PsychD Clinical Psychology

Course overview

This professional clinical psychology training combines psychological theory, research, and supervised practice in the National Health Service (NHS). The programme is normally done in a period of three years with a maximum of four years, and it is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The graduates are allowed to register as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon successful completion.

Training is structured around clinical placements (2.5 days/week), university-based teaching, and individual study. Students complete five clinical placements in areas like adults, children and families, and learning disabilities. Assessment includes a service evaluation project and two major research papers examined orally through a viva examination in the third year.

Entry requirements

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement in which they discuss their reasons for applying for the course and other relevant information regarding their studies. Two separate references are required, one clinical and one academic.

Applicants must also demonstrate at least one year's full-time equivalent experience of applying psychological principles in clinically relevant settings within the last three years before application. Entry is conditional upon a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check.

Grade Requirements:

Applicants must be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS and hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK honours degree in psychology or a suitable equivalent qualification.
Furthermore, due to the programme training professionals for the NHS, applicants must be eligible for Home Fees status and possess a current, valid UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes.

English Proficiency:

Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds need an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 or above, with a minimum of 6.5 in all other sections.
Other equivalent English language test scores, like TOEFL and PTE, can also be submitted.

Scholarships

Discounts for Surrey Graduates
As graduate of Surrey you may be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on our taught masters programme fees.
Up to 20% of fees
Early Payment Discount
The discount is awarded as a £2,000 fee waiver for eligible students in the first year of their studies.
Up to £2,000
ICAEW Foundation Bursary
The ICAEW Foundation Bursary will be given as a one-off payment of £5,000 for one year of postgraduate study.
Up to £5,000
International Alumni Discount for Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS
The discount of 20% only applies to the first year of the Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS programme.
Up to 20% of fees
International Excellence Award (Postgraduate)
This prestigious £5,000 award recognises academic excellence and is awarded to selected students starting a masters degree at Surrey.
Up to £5,000
International Excellence Award (Undergraduate)
The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 fee waiver.
Up to £5,000
ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Program
Contributing to the development of future aviation professionals by providing funds and avenues for students with a keen interest in commercial aviation.
Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Eastern Europe Bridge Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Employer Partnership Scholarship
This scholarship allows the Surrey MBA to match employer contributions towards the tuition fee up to 40%.
Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Women in Leadership
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10 – 50% of the tuition fee.
The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship
The total value of the award is £30,000 (£10,000 x 3 years).
Up to £30,000

Career opportunities

Successful completion of the PsychD leads to the necessary professional qualifications to work in highly respected clinical roles across various health and care settings.

Clinical Psychologist
HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist
Clinical Academic Researcher
NHS Service Lead
Clinical Supervisor

Cost of study

For International students who are successful in securing a competition-funded place, such as the South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) studentship, the tuition fee is covered by the award. These studentships include a full waiver of the International tuition fee, meaning the student does not incur the published course cost.

Furthermore, the successful applicant receives a stipend paid at the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate, which is intended to provide financial support for living costs throughout the duration of the programme.

Admission

Applications for postgraduate courses in clinical psychology are made through the Clearing House. Please speak with our experienced counsellors for assistance.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now