APPLICATION ADVICE
Tips and advice on applying to the Clinical Psychology Doctorate
This page is dedicated to providing you advice on how to apply to the Clinical Psychology Doctorate. Keep checking back as more will be added. If you feel like something is missing please contact us on studentpsychology01@gmail.com
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Things you need to consider before and when applying
Before anything, you need to check out Leeds Clearing House. This is the organisation that currently manages application for Clinical Psychology Doctorate applications in the UK. There is a tab at the top of this website called 'Leeds Clearing House Website' that will take you straight to the website.
CHECK IF YOU'RE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING
The Clinical Psychology Doctorate is funded by the National Health Service (NHS). The current salary is £31,365, which is a Band 6 starting wage. Course fees are usually paid for by the NHS but there are some self-funded places. If you live outside of the UK, or have recently moved, you may not be eligible for funding. Please check this out on the Leeds Clearing House.
DATES TO REMEMBER
The application process can take a long time and applications are only open for a short period of time. This usually occurs in the last months of the year. On the Leeds Clearing House page you can explore 'dates to remember' to find out the specific process for the application and when these stages will occur.
EXPLORE THE DIFFERENT COURSES
Different universities across the UK offer accredited Clinical Psychology Doctorates. However, you can only apply to four universities. Leeds Clearing House has a list and description of all of the university courses. Before you apply, it is beneficial to have a few in mind to tailor your application to.
CHECK IF YOU MEET THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
You can only apply to four universities each year. In general, they will have similar eligibility criteria. However, there can be some differences. For example, some universities do not consider students who received below a 2:1 in their undergraduate degree even with further education, some universities do. Looking at each courses eligibility criteria on Leeds Clearing House is important before applying.
CONFIRM REFERENCES
When you apply, you will need two references. One being an academic reference and the other being from a person (preferably a supervisor) you have worked with. This is called a relevant experience reference. If you have people in mind, you need to check with them to make sure they are happy for you to use them as a reference. I would do this in advance so you have time to find someone else if needed.
ENSURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT DOCUMENTS
Make sure you give yourself time to prepare and scan your documents. You will need academic transcripts, documents confirming status of Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), and an English Language Ability Test if relevant. More information can be found on Leeds Clearing House.
THIS CAN BE A DAUNTING PROCESS BUT KNOW YOU CAN DO THIS
THE CURRENT APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Below are the current questions in the application
1) In what way have your work and/or research experiences made you a better candidate for training in clinical psychology? (3,000 character limit for this question)
​
2) Please give details of any publications/dissemination resulting from your work. (1500 character limit for this question)
​
3) What would you hope to gain from training? (750 character limit for this question)
​
4) Other information about yourself eg activities/interests apart from psychology. (750 character limit for this question)
​
5) If your experience reference is not from your current employer please give details of the reasons for this. Also, you should not normally ask your close relations, members of your immediate household or your business partner to be your referee, but if you cannot avoid using such a referee you must explain why and state the nature of the relationship here. (700 character limit for this question)
​
6) If there are any other factors relevant in assessing your application please give brief details here. (700 character limit for this question)
​
​
FILES
Available for Download
APPLICATION ADVICE
Word document with application advice
I've created a document that contains advice on how to write your application. These come mainly from my own reflections on what has worked in the past. However, I can't guarantee that this will get you an interview. I strongly recommend that you have a Clinical Psychologist or Supervisor review your application. Although, I do hope this document is helpful. As always, good luck.