| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-23 | 2023-07-04 |
| 2024-01-23 | - |
Program Overview
The aim of the programme is to train clinical psychologists skilled in evidence-based psychological assessment, intervention and research.
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) at the University of Bath is a professional training course for Clinical Psychologists in the United Kingdom, leading to a doctoral qualification approved by the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP: Level 2), and Association for Family Therapy (AFT: Foundation Level).
The programme provides a comprehensive range of placement and research opportunities. In all aspects of the programme there is a strong emphasis on integration of theory, research and practice, and on equality, diversity and inclusion, supporting trainees to become reflective scientist-practitioners. Service users and carers are involved in and shape all aspects of the programme.
There are opportunities for trainees to join active research programmes in: Adult Lifespan Mental Health; Clinical Health Psychology; Children and Young People’s Mental Health; Autism & Intellectual Disabilities; Anxiety & Depression; Trauma; Addictions; Pain; Psychosis; Mindfulness; Environmental Psychology.
Find out about the department's research activities.
The aim of the programme is to train clinical psychologists skilled in evidence-based psychological assessment, intervention and research.
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) at the University of Bath is a professional training course for Clinical Psychologists in the United Kingdom, leading to a doctoral qualification approved by the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP: Level 2), and Association for Family Therapy (AFT: Foundation Level).
The programme provides a comprehensive range of placement and research opportunities. In all aspects of the programme there is a strong emphasis on integration of theory, research and practice, and on equality, diversity and inclusion, supporting trainees to become reflective scientist-practitioners. Service users and carers are involved in and shape all aspects of the programme.
There are opportunities for trainees to join active research programmes in: Adult Lifespan Mental Health; Clinical Health Psychology; Children and Young People’s Mental Health; Autism & Intellectual Disabilities; Anxiety & Depression; Trauma; Addictions; Pain; Psychosis; Mindfulness; Environmental Psychology.
Find out about the department's research activities.
Program Outline
Programme structure
Most students complete this programme in 3 years. You cannot take less than 3 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 3 years.
Throughout the three years, three days per week are spent completing six clinical placements, with the remaining two days per week dedicated to teaching (mostly on the University of Bath campus), study time and research.
Occasionally, trainees are unable complete the programme within the three years, which may be due to difficulties with meeting the programme requirements or personal circumstances. The programme works collaboratively with trainees in finding solutions in these cases. If programme registration does extend beyond three years where there are exceptional circumstances, then a funded extension may be possible; if there is no funded extension, than a trainee may incur tuition fee costs (we stress this is exceptionally rare).
There are compulsory taught elements throughout the three-year programme. The focus of teaching, assessment and clinical placements are aligned to support integration of theory and practice and support placement work.
You may start this programme at any time. Most students start in September.
There is no part-time option for this programme. For each new intake there is a single start date, which falls in late September or the first week of October.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Academic milestones
- Registration
- Induction
- Taught, Placement and Research
- Research
- Writing up
- Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
- Submission for examination
- Examination (Viva Voce)
- Examiners report
- Final submission of thesis / portfolio
- Graduation
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Placement
You will usually complete six placements, each of six-months duration, during the programme. The first two years focus on: core placement experiences. This involves working with adults of working age and adults with issues relating to later life in the first year, and; in the second year with people with intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental disorders and children, adolescents and young people. The first placement is mostly observational at first with only one day per week in placement. This, increases to two and then three days per week placement, as the trainee takes on more clinical responsibility. At this point they then have two days per week at the University. In April trainees will begin their second placement. Some first-year placements are within lifespan services, and in such cases, trainees may remain in the same setting for the whole of the first year.
In the final year, trainees can choose their ‘elective placements’. As the course has a strong commitment to Clinical Health Psychology training, it is anticipated that the majority of trainees will have one placement of this kind in their final year. However, trainees who wish to gain experience in other specialist areas can choose to do so. For the final year, trainees may opt to have either two six-month placements sequentially or they can have split 12-month placements across two services (usually with two days in one service and one day in another service, swapping this balance after 6 months).
The aim is to arrange placements that meet the requirements of clinical psychology training whilst offering some flexibility to account for the particular needs, interests and career aspirations of the trainee. There is a personal planning and training needs assessment process which is central to making such arrangements work.
A range of other specialisations may also be developed, based on trainee career aspirations and NHS requirements, availability of appropriate expertise and supervisory capacity. Such specialisation can begin relatively early in the course. Assuming sufficient development of core professional competencies, specialisation can be emphasised during the third year of the course through elective placements.
Given the geography and size of the region, and the fact that some services work with vulnerable individuals where home visits are essential, we strongly recommend that trainees have a car plus current valid driving license to access placements which will allow them to meet their training needs, and align to service requirements. This means, they will not restrict training opportunities for themselves or for others. Arrangements will be made for trainees unable to drive through disability.
Assessment
Assessment methods
Assessment description
Assessment of academic, clinical and research competence takes place across the course of the three years. This will take the form of:
University of Bath
Overview:
The University of Bath is a leading UK university with an international reputation for teaching and research excellence. It is known for its vibrant, friendly campus located in a historic city. The university is highly ranked for overall performance, student satisfaction, and graduate employment.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Bath join a multicultural community on a vibrant campus. The university offers opportunities for placements and study abroad, helping students prepare for their careers through real-world experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Rankings:
The university is highly ranked for overall performance, student satisfaction, and graduate employment.Vibrant Campus:
The university boasts a vibrant and friendly campus with a multicultural student community.Real-World Experience:
Students have opportunities for placements and study abroad, providing valuable real-world experience.World-Leading Research:
The university's research is improving lives and changing the world, with a focus on tackling issues of global significance.Academic Programs:
Other:
The university is committed to reducing its environmental impact through ethical food sourcing, waste management, and generating sustainable energy. It also engages with the local community, supporting local students and collaborating with local organizations.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
You must meet a range of essential criteria to be considered for a place on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course.
Academic qualifications
- you must hold either a 1st class or 2:1 in an undergraduate psychology degree, or an undergraduate degree in another subject, with a master's level conversion course (at merit or distinction).If you have a 2:2 in an undergraduate degree your application will only be considered if you have also achieved a relevant qualification at doctoral level.
Research experience
- Research experience in addition to an undergraduate project. This can be an undergraduate placement year, if additional to the degree requirement. Other suitable experience includes service audit/evaluation and development, PhD, MSc or other research posts.Professional requirements
Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Candidates from non-GBC accredited courses need to have applied and gained membership themselves.
Clinical experience
- a minimum of nine months (full time equivalent) relevant clinical experience of working with people with psychological needs (see ‘desirable criteria’ below for examples).
Personal qualities and values consistent with the NHS constitution
- you must demonstrate that you can give the highest standards of professional care. You must demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice.Other requirements
Desirable criteria:
Appropriate research experience
- research development, co-ordination, co-production of research with service users and stakeholders, ethics-approval and dissemination (for example) are rated more highly than data collection/entry. Research development, co-ordination, ethics-approval and dissemination (for example) are rated more highly than data collection/entry.
Appropriate clinical work experience
- we give credit for the following types of relevant clinical experience:
We value voluntary work and commitment to social change and environmental issues.
Publications
- we give credit for authorship of publications in peer-reviewed journals where the candidate has evidenced their contribution to the work. We also give credit for oral and poster presentations at national conferences and contribution to substantive health service publications.
Additional skills and competencies
- we value a range of additional activities, skills and training (such as postgraduate certificate level training and counselling courses). Valued indirect skills include:
All places are NHS funded. We do not currently offer any self-funded places.
We operate an equal opportunities policy and you will not be disadvantaged in the selection process or through training because of race, religion, age, gender, social class or sexual orientation. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds including mature or second career applicants. We encourage applications from candidates who have a disability, and are committed to making all reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of interviewees and trainees with disabilities.
Eligibility for Home/EU fee status
- find out more about eligibility and fee status.
Eligibility for Funding
- Health Education England South West commissions the course and provides trainees with financial support. You must ensure before applying that you are eligible for both home fees status and have the right to work in the UK. For any queries regarding eligibility, general immigration and residence requirements, see the Clearing House website and the HEE funding for psychological professions training programmes FAQs.English Language requirements
You need either of the following:
You need to have gained your English language qualification within 12 months before you apply for the course.
References
Two strong references from appropriate referees. One of these must be from an academic referee who has taught or supervised you in an academic setting. One of these must be from an experience referee who has knowledge and experience of you working in a relevant clinical setting.
