ClinPsyD Doctorate in Clinical Psychology / Application and selection

Year of entry: 2024

How to apply

Application for the ClinPsyD programme is made through the British Psychological Society's Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology.

Overseas applicants who do not meet the criteria for home fee status should also apply through the clearing house system.

Advice to applicants

All applications should be made via the   Clearing House for Postgraduate Studies in Clinical Psychology   and not directly to the University.

All applications must be sent to the Clearing House by the beginning of December the year prior to intended entry; applicants should contact the Clearing House for precise deadline dates for their year of entry.

Applicants should also be aware that, due to the nature of our selection procedure, we are unable to accept applications that do not have references submitted in the Clearing House format. Any applications received with references not in this format cannot be processed.

How your application is considered

Positive action in selection

We are committed to promoting diversity in Clinical Psychology, so will apply principles of positive action in line with stated ethnicity and/or disability in cases where there are multiple candidates of equal merit, in accordance with the Equality Act (2010). If you wish to be considered for this then you need to provide consent for us to have full access to the information provided by you during the selection process in the Clearing House Equal Opportunities Monitoring form. Please note that we will only access equal opportunities data during the selection process in cases where there are multiple candidates of equal merit, and only for the purpose of establishing whether positive action can be applied.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Programme are committed to principles of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). This is demonstrated across various aspects of the Programme, including selection and recruitment (where positive action is in place), mandatory training (where key legislation is covered), teaching on power, position, privilege and intersectionality, and a mentoring programme for aspiring clinical psychologists from underrepresented backgrounds. The continuing development of EDI on the Programme is led by the Programme EDI Lead and overseen by the Programme EDI Committee.

We recognise there is more work to be done. The Programme is implementing an ambitious EDI action plan to improve access to training and the training experience for people from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups. This drive is supported by additional funding from HEE, as part of wider plans to improve the experience of mental health care for people from minoritised ethnic communities, and NHS commitment to EDI. This work is also taking place within the context of the University of Manchester's Race Matters at Manchester action plan.

Interview requirements

Interviews will be held in the spring of each year and take the form of one interview, approximately 30 minutes in length.

The programme constantly strives to improve the interview process and additions to this format are possible. The interview panel consists of programme staff, local NHS clinicians and community members.

Applicants should obtain the interview schedule from Clearing House and ensure they are available during the allotted week. Alternative interview dates are not available.

Overseas (non-UK) applicants

Due to our funding arrangements, we are only able to consider international applicants with Indefinite Leave to Remain (or 'settled' status under immigration rules) with 3 years' residency in the UK for funded places.

Following the UK's formal departure from the European Union, EU nationals are no longer eligible for home fees status and should apply as international applicants unless they have been granted 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status under the EU Settlement Scheme with 3 years residency in the UK/EU for a purpose other than full time education, in which case applicants are eligible to apply for a funded place.

We now have places for a limited number of students from international countries with overseas fees status, who are seeking the ClinPsyD qualification. These individuals will be required to meet the same entry standards as other successful applicants. As these places are self-funded we encourage candidates to investigate whether bursaries or other funding is available from their home government or other local agencies before applying. You will also need the means to financially support yourself through the three year training programme as the time commitment required for training will not allow for employment. The fees for international students for 2023 entry are currently set at £34,500 per year. Please contact us for details of 2024 fees.

Overseas applicants who do not meet the criteria for home fee status must still apply through the Clearing House system.

Aptitude test requirement

Applicants who meet the all entry requirements will be invited to sit a GMA (General Mental Ability) test, which must be completed in order for them to be considered. 

The results from this will be used to deselect a proportion of applicants and the remaining candidates will then be shortlisted using the programme's usual process.

Fitness to practise / health requirements

All offers are made subject to Occupational Health clearance via the NHS. Further information can be provided prior to interview if required.

All students are required to demonstrate appropriate professional conduct. Fitness to practice procedures will be invoked in the case of breaches of professional guidelines and codes of conduct.

See the HEOPS standards of medical fitness to train guidance (PDF, 73KB) for more information.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

All offers are made subject to receiving clearance on an enhanced DBS check. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply and all convictions and cautions must be declared, even those which would normally be considered spent.

Deferrals

Deferrals are not normally permitted.

Transfers

Transfers are not normally permitted.