If you’re interested in pursuing a career in clinical psychology, it’s essential to understand the typical route that many aspiring clinical psychologists take in the UK. This journey typically unfolds in three main stages, each building upon the last to equip you with the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications. Let’s break down each of these stages to clarify what lies ahead for you.

Stage 1: Obtain an Undergraduate Degree

The first step on your path to becoming a clinical psychologist is to earn a good undergraduate degree in Psychology. Generally, this means achieving at least a second-class upper division (2:1) or higher in an undergraduate program that has been accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Accreditation by the BPS is crucial because it ensures that your course covers the key areas needed and provides what is known as the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR). This will be important for your future studies and practice, especially when later applying for doctoral training in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy).

Many psychology programs also offer a sandwich course option, which includes a professional placement in a healthcare setting between your second and third years. This placement provides hands-on experience, allowing you to apply your theoretical knowledge in a real-world context. Not only will you gain practical skills, but you will also develop a clearer understanding of the role of a psychologist within the NHS or the private sector. It’s important to note that participating in the placement year is not mandatory; if you feel it isn’t the right fit for you at the time, you can choose not to complete it. However, having the option available can be reassuring and beneficial, as it provides flexibility in your educational journey.

Key Considerations:

• Ensure your undergraduate program is BPS-accredited.
• Consider if the programme being applied for offers you the chance to have a clinical placements or practical experiences in mental health.

Stage 2: Gain Relevant Experience

Once you have your degree, the next step is to acquire practical experience in clinical psychology settings. Many graduates begin working as Assistant Psychologists. These roles, however, are fiercely competitive, and are not the only sorts of work experience which will provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to become a Clinical Psychologist. Below are a few suggestions on ways of gaining relevant experience not always advertised:

• Healthcare Support Worker: Working as a healthcare support worker in mental health settings, such as hospitals or community clinics, involves providing direct care to patients, supporting therapeutic activities, and assisting nursing staff.

• Mental Health Practitioner: Mental health practitioners work in various settings, including community mental health teams, offering support and interventions to individuals with mental health issues.

• Research Assistant Roles: Research in psychology frequently intersects with mental health topics, as well as the understanding of the brain and human behavior. You would typically contribute to various aspects of the research process, including data collection, analysis, and the interpretation of findings, ultimately providing you with a solid understanding of research methodologies in clinical psychology and the development of clinical interventions. Positions for research assistants are often advertised at universities, within the NHS, or at private organisations.

• Occupational Therapy Assistant: Working as an assistant in occupational therapy involves supporting occupational therapists in their work with patients to improve daily living skills and overall functioning

• Social Work Roles: Roles here involve supporting individuals and families, including those dealing with mental health challenges with various aspects of life, including advocacy.

• Relevant master’s Programs: Some graduates also opt to pursue a master’s degree in a related field, which can further enhance their qualifications and understanding of clinical practices.

Stage 3: Apply for Doctoral Programs

After gaining sufficient experience, you will need to apply for further training through the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). The application process typically involves using the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology, a centralised application system for doctoral programs across the UK. The DClinPsy program usually spans three years and integrates academic training with practical placements involving patients across the lifespan.

When applying you are asked to write a personal statement, allowing you to highlight your motivation, relevant experiences, and understanding of clinical psychology. You will also need to complete details about your academic qualifications and provide references from both a research perspective and a clinical viewpoint, which will support your application. Your application will then be screened based on academic qualifications, relevant experience, and the quality of your personal statement.

Finally, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews and/or assessments. These evaluations aim to assess your knowledge, skills, and suitability for the program. They may include role-play scenarios, problem-solving exercises, or other relevant tasks designed to gauge your readiness for clinical training.

Additional Resources

For further guidance and resources on pursuing a career in clinical psychology, consider exploring the following:

• British Psychological Society (BPS): The BPS website offers extensive information on accredited programs, the GBR, and insights into clinical psychology as a career.
• ClinPsy Forums and Clinical Psychology Facebook Pages: These online forums are an excellent resource for aspiring clinical psychologists. You can connect with others in your field, share experiences, and gain advice from those who have navigated the same path.
• The Clearing House: This will give you further information about the selection process for DClinPsy, and what courses you are looking for with respect to relevant experience and degree qualification.

Good luck on your journey!