Royal Holloway

Preliminary, paper-based selection is undertaken by course staff and regional psychologists. At this stage, attention is paid to the applicant's academic record, clinically relevant experience, and referee reports. These assessments are guided by a standard grading system. We anonymise applications and use positive action on the basis on ethnicity and gender at the shortlisting stage. We also use contextual admissions processes at this stage.

For the 2024 entry, we interviewed 140 from 1,451 applicants for 56 NHS places. Each interviewee for NHS places attended two remote interviews, focusing on clinical/research/academic, and service user/carer topics. The clinical/ research/academic interview is carried out by one member of the course team and one Clinical Psychologist working in the region. The service user/carer interview is carried out by a Clinical Psychologist working in the region and a service user or carer. There is also an opportunity to meet current trainees and watch a presentation by the Course Director. We use positive action on the basis of ethnicity and gender at the interview stage.

In 2025, we aim to offer additional interviews to candidates from ethnically minoritised backgrounds meeting shortlisting criteria. All candidates are interviewed without their shortlisting score having any impact on the final selection decision at interview. This process aims to improve the representation of ethnically minoritised groups and uses data that candidates have given us permission to use when they applied to the Clearing House.

Definite offers of places, as well as reserve list notifications, are made shortly after the interview. For non-UK or Ireland nationals, the offer of an NHS place is subject to proof of the right to work at the start of the course (e.g., Settled or Pre-Settled Status). Offers are subject to the usual NHS Trust health and police clearance. Health checks include screening for TB and checks for chicken pox, rubella and measles. HIV and Hepatitis C tests are offered. Police clearance involves enhanced DBS checks. There is no charge to successful applicants for these checks. Training as a clinical psychologist involves working with children and vulnerable adults. Throughout the selection process and the training course we take stringent measures to ensure that the clients that trainees work with are kept safe.

Equal opportunities

Consistent with Royal Holloway equality and diversity policies, we positively welcome applicants from all sections of the community and are committed to ensure that all are treated fairly and with equality of opportunity without regard to race, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, age, marital or parental status, dependants, disability, sexual orientation, religion, political belief or social origins. We adhere to Royal Holloway Admissions policy and procedures. We use the equal opportunities data that you provide with your application during our selection process for positive action on the basis of ethnicity and gender at both the shortlisting and interview stages. 

Contextual admissions

Our course uses contextual admissions processes during the shortlisting process.

Disability Confident / Applicants with disabilities

We welcome enquiries from applicants with disabilities to discuss the course requirements and any adjustments that may be needed during the selection process or once on the course. Our host NHS Trust, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, is a Disability Confident organisation (Level 1). Royal Holloway is a Disability Confident organisation at Level 2. We cannot, however, guarantee interviews to those with disabilities meeting minimum criteria due to the large number of applicants to the course.