University of Birmingham

Who can apply

We accept applications from both Graduates, and those not yet graduated who have gained relevant experience prior to commencing their psychology degree, or if a four year programme, as part of their degree - subject to our minimum criteria listed below

We are not able to accept applicants who have recently received NHS funding for other training in line with Health Education England (HEE) protocols

Academic Requirements

At the start of the programme, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:

• 2:1 or 1st class level degree in Psychology, recognised by the BPS for GBC
  • Or have a recognised "conversion" degree, conferring GBC, with a 2:1 or 1st class level in both the undergraduate and conversion degree
• Evidence of competence in research methods by obtaining at least 60% on the undergraduate or conversion research dissertation
  • Or a Master’s or Doctoral level research degree

Clinical

At the time of applying, applicants must have completed at least one year’s full-time equivalent (FTE) clinically relevant experience, that allows them to both understand the profession of Clinical Psychology, and demonstrate that they have been applying psychological principles in a setting that is relevant to the role of a Clinical Psychologist. Examples of this are:

• Applied psychology placement experience gained during a clinically relevant Master’s, or as part of a four year undergraduate degree is regarded as meeting this criterion
• Clinical research conducted during a PhD
• Assistant Psychology work
• Post Graduate research relevant to a clinical population
• Psychological therapist work
• Mental health work 
• Other work which demonstrates understanding of the profession and the application of psychological principles

References / Statements of suitability

In line with NHS practice, we don’t review references until the decision has been made to make an offer. However, applications must include two satisfactory references:

• One of these must be from a current/most recent line manager
• The other must be from a suitably qualified person who is able to effectively comment on academic ability and academic potential at a post graduate level

Documents required

Applications must include:

• A document confirming GBC status (or another form of confirmation)
• An academic transcript for your undergraduate degree (if completed)
• And, if your undergraduate degree was not in psychology, an academic transcript for your conversion course, together with evidence of the class received for your first degree

Advice for your application 

We are particularly interested in applicants who can demonstrate:

• A clear awareness of the role of a Clinical Psychologist and why, in the spectrum of helping professions, this could be the best ‘fit’ for you
• The capacity to take a reflective, inclusive, and considered position 
• The willingness to learn, in terms of clinical/academic/research but also about yourself
• Although we seek to support trainees as much as possible, clinical training is a demanding endeavour, so being able to demonstrate a realistic and resilient approach is a valuable asset 

International applicants

English language ability

• If English is not your first language, or where your first degree was not taught in English, we require evidence of ability in English – for further information please see: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/requirements-pgt/international/index.aspx

NHS funded places

• For NHS-funded places applicants need to be ordinarily resident in the UK and have Home Fees status.

Self-funded places

• We welcome international applicants with Overseas Fees status, on a self-funding basis.
• International applications are made directly to the University and not via the Clearing House. Please see the University of Birmingham website for information on how to apply.