University of Edinburgh

Who can apply

All selection processes and criteria are under continuing review and, whilst the information below is correct at the time of submission, the most up-to-date information will be on our website.

We do not accept applications from:

• Applicants currently enrolled on either the MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care (Universities of Stirling and Dundee) or the MSc in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People (University of Edinburgh) are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants in receipt of NES funding for the Enhanced Psychological Practice (EPP) programme (i.e. for at least 18 months from date of enrolment on EPP programme) This means, if you enrolled on the EPP programme in April 2023, or before, then you are eligible to apply to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in the current (Sept – Nov 2024) application window. If you enrolled on the EPP programme in the November 2023 or April 2024 intakes or you have accepted a place to start the EPP programme in November 2024 then you are not eligible to apply for a Doctoral training place in the current (September – November 2024) application window.
• We do not accept applications for self-funded places.
• Applicants need to have the right to work without restrictions in the UK.
• We do not accept applications from candidates who only have a student visa.
• Intending applicants should be aware that the University of Edinburgh does not permit concurrent registration for any other degree while an individual is registered with the University of Edinburgh
• All candidates, regardless of nationality or first language, must provide suitable evidence of a fluent command of the English language. Our requirements differ from the Clearing House default requirements (see the entry requirements section of our website for details).

Academic

All applicants must have:

• GBC confirmed at the time of application
• a GBC-accrediting honours degree with a mean percentage mark of at least 61 in the final two academic years fte

OR

• a GBC-accrediting MSc conversion degree in psychology with a mean percentage mark of at least 61

OR

• a GBC-accrediting higher diploma conversion in psychology with 240 credit equivalent (120 ECTS), where the overall number of research credits is at least 80 (40 ECTS) and with a mean percentage mark of at least 61.
• Strong candidates will have evidence of other academic and research-focused achievements, for example, research experience, publications or conference presentations.
• Candidates should be able to relate their experience of research to practice. We are looking for candidates who understand and can critically appraise theory and practice from a first principles basis. We aim to facilitate the development of trainee competence to think about theoretical positions in depth and understand and reflect upon the nature of scientific assumptions and the meaning of ‘evidence’.

NB: International Qualifications are checked for equivalency to UK 2:1 using the Guidelines for International Postgraduate Admissions published annually by the International Office (Edinburgh Global) at the University.

Clinical

All trainees accepted onto the Programme need:

• Relevant experience that allows the applicant to apply psychological principles in practice is essential
• An understanding of how to do psychological research is essential
• Previous working contact with, and supervision by, a practitioner psychologist such as a clinical psychologist is an advantage, but other relevant work (e.g. nursing, support work, experience in relevant voluntary organisations) will also be considered. 
• Experience working on clinically- focused research project(s), for example as part of a research degree such as a PhD or through employment on such projects, would also be seen as relevant, particularly if it involved direct client contact. 
• A good range and amount of relevant experience is an advantage, however, it is essential to demonstrate an ability to reflect on how this relates to clinical training and to the role of the clinical psychologist. 
• It will be essential that applicants can demonstrate an in-depth understanding of, and application of, the academic psychological models and principles that underlie the work they have undertaken.
• Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to develop competence as reflective scientist-practitioners, and an understanding of their role as consumers and producers of research

References / Suitability Statements

It is essential that your application includes two satisfactory Suitability Statements.

In addition to the guidance regarding Suitability Statements on the Clearing House website, the Experience Suitability Statement should be written by the candidate's current or most recent employer, otherwise candidates should explain their choice of nominee in the Background Information section of their application.

Suitability Statements should not be written by a peer or colleague.

Candidates should note that further references may be sought later in the selection process.

Documents required

Your application must include:

• A document confirming your GBC status.
• An academic transcript for each of your GBC-accrediting degree(s):
  • either an undergraduate Psychology degree or 
  • an MSc conversion degree or 
  • a higher diploma conversion degree with 240 credit equivalent (120 ECTS), where the overall number of research credits is at least 80 (40 ECTS)
  • a combination of international degrees accredited by the BPS for GBC
• Any documents needed to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements (see International applicants section below)

Advice for your application 

All applicants also need to demonstrate:

• effective communication and interpersonal skills. 
• ability to foster good working relationships with colleagues and clients and to work as part of a team. 
• It is advantageous if the candidate can show evidence of ways in which they have shown initiative. 
• Given the demands of clinical training, the candidate should be adaptable and flexible, and have the capacity to prioritise and balance academic and work demands.
• Strong candidates will be motivated to take on the full range of roles of the clinical psychologist. They will provide a clear rationale for, and demonstrate insight into, the professional context, roles and responsibilities of the clinical psychologist and a clear understanding of professional issues as they relate to clinical psychology.
• Candidates should also be able to reflect on the ethical and value base of the profession. 
• A commitment to, and knowledge of, NHS Scotland (e.g. current priorities), and the role of clinical psychology within it is beneficial 
• A commitment to professional development as a reflective scientist-practitioner
• Understanding of the contextual factors which can influence physical and mental health 
   

International applicants

See Entry Requirements and Funding sections for more details.

• Applicants need to have the right to work without restrictions in the UK.
• We do not accept applications from candidates who only have a student visa.
• We do not accept applications for self-funded places.
• Where GBC is based upon degrees accredited for GBC by the BPS, transcripts for each of those degrees needs to be submitted. International Qualifications are checked for equivalency to UK 2:1 using the Guidelines for International Postgraduate Admissions published annually by the International Office (Edinburgh Global) at the University.
• All candidates, regardless of nationality or first language, must provide suitable evidence of a fluent command of the English language. Our requirements differ from the Clearing House default requirements (see the entry requirements section of our website for details).