University of Staffordshire

We are currently reviewing our selection process, and we recommend checking the University web site for further updates.

Programme  staff, clinical psychologists from within Shropshire and Staffordshire, and service users/carers all participate in the selection process.

We recruit to the values of the NHS Constitution. This influences our selection criteria and especially the values we are seeking to be demonstrated in both your application and interview, which we view as essential in any individual involved in working with service users.

Screening test

Please note: for the 2026 intake we will not be using an online academic screening task as we have done in previous years.

Interview

In-person interviews will take place in May 2026.

• This typically involves a single panel interview incorporating a values-based role-play element. However, this may be subject to change in the context of the current selection review process.
• The interview broadly assesses applied academic, research and clinical knowledge as well as personal suitability for training.
• Panel members include programme staff, Clinical Psychologists from the NHS Trusts trainees are employed by and service user/carer representatives.

You will be required to provide both proof of identity (passport or photo driving licence) and eligibility to work in the UK without a work permit at interview.

Following this stage, offers will be made to the most suitable candidates, subject to satisfactory Occupational Health screening and Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Feedback

We are not able to provide individual feedback for those not invited for interview due to the large number of applicants.

Equal opportunities

The University of Staffordshire is committed to promoting and enabling a positive culture where everyone is confident to be their authentic selves. We focus on inclusion as a way to ensure equality of opportunity for all and to demonstrate our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Human Rights. Our two key strategic objectives for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are to ensure a university environment which actively promotes social and educational inclusion and equality of opportunity, and that the needs, rights and contributions of people with protected characteristics underpin the design and delivery of the University’s Enabling and Resourcing Strategies and related plans.

Our equality framework, objectives, and reports showing how we're performing can be viewed on the University of Staffordshire website.

We particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented within the profession.

We are currently reviewing our selection process, including how Positive Action is used within this. Further details will be given on the University web pages.

Contextual admissions

We are currently reviewing our selection process and as part of this, we are exploring options for use of contextual admissions data. Further details will be given on the University web pages.

Applicants with disabilities

The course does not participate in the Disability Confident scheme, however we endeavour to make our selection processes as inclusive as possible, including making reasonable adjustments for interviews. We are currently reviewing our selection process, and we recommend checking our web site for further updates that may be relevant.