on this programme qualify as Clinical Associates in Psychology.

Programmes  delivered in collaboration with UCL and Anna Freud

• Child and Adolescent Psychology and Neuroscience in Practice PG Dip : This PG Dip programme is a unique opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of child mental health and psychopathology, with a special focus on childhood trauma. You will explore core concepts, theories and models of current, evidence-based practice, taught by world-renowned experts in psychological, developmental, neurobiological and clinical sciences.
• Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology MRes : this two-year programme focuses on developing skills in neuroscience and research, with an emphasis on clinical disorders such as autism and anxiety. Students spend their first year in London and their second year at the Child Study Center in Yale, where they complete a substantive research project.
• Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice MSc : this two-year programme gives students an opportunity to learn about child mental health from multiple perspectives, and to develop practical skills for working with children and families in a clinical setting. In their second year students have a clinical placement in a child and adolescent mental health team (CAMHS) where they are supervised by experienced practitioners.
• Early Child Development and Clinical Applications MSc : this two-year programme provides a comprehensive understanding of early child development through a range of theoretical and clinical perspectives.
• Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy DPsych : this four-year full-time, highly selective professional doctorate aims to develop the academic, clinical and research skills needed to practise as a professional Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, and will lead to the award of DPsych and professional membership of the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP).
• Child and Young Persons Psychological Wellbeing Practice PG Dip : t his programme, a Department of Health initiative, aims to train a new workforce for CAMHS: Children's Wellbeing Practitioners (CWP). The programme is only available to employees of CYP-IAPT partnerships in London and the South East.
• Leading Transformation And Change: Children And Young People's Mental Health And Wellbeing Services PG Cert : t his programme aims to provide managers with the necessary background knowledge and understanding to implement change within their CAMHS service, the practical tools to manage this change effectively and a framework for reflective practice and evaluation of the implementation process.
• Child and Young Person IAPT Therapy PG Dip : t his 'Recruit to Train' Postgraduate Diploma, a Department of Health initiative, provides specialist post-qualification training for Child and Adolescent (CAMHS) workers within the CYP IAPT model, focusing on the clinical areas of child mental health: anxiety, depression and conduct disorder.
• Educational Mental Health Practitioner PG Dip : t his programme is a shared initiative between the Department of Education and Department of Health and supports the government’s priority to increase access to mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people.
• Supervision: Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Services PG Cert : t his programme is aimed at supporting individuals in their role as Site Supervisors of trainees registered on our other workforce development programmes delivered in collaboration with UCL at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.

Register your interest

Register your interest in studying at UCL and receive important information about open days, applications, and more.

Find out about funding available to students including loans, scholarships and bursaries for specific subject areas.

• UCL Graduate School – fees and funding
• UCL scholarships and funding