University of Birmingham

Who can apply

We accept applications from Graduates, subject to our minimum criteria listed below.

We consider applications from applicants with overseas fees status for a small number of places (dependent on availability/resource each year) and this is subject to review each year. These applications are made directly to the University and not via the Clearing House. Please contact University admissions in the first instance (and prior to making an application) to find out if any overseas / international places will be available in the forthcoming year.

We are not able to accept applications from Undergraduate students.

We are not able to accept applicants already enrolled on other postgraduate programmes unless these are due to be completed prior to the start of the ClinPsyD (September 2026).

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

Academic Requirements

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

All candidates must be proficient in the use of English. If English is not the candidate's first language, and they haven't previously studied at degree level in English, then proficiency will need to be demonstrated to the level of IELTS 7 or equivalent.

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 involving participant contact conducted during an MSc/PhD that is relevant to a clinical population
• Assistant Psychologist
• Post Graduate Research Assistant - work involving participant contact that is relevant to a clinical population
• Psychological Therapist
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner work
• Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
• Other work which demonstrates understanding of the profession, supporting people with psychological difficulties, and the application of psychological principles
• Experiences in the role of a Support Worker will not be considered sufficient unless there is clear and detailed evidence in the application form of the application of psychological knowledge and principles related to these posts / duties

References / Statements of suitability

We don’t review references as part of our application form rating process, however, applications must include two satisfactory statements of suitability:

• One of these must be from the 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 e.g. if noted on the academic transcript)
• An academic transcript for your undergraduate psychology degree
• 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 on personal and professional matters
• 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 our Clinical Psychology programme website and the University of Birmingham International Students pages

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, but availability of spaces on the programme is reviewed on a yearly 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.