Clinical Psychology Doctorate ClinPsyD

You will be equipped to deliver psychology-based treatments, using a variety of models and tailoring interventions to meet diverse client needs. With expertise in cognitive-behavioural, systemic, psychodynamic, and behavioural approaches, our faculty ensures you develop a broad skillset. This course empowers you to become a well-rounded, adaptable, and impactful clinical psychologist.

Course Structure

The weekly job pattern is, normally: 3 days placement, 1 day study, 1 day teaching (although there are also timetabled teaching blocks).

We promote flexibility and innovation in diverse service contexts, tackling real-world issues like health inequalities and privilege. Committed to inclusivity and leadership, our programme provides a safe, supportive space for you to develop, lead, and make a lasting impact.

• Train at one of the major centres for clinical psychology in the UK
• Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) - conferring Chartered status with the BPS and eligibility to apply for HCPC accreditation.
• Long and distinguished history - producing over 500 qualified Clinical Psychologists since 1967
• Large and Diverse City - train within the large and diverse city of Birmingham, giving you will access to a broad range of clinical placements and research opportunities
• Experts by Experience- Involvement from experts by experience in all the different aspects relevant to our teaching and research

• Training workshops - delivered by experienced local clinicians and experts in the relevant clinical area. Training is set within a nurturing and inclusive learning community, and we actively consider and act on feedback from trainees to continue to improve the training experience, and have the following support structures:
  • Buddies
  • Professional Mentors
  • Appraisal Tutors
  • Reflective Practice Groups
  • Student Wellbeing and Disability Services
  • Therapy Network
• Assignments - spread over the three years allowing you to gain necessary skills and knowledge. The current assignment portfolio includes a range of different types of clinical practice reports and oral presentations, as well as a research-based report, a research proposal, and a reflective practice report. 
• Research Projects - developed during the first year of training in collaboration with staff and local clinicians and continuing until year 3
• Assessments - continuous throughout the course
• Clinical Placements - gain professional training in the clinical settings you will be working in throughout your career

If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded, although scholarships are available.

Find a supervisor

If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.

When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.

Find an Advertised PhD

Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.

The research thesis includes a literature review (systematic or meta), an empirical research study, and a ‘Press Release’ that is a summary document written in lay or accessible language.

The School of Psychology conducts research with global reach and impact, for further information visit the School research website.

You must have at least a 2:1 degree or recognised equivalent at undergraduate level and you will need to provide a certificate or transcript showing your degree level at the time of applying, as such we are not able to accept applicants who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree or conversion course. We welcome applicants with higher degrees which should ideally be in a clinically relevant area.

We also require evidence of competence in research methods as evidenced by a score/rating of at least 60% on the undergraduate research dissertation – noted on the undergraduate transcript or a higher degree in research (e.g. MSc, MRes).You must have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society. For guidance on the kinds of experience considered to be relevant when applying for the Clinical Psychology Doctorate, please visit the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology’s website.

A research proposal and names of proposed research supervisors are not required as research projects are developed during the first year of training in collaboration with staff and local clinicians.

UK applicants apply to the programme via the Clearing House in Leeds.

Unfortunately, we are not accepting overseas applicants for 2025.

You must demonstrate that you have been engaged in work experience that allows you to understand the profession of clinical psychology, and to demonstrate skills that can be enhanced through training. We require you to have completed at least one year's full-time clinically relevant experience (which can include placement experience from a clinically relevant Master's degree) at the time of applying. This experience could come from a variety of roles, including Assistant Psychology and research posts, and graduate roles within IAPT services. You will need to demonstrate that you have been applying psychological principles in a clinical setting, preferably under the supervision of a psychologist, or have been engaged in research that is relevant to a clinical population (eg as a research assistant or as part of a 3-year PhD). The experience could be spread across more than one year but must equate to one year full-time as a minimum requirement.Please ensure when detailing Clinical Experience gained, that you are clear how many hours you worked per calendar week if this role is part time. It is helpful to detail the tasks / role carried out and the profession of the person supervising or overseeing that work. This information could be within your supporting information or an uploaded CV.

You will be subject to a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise regulations, to which you are required to sign up.

At present UK trainees are hosted by a local NHS Trust and paid a salary. University fees are paid by the NHS. This model may change in the future but candidates should not be deterred from applying and should check the Clearing House for updates.

If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Applicants apply to the programme via the Clearing House in Leeds.

Careers Network

At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.

You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.