Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD)

Program Overview

The University of Birmingham's Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD) is a three-year, BPS-accredited program that equips students with the knowledge and skills for psychology-based treatments. Combining academic teaching, research, and NHS clinical placements, the program emphasizes cognitive-behavioral approaches while fostering specialization in various therapeutic modalities. Upon graduation, students are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, qualifying them for professional practice in clinical psychology.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD) is a 3-year full-time postgraduate program offered by the University of Birmingham's School of Psychology. It is a professional qualification in Clinical Psychology, leading to eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and confers Chartered status with the BPS. The ClinPsyD program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to deliver psychology-based treatments. It combines academic teaching, research and research training, and professional training during clinical placements. The program emphasizes cognitive-behavioural approaches but also includes training in systemic practice, psychodynamic and behavioural approaches. Students can specialize in one of these approaches in year two. The program also prepares students for the organizational demands of the NHS by providing opportunities to understand, appraise, and develop leadership behaviors.

Outline:

The ClinPsyD program is structured around a combination of academic teaching, research, and clinical placements. Students spend approximately 50% of their time in clinical practice, with the remaining time divided between teaching, research, and academic workshops.

Year 1:

• Research in Clinical Psychology: This module introduces students to the principles and methods of research in clinical psychology.
• Reflection Practice in Clinical Psychology: This module focuses on developing students' reflective practice skills, which are essential for effective clinical practice.

Year 2:

• Students continue to attend workshops related to the academic underpinnings of clinical practice.
• They work under supervision on clinical psychology placements in the NHS.
• They undertake self-directed learning.
• They complete one clinical practice report, which is bound into the thesis.
• They pursue their research project.

Year 3:

• Students must attend a minimum number of workshops related to clinical psychology from a wide choice.
• They continue to work under supervision on clinical psychology placements in the NHS.
• They undertake self-directed learning.
• They complete work on their research thesis.
• They are required to complete two clinical practice reports, which are bound into the clinical volume of the thesis.

Assessment:

The program is examined by continuous assessment, with students completing a series of assignments and projects over the three years.

Teaching:

The program is delivered by experienced local clinicians and experts in the relevant clinical area. Workshops are delivered by experienced local clinicians and experts in the relevant clinical area. Time is scheduled for private study, academic assignments, and research. Although there are some longer teaching blocks, a typical week consists of one day teaching, one day study, and three days placement throughout the year.

Careers:

Birmingham is one of the major centers for clinical psychology training in the UK, and most graduates take up posts in NHS departments. At present, UK/EU trainees are hosted by a local NHS Trust and paid a salary. University fees are paid by the NHS.

Other:

The program has a long and distinguished history, producing over 500 qualified Clinical Psychologists since 1967. The program has close links with local clinicians who provide teaching and reflective practice. The course particularly welcomes applications from people from ethnic minority groups. The program is subject to a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise regulations, to which trainees are required to sign up.