University of Southampton

Who can apply

Applicants are selected based on their potential to train successfully as Clinical Psychologists. There are several criteria which must be met for an applicant to be considered. These are:

• Applicants must have already been awarded the qualification which grants them Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society.
• Applicants are expected to have attained, and been awarded, a 1st, 2:1 or 2:2 Undergraduate Psychology degree (with evidence of GBC). 
• If an applicant’s Undergraduate degree is not in Psychology, then the applicant will need to undertake to completion a Conversion Course (with evidence of GBC). We similarly require a minimum of a 2:2 grade.
• Applicants are expected to have at least one year's (Full-Time Equivalent), experience of paid or voluntary work in clinical, community, or clinical/academic settings within the UK relevant to Clinical Psychology at the time of application. 
  We do not specify a particular way in which this experience may be gained. Rather, we would suggest that a key point for applicants to consider is whether their experience has been sufficient to develop both a good understanding of the role of the Clinical Psychologist within the NHS, and sufficient experience working with people. 
  We value a diverse range of experiences and look for transferable skills that indicate someone is ready to begin training.
• Applicants must have home fees status.
• Applicants must have the right to work and study in the UK.
• Applicants must not be currently studying on another programme funded by NHS England*.
• Applicants must not have been studying on a programme funded by NHS England in the last 2 years*.

*This applies to programmes that started after 31.03.22. Two years is from the date of the Exam Board for the first programme and the start date of the Clinical Psychology training programme. This is subject to change following NHSE guidance.

• If English is not an applicant's first language, they must be able to evidence a good standard of written and spoken English (100 for internet-based TOEFL, 250 for computer-based TOEFL, 600 for paper-based TOEFL or 7.0 for IELTS with no element below 6.5).
• The application must be well written and presented to a professional standard, as it is a key document in the application process.
• Being "Fit to Practise" is a requirement of all professions registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), and is considered as part of the selection process.

Academic Requirements

• Applicants are expected to have attained, and been awarded, a 1st, 2:1 or 2:2 Undergraduate Psychology degree (with evidence of GBC). 
• If an applicant’s Undergraduate degree is not in Psychology, then the applicant will need to undertake to completion a Conversion Course (with evidence of GBC). We similarly require a minimum of a 2:2 grade.
• Please note, applications will not be shortlisted if they do not evidence that they have completed and been awarded their Undergraduate, or Conversion Course studies (with evidence of GBC).

Clinical

• Applicants are expected to have at least one year's (full-time equivalent), experience of paid or voluntary work in clinical, community, or clinical/academic settings within the UK relevant to Clinical Psychology at the time of application. 
• We do not specify a particular way in which this experience may be gained. Rather, we would suggest that a key point for applicants to consider is whether their experience has been sufficient to develop both a good understanding of the role of the Clinical Psychologist within the NHS, and sufficient experience working with people.
• We value a diverse range of experiences and look for transferable skills that indicate someone is ready to begin training.

References / Statements of suitability

• Applicants are required to include two satisfactory Statements of Suitability, as specified by the Clearing House. 
• If an applicant’s Academic Reference is from a long time ago, a more recent Statement of Suitability can be sought from an employer who knows the applicant’s abilities well and can comment on their suitability to engage in a higher level of academic study. Justification for this should be noted on the application in the Background Info section.

Documents required

Submitted applications must include:

• A document confirming your GBC status.
• Undergraduate Academic transcript for Psychology degree.
• And, if your Undergraduate degree was not in Psychology, an academic transcript for suitable conversion course.

Advice for your application

We welcome and value applications from people with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. We look for the following characteristics when assessing applications:

• Applicants demonstrating reflexivity and resilience. 
• An ability to reflect on experiences and acquired learning.
• To have personal values that encourage, respect and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
• A commitment to the NHS and a career as a Clinical Psychologist.
• An interest in producing publishable research and a commitment to the scientist-practitioner model.

International applicants

• Home fees status only, applicants are required to complete the relevant information regarding their residence status on the application please.