How to apply
“Although the admissions process was challenging, I felt the staff really wanted me to achieve and demonstrate my potential and brought out the best in me.”
— Charlotte Hazeldine
Trainee Clinical Psychologist
The application process for 2013 is now closed.
Applications can be made through Clearing House. We recommended that you apply early (by mid-November).
Should you have any queries regarding this information, please contact the University of Bath clinical psychology doctorate team and not the Clearing House.
References
Two references are required; one academic and one relevant experience.
Essential entry requirements
- Right to work in the UK
- An undergraduate degree in Psychology at the level of 2.1 or above. Candidates must have achieved a 2.1 or above for their undergraduate psychology degree or their psychology conversion programme. Unfortunately grades of 2.2 will not be considered
- Meeting criteria for GBC with the British Psychological Society
- Evidence of commitment to a career in Clinical Psychology
- Appropriate experience before, during and/or following undergraduate training
- High level of proficiency in English
- Clear evidence of commitment to the course ethos
- Clear evidence of strong motivation.
Desirable entry requirements:
- At least one year’s relevant previous experience (paid or voluntary) of working with adults/children in a relevant clinical speciality
- Contact with clinical populations for research purposes is similarly taken into account when reviewing applicants' relevant experience
- Evidence of having gained experience as above through other routes such as placement years as part of a degree, extensive voluntary work and so on.
Enquiries
We hope the information you require will be available on these web pages, the Frequently Asked Questions or from the Open Day presentations. If not, enquiries regarding the programme and admissions can be made by email: clinpsych@bath.ac.uk
Offers
All offers of a place on the programme are dependent on criminal record and health checks.
Criminal Records and Health Checks
If you are accepted on to the programme you will be working in the NHS while you study. The programme involves work with children and vulnerable adults, so successful applicants must have a criminal record check and a health check. These checks are made by the employing NHS organisation, Taunton Partnership Foundation Trust.
Criminal Records
Criminal record checks are made through the Disclosure and Barring Service - (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau, CRB), for England and Wales, or Disclosure Scotland. The checks will disclose any criminal convictions and police cautions, reprimands or warnings, whenever they occurred. Please see information on Disclosure and Barring Service policy.
Health Checks
Everyone working in the NHS must have a health check before they take up their post. This is to ensure that they are physically and psychologically capable of doing the job, and that they do not present a risk to the vulnerable people they will be working with. Successful candidates therefore are required to undergo an occupational health check arranged by the NHS employer, and appropriate immunisation will be given if needed.
The health check may include:
- References from the most recent employer, including a record of sick leave.
- A health questionnaire, to be completed by the applicant.
- An interview with an occupational health adviser.
The health check has several purposes, including those relating to fitness to practice in terms of the Health and Care Professions Council.
Part of the purpose underpinning the health check is to ensure that if you have any special needs for reasonable adjustments, these can be considered at as early a stage as possible.
The HCPC’s publication ‘A disabled person’s guide to becoming a health professional’ provides useful details for those with health problems.
International Applicants
English Language Ability
If English is not your first language and your university qualifications were not taught and examined in English, you need to submit evidence of your ability in English language with your application. This should be a TOEFL or IELTS test if possible.
The minimum scores needed are: 100 for internet-based TOEFL, 250 for computer-based TOEFL, 600 for paper-based TOEFL or 7.0 for IELTS for all elements.
Conditional Offers
As stated above, all offers of a place on the programme are dependent on criminal record and health checks. Most offers have no further requirements, but occasionally we will attach extra conditions. These may be conditions for the applicant to meet e.g. undergraduate degree results, completion of a postgraduate degree etc; or they may be conditions for us to meet e.g. confirmation of funding etc.
Selection
Information regarding the selection process for 2013 intake.
Frequently asked questions
View our FAQ guide for answers to common queries relating to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
Equal Opportunities Policy
The programme operates an Equal Opportunities Policy and candidates will not be disadvantaged in the selection process or indeed through training because of race, religion, age, gender, social class or sexual orientation.
The programme also operates a double tick system, and will make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of candidates and trainees with disabilities.
