Starting a Career in Clinical Psychology
Starting a Career in Clinical Psychology
Becoming an Assistant Psychologist
There is no specific training to become an Assistant Psychologist, but you must be a graduate and have a degree in Psychology.
Entry requirements:
- A good degree in psychology or psychology related degree (BPS approved) (can also have completed a conversion course);
- Some work experience relevant to the role.
Becoming a Trainee Clinical Psychologist
Trainee Clinical Psychologists are undertaking a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), composed of clinical, academic and research strands.
Entry requirements for acceptance onto a DClinPsy course:
- An undergraduate psychology degree or conversion course that meets the BPS criteria for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) – usually first class or upper second class Honours;
- Work and research experience that is relevant to the work of a Clinical Psychologist – usually a minimum of 12 months+;
- Where an applicant’s first language is not English, IELTS 8 is required.
All applications must be made via the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology. There are 30 universities in the UK offering the DClinPsy.
Becoming a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
You’ll need to complete a British Psychological Society (BPS)-accredited APT training course, which typically consists of 45 days of academic work (one day per week) alongside supervised practice, usually over an academic year. A local NHS Talking Therapies service will employ you while you train and once you’re qualified.
Entry Requirements:
- Training is open to people with a range of experience but will help your application if you have some experience of working with people with mental health problems, and good interpersonal skills are essential for the role.
- If you have a degree, you can usually take a postgraduate certificate. If you do not have a degree, you can do an equivalent graduate-level qualification or a level 6 apprenticeship. The apprenticeship is intended for people without a degree but have useful life experience or would like to make a career change and work for the local community.
Becoming a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner
To become a CWP you need to complete a year-long training programme. To access the training, you will need to apply for a position as a trainee CWP in a children and young people's mental health service.
If you have a degree, you would usually study for a postgraduate certificate. If you don’t have a degree, you could study for a graduate certificate. Training is part classroom-based, part on the job.
Entry requirements for the training courses include:
- experience of working with children and young people
- proven ability to study at undergraduate level
- knowledge of child and adolescent development
- good communication and interpersonal skills
Becoming a Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologists have undertaken the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy).
Clinical Psychologists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). After qualifying from the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, psychologists can apply to the HCPC for registration.
