DClinPsy Clinical Psychology: our selection process

Find out more about the selection process you will participate in when applying to our DClinPsy programme.
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Selection procedure

The programme strives to ensure that we uphold the values of equality and inclusivity at all times, including in our selection process. For this reason, our procedure is designed to actively encourage those from diverse backgrounds to apply and is focused on an individual's overall potential to become an outstanding clinical psychologist rather than over-emphasising existing knowledge and skills. Positive action, utilising Equal Opportunities data and contextual data provided by applicants, is used in our selection process to promote the diversity of trainees and future qualified clinical psychologists in the workforce.
If due to disability you need support to access our selection procedure or feel that any aspect of our process would put you at a disadvantage, we will work with you to mitigate these issues and ensure that you are given a fair opportunity to show your potential.
 

Selection event

There are two parts to the selection event
A formal interview is designed to explore candidates' strengths. Panels include members of the course team, service user representatives from our Plymouth Consultative Group and practising clinical psychologists drawn from services across Devon and Cornwall. There is a focus on academic and research competencies, clinical experience, reflexivity, values, anti-racism and commitment to service user involvement. A group task will comprise the second part of the process for each candidate.

The process
The selection process takes place over three days, these are planned to be 19-21 May 2026, with each candidate joining us for part of one day. There’s an online Open Evening session each October, and a candidates online information session each April, prior to the selection event. Information about the programme is also available on the interview days and current trainees are present throughout the selection event to consult with candidates.

Placement location
Most of our placements are located in Cornwall. Candidates provide information regarding preferences of location between Cornwall, Plymouth and South Devon. We work together with our training partners to consider preferences however your placement location preference cannot be guaranteed, and we ask you to take this into consideration when you apply for this course. You will be given opportunities to discuss this thoroughly with the team and trainees currently in all locations. Candidates are informed when the selection process is completed and are allocated their placement base after this time.

Disclosure and barring checks

All offers of a place on the doctoral programme are dependent on satisfactory references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks.

Safer recruitment

This programme is committed to safer recruitment and principles are embedded into our shortlisting and selection processes to ensure a safe and positive environment for service users and the workforce in health settings.