Discussion paper: Applying for professional doctorates in Clinical Psychology in the United Kingdom: Reflective report on academic credentials

Abstract

Places on clinical psychology doctorates in the UK are known for their intense competition. Academic excellencen typically constitutes an important prerequisite for clinical training. This paper profiles academic entry requirements outlined by 30 UK universities offering the professional doctorate in clinical psychology (DClinPsy) for 2016 entry. Findings indicated that a high proportion of universities emphasised undergraduate academic excellence, whereas others outlined more diverse academic eligibility criteria for clinical training. This paper includes reflections underpinning applicants’ academic background and recommendations for aspiring clinical trainees and the psychology profession.