University of Plymouth

Who can apply

We invite applications from people who meet our essential criteria, to train for 3 years, at doctoral level to become clinical psychologists who will be eligible for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

• The course is based at University of Plymouth and trainees are required to be able to attend placements in Cornwall, Plymouth or South Devon.
• Before applying please consider the geographical spread of the South West of England, and your ability to relocate to any of these areas, the majority of our placements are located in Cornwall
• We welcome applicants with an interest in learning from their life experiences, both personally and professionally.
• Due to NHS England funding restrictions, we are unable to consider applicants who have completed another NHS-funded training programme within the past 2 years.
• Our start date this year is Monday 21 September 2026

Academic Requirements

You must, at the time of application, have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Plus evidence of a minimum of:

A relevant 2:1 degree classification (or equivalent) is required in Psychology or related subject area

OR

2:1 or 1st in another degree, plus a conversion course (Diploma or Masters) at Merit or Distinction

OR

2:2 Undergraduate degree plus either:

• a Merit or Distinction on a relevant postgraduate degree (Eg MSc) 
• or a UK trained Clinical Associate in Psychology / Clinical Applied Associate in Psychology (CAP or CAAP) Masters (if pass / fail graded – Pass required, if fail / pass / merit / distinction graded – Merit or Distinction required) 
• or PhD completion. 

It is the candidates responsibility to demonstrate equivalence if degrees are achieved outside the UK.

Clinical

You must have a minimum of 12 months clinical experience acquired after attaining GBC eligibility.

For details of our preferred experience please see the Entry Requirements section of our website and download the relevant document.

References / Suitability Statements

Your application must include 2 satisfactory Suitability Statements:

1. Academic
2. Relevant experience

Documents required

Your application must include:

• A document confirming your GBC status.
• An academic transcript for your undergraduate psychology degree.
• And if your undergraduate degree was not in psychology, an academic transcript for your conversion course.
• Any other Masters transcripts
• Any other Postgraduate transcripts including evidence that any PhD is in progress or completed.

Advice for your application

All applicants should demonstrate:

• Their commitment to a career as a clinical psychologist in the NHS
• A clearly articulated understanding of the role of a clinical psychologist
• Their ability to think critically
• Their ability to reflect on their learning and experience

International applicants

• Currently all the places on the programme are NHS-funded.
• Whilst we welcome applications from applicants who have come to the UK from other countries, currently all applicants must be eligible for home fee status and have the independent right to work in the UK.
• Please ensure you complete the relevant information regarding your residence status and your right to work in your application.
• Our English Language Ability requirements are IELTS (6.5) in all components or a TOEFL score of 93.

We are preparing to accept self-funded applications from International Applicants via our Plymouth University admissions process. Please check our university DClinPsy website for updates and information about how to apply.