University of Plymouth

Who can apply

We invite applications from people who meet our essential criteria, to train for three years, at doctoral level to become clinical psychologists who will be eligible for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

The course is based at University of Plymouth and trainees are required to be able to attend placements in Cornwall, Plymouth and South Devon. Before applying please consider the geographical spread of the South West of England, and your ability to relocate to any of these areas.

We welcome applicants with an interest in learning from their life experiences, both personally and professionally.

Due to Health Education England funding restrictions, we are unable to consider applicants who have completed another NHS-funded training programme within the past two years.

Academic Requirements

A degree in Psychology, or other degree plus a conversion course (at diploma or Masters level), and to have at the time of application, Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Whilst we do consider past attainment, we do not have specific requirements for applicant's degree classification above that required for GBC. 

Clinical

Please see the Entry Requirements section of our website for further details about relevant clinical experience - details of preferred experience can be found in a linked document. 

Please note we require a minimum of 12 months clinical experience acquired after attaining GBC.

References / Statements of suitability

Your application must include two satisfactory Statements of Suitability as specified by the Clearing House.

Documents required

Your application must include:

• A document confirming your GBC status.
• And an academic transcript for your undergraduate psychology degree.
• And if your undergraduate degree was not in psychology, an academic transcript for your conversion course.

Advice for your application

All applicants should demonstrate:

• Their commitment to a career as a clinical psychologist in the NHS
• Their ability to think critically
• Their ability to reflect on their learning and experience.

International applicants

We are preparing to accept self-funded applications from International Applicants for our 2025 intake via our Plymouth University admissions process, please check our website for updates and information about how to apply.

Currently all the places on the programme are NHS-funded and, whilst we welcome applications from applicants who have come to the UK from other countries, currently all applicants must be eligible for home fee status and have the independent right to work in the UK. Applicants are required to complete the relevant information regarding their residence status on the application please. 

Our English Language Ability requirements are IELTS (7.0) in all components or a TOEFL score of 93.