Triangle

Research overview

Become a skilled, clinical psychologist, who'll be eligible to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), allowing you to work effectively within the NHS and equivalent organisations.

This training programme is run in collaboration with the University of Lincoln and in partnership with the clinical psychology services of three local NHS Trusts in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.

This course does not accept international or EU applications.

Course content

The programme is competency-based and conforms to the Standards for Education and Training of the Health and Care Professions Council and the accreditation criteria of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Teaching is informed by current research that has been developed to help you make a difference in the real world. There are three main components:

  • University-based academic teaching takes place over two semesters:
    • September to January is mostly based at the University of Lincoln (with some exceptions in the first year)
    • February to June is mostly based at the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine.
  • Service-based practice learning takes place throughout the year during placements in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
  • Clinically relevant research is conducted throughout the programme, including a research project, plus a separate doctoral thesis in the middle of your third year

At the end of the course, you'll be confident in using research methods to answer clinical questions, have organisational and service evaluation skills and be aware of priority groups within the NHS.

Core modules

This module introduces you to the theoretical foundations and key skills that will be needed for your first clinical placement. There is a particular emphasis on establishing an understanding of, and competences in, assessing and formulating clinical casework from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) perspectives and introducing students to alternative evidence-based practice (EBP) models. 

This module is worth 30 credits.

This module provides you with the theoretical foundations to understand the phenomenology of problems commonly referred to clinical psychology services. You will develop the key skills for planning and delivering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions with individual clients, based specifically on models of engagement and change of CBT and other psychological evidence-based practice models.

This module is worth 30 credits.

These modules span the full first year of the programme and account for one clinical placement experience. It is designed to support you to apply learning in the first-year taught modules (CPS & TWI) by establishing core clinical skills. You will learn to make theory-practice links and to assessment, formulate and intervene with psychological distress. You will get experience of the NHS services in which clinical psychology is practiced and you will learn, initially by observation, the role of a practicing clinical psychologist.

These modules total 30 credits.

This module lays the foundation for the research component of the programme by introducing students to:

  • the most influential study designs used in clinical psychology
  • theoretical and practical aspects of systematically searching relevant literature to answer specific clinical and research questions
  • and conducting applied research in healthcare settings

In the first part of the module you will develop:

  • a defensible plan for a doctoral-level research project
  • skills for writing formal research proposals for university and/or NHS ethics committees, including principles of ethical research and the requirements of the HCPC, BPS and other bodies as appropriate
  • literature searching and synthesis skills

You'll also have an opportunity to further your research project by undertaking a systematic review of the literature in their chosen area of interest. The systematic literature review results in a publication-ready paper which becomes a component of the final research project portfolio (BRP).

This module is the first step you'll take towards the completion of your research project portfolio and submission-ready journal papers.

This module is worth 90 credits.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Core modules

In this module you will be introduced to a developmental perspective that tracks an individual across the lifespan, taking account of the diversity of different developmental trajectories, and consolidates knowledge and skills acquired in previous modules by framing these within the evolving challenges faced by individuals as they progress from birth to old age. The module complements the adult focus of CPS and TWI by emphasising common clinical problem presentations of infants, children, adolescents and older adults. 

This module is worth 30 credits.

This module builds on previous skills and knowledge about working with people as a clinical psychologist and prepares you for developing specialist interests in your third year. You will develop an understanding of why people change, or fail to change in response to intervention. You will have a choice of contemporary evidence-based theoretical models. The range of options will depend on the availability of local expertise and may vary from year to year. Minimum and maximum numbers of students on each option will be specified to ensure economic viability. You will compare and contrast these with mainstream CBT in order to develop a synthesis which you can apply critically in an integrative or trans-theoretical framework to work with complex clients.

This module is worth 30 credits.

The focus of these modules is acquiring skills and applying clinical psychology expertise across the human life span and spectrum of diversity, complementing the taught LSD module. During second-year placements, you will normally work in two different service settings and extend the knowledge and competencies acquired in the Foundation Placement modules through work with services dedicated to different age groups, clients with divergent developmental pathways and those with disabilities.

In addition, you'll develop competencies in relation to people who present more complex clinical problems and circumstances where greater consideration has to be given to intervening with couples, families, groups and indirectly through others. You'll be encouraged to contemplate client groups, service settings and EBP alternatives to CBT that interest you, for which the taught ISO module provides the theoretical foundations. Additionally, you'll have opportunities for working in the NHS and in other complex organisations, such as schools, social services, residential care and institutions to develop proficient knowledge of specialised interventions for targeted client groups.

You'll have two different, separately assessed placements, which can occur in any order, in two separate service settings with two different client groups. For example children, learning difficulties, and older adults. You will spend sufficient time to achieve competencies for each client group.

Note: This module contains two Practice Learning Placements, which count separately for calculating the maximum number of permitted resubmissions.

These modules total 30 credits.

This module builds on the research skills developed in the first year research module (ROD) and allows you to apply those skills to real-world small-scale research, whilst also gathering data for your final research portfolio submitted in RAP.

You will design and implement a research design strategy to address a clinical service provision issue. Your small-scale study must generate new knowledge and have potential to help to improve the way services are delivered.

This module is worth 90 credits.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Core modules

This module changes focus from the individual to the individual within a couple, family or other small group system and introduces you to the theoretical foundations of working with larger modules, such as families, couples and groups. You'll consider the nature of problems for which multi-person interventions are most appropriate. The module progresses to the application of clinical psychology theory and practice to develop the skills of assessing, formulating and intervening indirectly through third parties such as other family members, care staff, and multi-disciplinary teams.

This module is worth 30 credits.

This module builds on the skills and knowledge about individuals, groups and families and competencies in an indirect intervention. You'll develop a sophisticated framework to understand, and the skills needed to influence, systems and organisations. The emphasis in this module is on the organisational contexts within which clinical psychologists work, particularly in the NHS, but also in Local Authority, education, forensic and third sector agencies.

This module is worth 30 credits.

These modules provide you with the opportunity to develop expertise in a specialised theoretical approach or with a particular client group or in a novel setting. If the focus of the placement is on a specialised theoretical approach, you will be expected to become familiar with the application of an EBP approach other than CBT or the application of an advanced or modified CBT approach.

You'll also have the opportunity to complete any outstanding clinical practice related to Standards of Proficiency required for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approval and any placement competencies and experiences required for British Psychological Society (BPS) Chartered Clinical Psychologist status, which have not been achieved previously.

Note: This module contains two Practice Learning Placements, which count separately for calculating the maximum number of permitted resubmissions.

These modules total 30 credits.

This module builds on the ROD module. You'll report on data collected as a result of research plans developed in year one and submit a portfolio containing:

  • a portfolio abstract,
  • a journal paper
  • a critical appraisal
  • an explicit statement of relevance and impact
  • reference list

Supportive materials (eg ethics approval, informed consent documentation, interview transcripts, questionnaires, etc) are included in appendices.

You'll defend your thesis at a viva-voce examination conducted by an internal and an external examiner, and make corrections and/or modifications as required by the examiners. You will use feedback to create a publication-ready Revised Journal Paper, which should provide the second publication resulting from their training experience.”

This module is worth 90 credits.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

QualificationDClinPsy
Degree

1 or 2:1 (or international equivalent) in a degree in psychology conferring Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPS.

Candidates with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) may be considered if they EITHER have a postgraduate degree at masters level or higher OR meet specific contextual admissions indicators. 

Additional information

Due to NHS funding arrangements, the programme is not in a position to offer places to non-Home applicants without a work permit.

Any offer of a place on the programme is contingent on satisfactory health and criminal records checks.

Candidates whose first language is not English, and who have not previously studied in Higher Education in English, will be required to have a recognised English language qualification achieved no more than two years prior to admission:

  • A British Council IELTS overall minimum score of 7.5 with no element below 7.0, achieved no more than two years prior to admission.
  • Pearson Test of English Academic 79 (minimum 76).
  • CELE pre-sessional course final assessment of "Pass with High Distinction".

As part of the selection process you will be invited to complete a written screening exercise and attend an interview.

Qualification

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

Applying

Applications can only be made through the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology.

All trainees must pass all components of the programme. There is no provision for the accreditation of prior learning (APL or APEL).

You'll also need to complete a contextual admissions questionnaire, as part of the application process.

Find out more about the programmeHow to apply

Fees

QualificationDClinPsy
Home / UK^ Successful applicants for this course are employed by the NHS as trainee clinical psychologists and course fees are covered by the funding body. For details, contact medicine-pgr@nottingham.ac.uk

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget such as living expenses, printing and travel.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need to complete your DClinPsy through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or access to more specific titles.

Funding

Successful applicants for this programme are employed by the NHS as trainee clinical psychologists and course fees are covered by the funding body via a time-limited contract of employment at AFC Band 6 with one of three NHS Trusts:

  • Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
  • Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
  • Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

No other funding arrangements are acceptable and there are no self-funded places on the programme.

Find out more about funding

Due to NHS funding arrangements, the programme is not in a position to offer places to non-Home applicants, and therefore funding is not available.

Please contact the school for further information:

+44 (0)115 84 67523
medicine-pgr@nottingham.ac.uk

Support

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:

  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

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Where you will learn

Jubilee Campus

Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake. 

This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.

You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Most of our graduates take up clinical psychologist roles within the NHS, though some have gone on to work in psychology in other sectors.

90% of postgraduates from the School of Medicine secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £39,564.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

BPS and HCPC

Our Clinical Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and confers eligibility to apply for BPS chartered membership.

The course is also regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and confers eligibility for HCPC registration.

Related courses

Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

  • 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
  • 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
  • 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 04 December 2023. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.