Coventry and Warwick

Initial screening of the application forms is undertaken by the clinical psychology team, in collaboration with local clinicians. Each selector independently grades the candidate's application based on the following:

• Academic ability
• Previous and current clinical experience
• Research experience and/or ability
• Personal suitability and values
• Demonstration of an understanding of the role of a clinical psychologist
• References

Gradings are collated and discussed at a short-listing meeting. In 2025 sixty applicants were selected to interview for 15 places. Due to the volume of applications, it is not possible to send individual feedback to those applicants who are not invited for interview; further discussion of this is not available.

All short-listed candidates are generally seen for a day-long face to face assessment on or near Coventry University campus. This typically includes a group discussion, a written exercise, a clinical and personal suitability interview, and an academic interview/exercise. The course team meet and interview candidates along with local clinicians and service users and carers. Candidates have an opportunity to have informal discussions with current trainees during the day and join a reflective group at the end of the interviews.

The selection panel will make a final decision about whether to offer a candidate a place on the programme. The Chair of the selection panel has the ultimate responsibility for the final selection decision. Once a final decision is reached, the successful candidates will be informed as soon as possible.

All offers of a place will be conditional upon satisfactory checks via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health screening. Coventry University has an established mechanism for DBS checks and proof of qualifications. All applicants must demonstrate, at the time of selection that they are eligible to work in the UK for the full duration of the training course.

All unsuccessful interviewees are given the opportunity to receive email feedback about their interview performance.  Occasionally, if for example health issues arise prior to the start of training, it may be possible for a place to be deferred for no longer than 12 months.

Please note that we review our selection process regularly and do sometimes make changes prior to the assessment day. We welcome feedback from candidates about the selection process.

*All applicants must demonstrate, at the time of selection that they are eligible to work in the UK for the full duration of the training course.

Equal opportunities

Every effort will be made at all stages of the recruitment process to ensure that policies and procedures promote fair and equal opportunities in accordance with the University’s Equal Opportunities Guidelines.

Contextual admissions

Our programme takes relevant contextual information into account when short-listing applications for interview.