Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Entry requirements

All candidates, at the time of application, must be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Candidates should normally have at least a 2:1 honours degree and be proficient in the use of English. Candidates with a 2:2 honours degree will only be considered if they have also completed a master's degree in a relevant subject. If English is not the candidate's first language, and they haven't studied at degree level in English, then proficiency will need to be demonstrated to the level of IELTS 7 or equivalent. Additionally, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have relevant clinical experience, an understanding of the NHS and a commitment to working in it. The programme is not able to offer any accreditation of prior experience or learning (APEL) routes.

Furthermore, as public transport is very limited in some places, a current driving licence and car/motorcycle ownership or other independent means of transport is essential except for where reasonable adjustments apply. In line with other courses nationally, successful applicants will not be expected to be enrolled for other postgraduate studies when commencing clinical training.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This three-year full time course leads to the award of Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psych). It aims to enable trainees to become reflective practitioners, placing great emphasis on personal and professional development.

• The content of this programme encourages the creative use of psychological concepts and theories to solve problems in clinical settings, as well as a collaborative and cooperative group ethos.
• The programme aims to provide students with the academic and research skills commensurate with doctoral status.
• On successful completion of the course, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical Psychology). Please see the Accreditation

Why you should study this course

• The course has been developed between Coventry University, the University of Warwick and NHS providers. Established in 1998, it has a long history of training effective clinical psychology practitioners who have gone on to become highly valued and respected members of the health and social care workforce.
• You’ll study within the School of Health and Care at Coventry University and the Department of Psychology at the University of Warwick. This collaboration offers a unique environment for your clinical psychology training, preparing you to work in the NHS and allowing you to benefit from both universities’ facilities.
• Study time is divided between academic and research training at both Coventry University and the University of Warwick, and mandatory clinical placements in the NHS which are sourced for you by the university. During the second and third years of the course, you will complete a research thesis of publishable quality. The programme focuses mainly on evidence-based practice and critical evaluation of both psychological literature and clinical practice. It also places great emphasis on personal and professional development, enabling you to become a reflective practitioner.
• In each year of the course, you will typically spend between 41 and 43 weeks on placement. During each of those weeks, you will have either three or four placement days, equating to 125-130 placement days per year. Placements for this course are identified, organised and allocated by your course team alongside NHS placement providers. Placement arrangements may vary per student, please contact the course clinical team for more information about going on a placement for this course.
  • If you’re already enrolled on the programme, please contact Dclinpsych@coventry.ac.uk
  • For those who aren't enrolled on the programme, please contact our admissions team: dclinpsychadmissions@coventry.ac.uk
• Current trainees are full-time employees of the NHS and have annual leave and other benefits in line with the usual NHS entitlements. Fees for current trainees are funded by NHS England (NHSE).

Accreditation and professional recognition

The Clinical Psychology Doctorate is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the 2026/27 intake.

On successful completion, graduates are eligible to apply for HCPC registration to practise as a clinical psychologist in the UK (subject to HCPC criteria and any additional costs; see the HCPC website for full details, eligibility criteria and application process).

If there are any changes to the accreditation or approval status, applicants and enrolled students will be informed as soon as possible.

Please use the official Coventry University website as your main source of information as our courses are subject to change throughout the year.