Clinical psychologist : Entry requirements

In order to become a qualified clinical psychologist you will need to hold a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited  psychology degree with a degree classification of 2:1 or above (some courses will accept a 2:2 and a Masters degree).

If your course is not accredited, or your degree is not in psychology, you can obtain Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) in other ways: by sitting the British Psychological Society's qualifying examination; via an appropriate society-accredited postgraduate qualification; or by taking an appropriate society-accredited conversion course.

Entry with just a Higher National Diploma (HND) is not possible.

A further three years of postgraduate study leading to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is also needed, which then leads to you being eligible for chartered status.

A minimum of six to 12 months of relevant clinical work experience is essential in order to secure a training place. Some course providers lay down specific requirements or give advice on how to go about gaining the necessary experience (successful applicants typically have two years of work experience).

Relevant experience can include work as assistant psychologists in NHS clinical psychology departments, sometimes on a voluntary basis. Work in other areas, however, is also relevant, e.g. in nursing, social work or services for individuals with disabilities. Research experience, as a research assistant, in a branch of psychology is also relevant, particularly if the research is clinically orientated. It is helpful to have a good balance of experience in both academic and clinical areas. It is also ideal get work experience working under the supervision of qualified clinical psychologist within the NHS.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• empathy and a person-centred approach to clients;
• tolerance of stress;
• the ability to recognise your own limitations and respond to difficult situations;
• the ability to apply your knowledge of academic psychology and research to clinical problems;
• the capacity to be critical and analytical, and to work in a self-motivated independent way;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills appropriate for dealing with people in distress;
• the ability to collaborate with colleagues from other disciplines;
• the determination to succeed;
• a strong understanding of the profession and the role of a clinical psychologist, and an awareness of current NHS issues.

As posts often involve local travel, a current driving licence and car is a definite asset.

Applications for most of the three-year Doctorate in clinical psychology courses are made through the Clearing House for Postgrad Courses in Clinical Psychology . The closing date for courses is early December however it is recommended you apply before mid-November. Competition for entry is stiff, with just one in four applicants currently gaining a place, it is common for people to apply several times. It is not usually possible to fund yourself, or use funding from sponsorship or scholarships in order to gain access onto the course as the NHS provides enough funding for all the places available. The clearing house handbook includes details of the sources of funding for each course and information about each course's entry requirements.

Entry on to accredited postgraduate training courses is quite competitive. A lot of the successful applicants for the doctorate course have a postgraduate qualification such as a Masters and at least two years of relevant experience.

It is suggested that gaining relevant experience will expand your chances of getting on the course. On average it takes around three years after graduating to get onto the Doctorate course and the average age of applicants is 26 years old, however it is illegal to discriminate against applicants on grounds of age and there are some courses who favour undergraduates.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.