Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Skip to main content

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 Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is a professional training course approved by the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). All trainees undertake the Associated for Family Therapy (AFT) Foundation Level and all trainees are offered either British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) level 2 accredited pathway or the AFT Intermediate accredited pathway.

The programme provides a comprehensive range of placement, teaching 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.

Our placement training region covers a large and diverse area including - Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ - Swindon - Wiltshire - Bristol - Weston-super-Mare - South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire

Placements are located throughout the region, from Salisbury in the south-east to the north-west of Gloucestershire, with some locations nearly 100 miles apart. Trainees are allocated to one of the following placement areas, where their placements will normally (dependant on placement availability and various factors which means this cannot be guaranteed) be located for the first two years of training: - Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­, Swindon, & Wiltshire (BSW) - Gloucestershire - Bristol

To inform the allocation of these regions, all applicants invited to interview are asked to complete a Placement Region Ranking Questionnaire. Following interviews, applicants who are offered a place on the programme will be informed of their placement region allocation before the Clearing House deadline for accepting or declining their offer.

This programme is open to Home and International applicants.

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 Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ campus), study time and research.

Occasionally, trainees are unable to 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.

You will start this programme in September.

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

  1. Registration
  2. Induction
  3. Taught, Placement and Research

Year 1

  • Teaching
  • Case Studies 1 and 2
  • Placements 1 and 2
  • Identification of research projects and initiation

Year 2

  • Teaching
  • Case studies 3 and 4
  • Placements 3 and 4
  • Continuing research projects

Year 3

  • Teaching
  • Case study 5
  • Placements 5 and 6
  • Finalising research project
  • Portfolio Submission and Viva Examination
  • Final Submission

Programme content


Learning

  • Clinical experience
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Practical sessions
  • Real-life case studies
  • Research project
  • Supervisory team
  • Video materials
  • Workshops

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 learning is strengthened through teaching delivered by academic staff, clinical psychologists, and experts by experience from across the region, each bringing specialist expertise from their respective fields. 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.

Placement

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. 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 tailor part of their training by selecting elective placements. We offer a wide range of elective opportunities across different specialties and settings, enabling trainees to broaden their experience and explore areas of particular professional interest.

Our training programme works in close partnership with NHS trusts in the Southwest England region. These include:

  • Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
  • Gloucestershire Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
  • Oxford HealthFoundation TrustNorth Bristol NHS Trust
  • University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust
  • Royal United Hospitals Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ NHS Foundation Trust
  • Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Salisbury Hospital NHS Trust
  • Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

We also work with organisations commissioned to provide NHS services including Sirona and HCRG Care Group, as well as a small number of third-sector and private organisations. Together, these services provide a range of excellent training placements across the entirety of our large training region.

To access the opportunities across the region, and meet their training needs, trainees should expect to travel over the course of training. It is the responsibility of the trainee to be able to travel to their placement location and to fulfil the need of work associated with that placement. Trainees are expected to be able to travel to various placement locations throughout the duration of training, so it is advised that being able to drive your own car is typically beneficial to one’s ability to manage the demands of training. Given some of the rural localities covered within our training region, please note that public transport is not always widely 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 bathcp-admin@bath.ac.uk

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 Expert by 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 MyDoctoralDevelopment workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment


Assessment methods

  • Attendance
  • Coursework
  • Portfolio
  • Workbased 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.
  • Annual appraisal
  • 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.

  • 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 12 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 Expert by Experience and stakeholders, ethics-approval and dissemination.

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

  • the NHS or a health or social care setting
  • experience with a wider range of client groups or variety of settings and over longer periods of time
  • direct experience of delivering psychological intervention under appropriate supervision (such as an assistant psychologist or psychological wellbeing practitioner)
  • structured clinical or neuropsychological assessments

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

Equal Opportunity 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.

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 Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ 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 Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ 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.

Additional Information for International Applications: We can consider applications from Oversea candidates who meet our entry requirements.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) If your permanent home address is outside the UK or you have lived outside the UK for a period of six months or more, within the last five years, you will also be required to produce a criminal records check, or "certificate of good character" from those countries that you have lived in. Further information can be found on the DBS website about overseas criminal records checks and how to apply.

Occupational Health (OH) You will be liable for the costs of any vaccinations which you do not have that are required in order to attend clinical placements.

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.

References

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


Fees

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

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ 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

Extra costs

Additional Information for International Applications: Please note that travel and accommodation for placements are not included in the tuition fee.

How to pay

Funding options

Eligibility for Home/EU 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 .

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

Payment options

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

Application information


  • Programme title
    Doctor of Clinical Psychology DClinPsy
  • Final award
    DClinPsy
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    RHPS-AFD02
  • Department
  • Location
    Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­
    Claverton Down, Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ BA2 7AY
  • Application deadline

    For a September/October start the deadline is the November in the preceding calendar year.

  • Regulator

Selection process

We will review all applications received and compile a shortlist of candidates for interview. Applicants selected for further consideration will be invited to attend an in-person interview as part of the admissions process.

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.

For Home Fee Status Applicants Only 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 . You will receive salary support paid at 

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, verification of the right to work and study in the UK, and, for international applicants, appropriate visa clearance.

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) publication, .

.

Programme enquiries


Apply for this programme

On this page