clinical psychology phd scotland

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• Postgraduate study
• Taught degree programmes A‑Z
• Clinical Psychology

Postgraduate taught  

Clinical Psychology DClinPsy

This Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is collaboratively funded through NHS Education for Scotland and the University of Glasgow. You will be employed by a local NHS (Scotland) Health Board for the duration of the programme.

• Academic contact: Lynsay Coulter / Carol Lang:  [email protected]
• Teaching start: September
• DClinPsy: 36 months full-time

Why this programme

• In common with most clinical psychology programmes, the cognitive behavioural approach to psychotherapy is dominant but there is also a substantial teaching input based upon other psychotherapeutic approaches.
• The programme covers a wide geographical area, including Ayrshire and Arran, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Highland and Lanarkshire, and is varied in terms of rural, urban and inner city populations.
• Psychologists in departments throughout this area are closely involved in the programme, including placement provision, teaching, research supervision and coordination of teaching modules.

Main Campus Location

The main location of this programme is at  Gartnavel Hospital  in the West of Glasgow, not far from the bustling West End and  Gilmorehill Campus . Easy to get to by bus and car.

Programme structure

The programme follows a modularised structure, which integrates academic teaching, clinical practice education and research training. This process underpins the commitment of the programme team to maximising the synergy between the clinical, academic and research components of training and reflects explicitly our commitment to an integrative educational process.

The programme consists of 16 compulsory courses.

• DCLINPSY:FOUNDATION CLINICAL PRACTICE II
• FOUNDATION CLINICAL PRACTICE I
• FOUNDATION KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND SKILLS
• FOUNDATIONS OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
• DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS
• ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE I
• ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE II
• CHILD, ADOLESCENT, FAMILY THEORY PRACTICE
• DCLINPSY: ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE I
• SERVICE EVALUATION AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
• LEARNING DISABILITY THEORY AND PRACTICE
• RESEARCH PRACTICE I
• STATISTICS & RESEARCH DESIGN (PGT)
• ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE II
• PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LAW
• RESEARCH PRACTICE II

Accreditation of Prior Learning

From 2017, trainees who have already completed the NES-funded MSc in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People at Edinburgh University or the MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care at the Universities of Dundee and Stirling will be eligible to complete their doctorate in a shortened timeframe in accordance with the University of Glasgow Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) regulations and procedures. This will result in completion of training five months early in recognition of the skills and knowledge already acquired and demonstrated via completion of the eligible MSc courses. 

Programme alteration or discontinuation The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract .

Career prospects

Clinical psychologists have a demanding role working with a wide range of clients, in a variety of health and social care settings, to reduce psychological distress and to enhance and promote psychological wellbeing.

This programme produces fit-for-purpose NHS practitioners.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2024-25

Trainees are funded through NHS Education for Scotland (NES), which pays University fees, trainee salaries, and travel expenses related to teaching. Salaries will commence at the first point of Agenda for Change Band 6, regardless of previous experience. Self-funded trainees will not be considered.

Entry requirements

You must have the British Psychological Society Graduate Basis for Chartering (GBC) and provide proof of this. This usually takes the form of a single or joint 2.1 or above Honours degree in Psychology; however, candidates who have gained GBC by other means will be considered.  

From 2018, eligibility to be considered for a selection interview requires a minimum grade of 2.1 honours (or equivalent) in the degree that conveys GBC. This allows candidates who have a first degree below the 2.1 honours standard in a non-psychology subject to apply for training provided that they have gone on to demonstrate the necessary academic standard via a BPS-approved Psychology conversion course.

Additional practical clinical or research experience of working with children or adults with mental health problems or learning disabilities is an advantage.

We do not consider applications from final-year undergraduates.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

Toefl (ibt, mybest or athome).

• 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18; Writing 21
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) 

• 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

Oxford English Test

• Oxford ELLT 7
• R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
• W&S: OIDI level no less than 6.

Trinity College Tests

• Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

• Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country  and within the last 6 years
• students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country  and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our  enquiry form

International students

We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.

• Find out more about entry requirements and other country-specific information
• International student support & visas

How to apply

All applications are processed by the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology.

All information on how to apply and the selection procedure can be found on the Clearing House website .

• Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2737
• Email:   [email protected]

More information about this programme

• FAQs about Aligned Training Pathways
• DClinPsy Handbook 2023-4
• DClinPsy Handbook Appendices 2023-24

Related programmes

Health & wellbeing.

• Applied Neuropsychology [MSc(MedSci)/PgDip]
• Clinical Neuropsychology [MSc(MedSci)/PgDip]
• Clinical Neuropsychology Knowledge & Practice [MSc(MedSci)]
• Clinical Neuropsychology Practice [PgCert]

more related Health & Wellbeing programmes

Psychology & Neuroscience

• Behavioural Science [MSc]
• Brain Sciences [MSc]

more related Psychology & Neuroscience programmes

Related links

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• How to apply for a postgraduate research degree
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Postgraduate prospectus

15 Best universities for Clinical Psychology in Scotland

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Scotland ranked based on their research performance in Clinical Psychology. A graph of 534K citations received by 14K academic papers made by 15 universities in Scotland was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Edinburgh

For Clinical Psychology

2. University of Glasgow

3. University of Aberdeen

4. University of Dundee

5. University of Stirling

6. University of Strathclyde

7. University of St Andrews

8. Glasgow Caledonian University

9. University of the West of Scotland

10. Edinburgh Napier University

11. Queen Margaret University

12. Abertay University

13. Heriot-Watt University

14. Robert Gordon University

15. University of the Highlands and Islands

Closest to Scotland states to learn Clinical Psychology

Psychology subfields in scotland.

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Self-funded PhDs

We welcome applications for self-funded PhD study throughout the year.  Further details on PhD study at the University of Aberdeen, including details on how to apply, are available on the Study Here pages of the University website.

PhD Studentships Competition - February 2024

The School of Psychology at the University of Aberdeen has two PhD studentships available. The studentships will commence in October 2024 and are fully funded for 3 years (or 4 years if the successful applicant does not have advanced methodology training at master’s level).

The studentships are open to home students and EU students with pre-settled status. They will cover tuition fees and a stipend at UKRI level (currently £18.622 per annum). International applicants may also apply, but the funding is limited to stipend and tuition fees at home student level.

Candidates must hold (or be expected to obtain) an Upper Second Class honours degree in Psychology as a minimum requirement. A master’s degree and/or additional research experience is preferred. Projects may focus on fundamental research in psychology aligned with our research themes, but we also particularly invite applications for projects that aim to achieve impact outside academia.

You will be joining a research-intensive School with a vibrant PhD community. Our research falls broadly into four themes: (1) Perception & Attention, (2) Cognition, (3) Social Cognition, and (4) Applied Psychology. The School houses state-of-the-art research facilities, including dedicated lab space, a large participant pool, extensive eye and motion tracking facilities, EEG systems, TMS systems, and psychophysics laboratories.

Please contact potential supervisors before applying, and ensure they are willing to give feedback on your proposal and supervise your project should your application be successful. A staff list and their research areas can be found here: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/psychology/research/index.php

Applications must include:

• A project proposal which has been developed in conjunction with the supervisor. The proposal should not exceed one A4 page (2 cm margins, font Arial 11, single spaced) and must include a brief background, aims and an outline of proposed studies, and significance. A reference list can be included as an additional page.
• Name and details of the supervisory team (two members of staff).
• Supporting statements from two academic referees.
• A one page CV listing qualifications and research/work experience (2 cm margins, font Arial 11, single spaced).
• Academic transcripts (does not apply to University of Aberdeen graduates)

Above documentation must be submitted in full by email attachment to [email protected] before the closing deadline of 5pm on 19 th February 2024 . For enquiries, please email Professor Patric Bach ( [email protected] ).

Studying a Psychology PhD at Aberdeen

Hear why studying a PhD in Psychology is a great thing.

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Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology in Scotland - 13 Courses

University of aberdeen school of psychology.

• Health Psychology MSc
• Psychological Studies MSc

The University of Edinburgh School of Health in Social Science

• Clinical Psychology DClinPsy
• Clinical and Health Psychology Doctor of Philosophy - PhD MSc (Res)

The University of Edinburgh School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences

• Developmental Science MSc
• Human Cognitive Neuropsychology MSc
• Social Psychology MSc

University of Glasgow School of Health & Wellbeing

University of Strathclyde Psychological Sciences and Health

• Clinical Health Psychology MSc

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Applied Life Studies

• Psychology Conversion MSc

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MSc Clinical Health Psychology

• Start date:  September
• Study mode and duration:  12 months full-time 24 months part-time

Scholarships: EU Engagement Scholarships worth £10,000 available to applicants from EU countries

Study with us

• prepare yourself for an application to an applied psychology training programme (for example: Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, PhD in an applied area, Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology training, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist training)
• applications may be subject to prior achievement of Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society. Please check the relevant application requirements
• uniquely combines clinical, health and neuropsychology teaching with professional practice and research methods training
• offers a series of practitioner-led workshops covering key psychological interventions
• links with external partners who provide volunteering opportunities (subject to availability)

Why this course?

The course has been developed to offer theory, knowledge and practical skills development across the areas of clinical, health and neuropsychology. In addition, you'll receive training in professional practice and research methods.

The knowledge and skills you'll develop will help prepare you for a PhD in a clinical or health-related area, or a career as a Practitioner Psychologist.

You can study full-time over one year or part-time over two years.

Note:  This course does not confer eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society. This course does not provide the stage 1 qualification in Health Psychology that is a pre-requisite for stage 2/doctorate training in Health Psychology. Find further information from the  British Psychological Society website .

Interested in postgraduate study?

At the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be available to provide you with all the information you need to kick-start your postgraduate journey at the University of Strathclyde. Register for upcoming events below:

• Monthly drop-in sessions

What you’ll study

• Applied Psychology Topics

Three modules covering key theoretical and applied issues relevant to the clinical, health and neuropsychology disciplines.

Professional Practice

This class provides an evidenced-based introduction to core professional issues and ethical standards specified by key professional guidelines from the British Psychological Society, The Health Care and Professions Council, Scottish Government, NHS, SIGN and NICE.

Research Methods in Clinical Health Psychology

This class introduces the key epidemiological concepts and study designs as well as qualitative research methods, mixed methods, and evidence synthesis.

Introduction to Psychological Therapies

This class provides you with an introduction to evidence based therapeutic modalities offered in contemporary applied psychology, providing the opportunity to develop and practice clinical skills through role-play with supervised feedback from practitioner psychologists.

Dissertation

You'll undertake a supervised research dissertation on a topic related to the course themes of clinical, health or neuropsychology. Your dissertation can take the form of a primary research study, a secondary data analysis or a formal systematic review/meta-analysis.

Our purpose-built experimental labs and facilities include:

• Driving Simulator Lab
• Perception & Action Lab
• Psychophysiology Lab
• Psycholinguistics Lab
• Strathclyde Oculomotor Lab

How to become a psychologist

Find out all you need to know including what a psychologist does, the different types of psychologist and the steps you need to take to become one.

Course content

Clinical Psychology

This class will provide you with a rigorous theoretical and evidenced-based introduction to the field of mental health and chronic disease. We will explore the psychological impact of living with a chronic illness, with a particular focus on the most commonly reported mental health complaints. Students will learn about the clinical characteristics of a range of psychological disorders, the evidence base for their etiology and the factors that modulate their chronicity.

Health Psychology

This class will use health psychology theory to examine the relationship between behaviour, health and illness.  We will cover key health behaviours such as screening and adherence and students will learn how to identify the behaviour change content of complex interventions. The class will also examine the role of health psychology in health conditions of significant public health importance, e.g. sleep disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Neuropsychology

This class offers knowledge and training in neuropsychology. It will focus on identifying impairment using neuropsychological assessment and on the diagnosis of neurological disorders. You will gain knowledge and skills relating to neuropsychological assessment across a range of medical conditions. Students will learn about neuropathology, neuroanatomical and functional variation, cognitive and behavioural symptoms of a variety of medical conditions and advanced neuroimaging techniques, which help further our understanding of neurological / psychiatric disorders.

• Professional Competencies

This class will provide you with an evidenced-based introduction to core professional issues and ethical standards specified by key professional guidelines from the British Psychological Society, The Health Care and Professions Council, Scottish Government, NHS, SIGN and NICE. The development of self-reflection as a core skill of a practitioner psychologist will be encouraged throughout. Working as an Applied Psychologist means that professional behaviour and ethical practice is of the utmost importance. Registered practitioner psychologists are required by law to follow a code of ethics and display professional behaviour at all times. In addition, much litigation occurs as a result of poor communication or exceeding professional competence so teaching students about this early on in their professional careers is important. This class thus provides an understanding of core professional skills which are the linchpin of working as an applied psychologist.

The class will provide you with an introduction to evidence based therapeutic modalities offered in contemporary applied psychology, providing the opportunity to develop and practice clinical skills through role-play with supervised feedback from practitioner psychologists. This type of interactive learning is unique for a non-clinical programme. A series of workshops will introduce you to evidence based therapeutic modalities employed by practitioner psychologists in clinical practice. The development of self-reflection as a core competency and skill of a practitioner psychologist will be encouraged throughout. You will be able to reflect on your experiences of engaging in the practitioner-led, experiential workshops to begin to develop your reflective thinking and writing skills.

• Research Skills

This class serves as an introduction to research methods in Clinical Health Psychology. It will introduce the key epidemiological concepts and study designs as well as qualitative research methods, mixed methods, and evidence synthesis. This will take place in the context of evaluation which is a key aspect of applied psychological research, and enables a rounded appreciation of the types of data collection and analysis undertaken within the field of clinical health psychology.

The dissertation is designed to enable you to apply your knowledge and skills to the development and implementation of a research project. The class will offer a portfolio of dissertation formats and you will undertake an academic research project in one of the three core topic areas (i.e. clinical, health or neuropsychology). The dissertation can involve any method, relevant to the aims of the project, which is suitable for publication in an appropriate journal.

What our students think

Vedika Sukhatme

Strathclyde gave me the opportunity to explore different aspects within psychology including health, clinical and neuropsychology. This was important for me as I didn't want to have tunnel vision and was keen to keep my options open.

Dhanshri Shinde

The teaching staff have always been very supportive which is why I would encourage upcoming students to get in touch with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences if they have any issues or questions at all. Other than that the student union is there for any additional support.

Declan McTague

I loved my time studying Clinical Health Psychology at Strathclyde. I was already interested in neuropsychology, which is why I chose the course, and I was able to complete my dissertation in dementia research. Not only did I develop my research skills, but I got to do so whilst analysing MRI images of brains, which was very exciting!

Niharika Mehta

The course at Strathclyde offered not only clinical psychology but also health and neuropsychology. As well as the applied modules, it also included research methodologies and a dissertation. This balance of research and applied psychology is what impressed me.

Samantha Smith

This degree has given me skills in professional practice that I have not been able to develop before and has expanded my knowledge greatly on research methods. It has also given me the courage to pursue my passion while testing me in every way as an intellectual and a human being. My advice for prospective students would be to join the Strathclyde family as soon as possible!

Chat to a student ambassador

If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Humanities & Social Sciences student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

Entry requirements

Pre-masters preparation course.

The  Pre-Masters Programme  is a preparation course held at the  University of Strathclyde International Study Centre , for international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.

Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.

Please note: Previous Maths & English qualifications and your undergraduate degree must meet GTCS minimum entry requirements as well as the pre-Masters course and an interview will be conducted before an offer can be made.

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Scholarships

• EU Engagement Scholarships  are available to EU applicants who would have previously been eligible for Home (Scottish/EU) fee status.
• International Postgraduate Taught Scholarships  worth between £4,000 and £5,000 are open to applications from non-EU international applicants beginning full-time, face-to-face programmes.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Starting your career as clinical psychologist

Choosing subjects at school.

To become a clinical psychologist, you need a good standard of education. Useful subjects include:

• Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
• Human Biology

Work placements and volunteering

You may find it helpful to get some healthcare experience by doing a work placement or volunteering. You’ll get training, increase your knowledge, and learn new skills. This could help you when applying to university, college or a new job with NHSScotland. 

College and university

Clinical psychology is studied at postgraduate level, this means that you will need an undergraduate honours degree in psychology to gain access to clinical psychology training.

Widening access

Widening participation supports adult learners who want to go to university. If you’re an adult with few or no qualifications, you could get into higher education through the  Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) . Many universities also provide access programmes to help you get the degree entry qualifications you need.

Accessing clinical psychology training

Your psychology degree will need to be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC).

You are likely to need at least a 2:1 Honours degree from a BPS-accredited psychological degree programme to meet the entry requirements for clinical psychology training. If you already have an undergraduate degree in a different subject, you can undertake a conversion course in psychology to gain the GBC.

In Scotland, you can study for a doctorate in clinical psychology. These programmes must be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and usually take 3 years to complete. The universities that offer this course are:

• University of Edinburgh (DClinPsychol)
• University of Glasgow (DClinPsy)

Course search

Search for college or university programmes on My World of Work.

Get to know the role

As a clinical psychologist, your aim is to reduce the distress and improve the psychological wellbeing of your clients. You will work with clients with a variety of mental and physical health conditions, including:

• adjustment difficulties
• interpersonal and relationship difficulties
• addictive behaviours
• eating disorders
• neurological disorders, including dementia or stroke
• learning disabilities
• offending behaviour

What you'll do

Tasks include:

• completing clinical assessments to help develop an understanding of the patients’ problems and how they came about
• using psychological models and evidence-based intervention to process these assessments and help address the problems
• assessing patients and their families through interviews, observations, and psychometric tests
• planning a programme of treatment, including therapy, in partnership with the client
• developing and evaluating service provision for clients
• providing training and consultation to other professions, encouraging a psychological approach to their work
• counselling and supporting carers

You’ll need these skills:

• active listening
• relationship-building

Who you'll work with

You’ll work with a range of people, including:

• allied health professionals
• mental health professionals

You’ll also work with a variety of clients to reduce psychological distress and promote psychological well-being. This includes:

• young people and families
• people with learning disabilities
• adults of working age
• older adults
• organisations

Where you'll work

You could work in:

• community health centres
• social services
• psychiatric units
• rehabilitation units

Learning and development

Once qualified and registered with the HCPC, you can use the title ‘practitioner psychologist’. You will then be eligible to apply to become a chartered member (CPsychol) of the BPS .

Continuing professional development

As a clinical psychologist, you would be expected to undertake continuing professional development (CPD). This is in order to keep your knowledge and skills up to date. You must undertake an average of 40 hours of CPD per calendar year, over a 3-year period. Your CPD should be varied and balanced. It can include:

• post-qualification training courses
• received professional supervision
• personal psychological counselling for professional purposes
• systematic reflection on practice

You must also do this to maintain your registration with the HCPC .

Career progression

Gaining qualifications will help your career prospects. As your career progresses, you could move into a more senior roles such as principal clinical psychologist or clinical management. You could oversee your own team, planning for future development or balancing budgets.

You could apply to train as a neuropsychologist by completing the BPS Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QiCN) .

More experienced clinical psychologists may decide to move into clinical academic research. You might be called upon to write legal reports and act as an expert witness.

You can also move into teaching, lecturing or research with further experience or completing a PhD.

Professional bodies

British psychological society (bps).

The BPS is the professional body for psychologists in the UK. They offer 3 levels of membership:

• Student membership is open to everyone studying on a BPS accredited undergraduate degree or conversion course.
• Graduate membership of the society is the starting point to your career as a psychologist. It is a prerequisite for many accredited post-graduate and doctoral programmes.
• Chartered membership reflects the highest level of psychological knowledge and expertise.

Find out more on the BPS website .

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

The HCPC is an independent, UK-wide regulatory body responsible for setting and maintaining standards for health, psychological and, in England, social work professionals. It maintains a public register of qualified professionals and works to improve industry standards and education.

Find out more on the HCPC website .

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Discover the skills and qualifications you’ll need for each role and what the work will be like.

NHSScotland Careers blog

Our blog includes how-to guides, case studies, and career resources.

Counselling Psychology

Take existing skills in psychology and apply them to advanced clinical practice and postgraduate research. Choose a career pathway in professional practice and academia.

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Gain integrated clinical training and extensive professional development through GCU’s DPsych Counselling Psychology – the only programme of its kind in  Scotland. Counselling psychology is a rapidly growing area of applied psychology, and a wide range of diverse settings are in need of highly skilled  HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologists.

In this doctorate programme, you’ll expand your ability to work with complex client groups and contribute impactful research to the field of psychological health.

We draw on our relationships with active practitioners to give you a world-class and highly relevant education,  with clinical training in both humanistic (person-centred) and cognitive-behavioural approaches. We take a holistic and comprehensive approach to instruction, and you’ll develop your skills in applied psychological theory and research as well as complete work in ongoing clinical placements.

Here, you’ll be a part of a thriving, open and diverse community with a shared investment in social responsibility and a  commitment to the common good.

Graduate prospects

On graduation, you will qualify for Chartered Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society and you are eligible to apply for HCPC registration.

Our graduates benefit from the growing demand for in-depth training and leadership abilities in the field of psychological therapy – and from GCU’s excellent academic reputation and world top 5% ranking. Our alumni work as registered counselling psychologists, making a positive impact in independent practice and academia, the NHS and in social care, organisational, educational and forensic settings.

Accreditations

British Psychological Society

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Health and Care Professionals Council

What you will study

Course Information

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NHS Education for Scotland

A skilled and sustainable workforce for a healthier Scotland

• Recruitment and careers

Applied psychology professional training programmes

• As a result of our commitment to the ongoing development of the Psychology workforce of NHS Scotland, NES Psychology provides funding in partnership with Health Boards for a variety of training programmes across Scotland.

Trainees are jointly matriculated with education partners and employed by Health Boards in NHS Scotland. Trainees deliver clinical services throughout their training.

All psychology programmes are subject to NES educational governance policies and procedures. We gather data to track our trainees into the workforce. Attrition from clinical psychology training is very low (<5%) and retention in the NHS Scotland workforce is very high (average of 88% since 2003).

Scottish subject benchmark statement: Clinical psychology and applied psychology (clinical associate) Scotland 

A joint initiative between the Scottish Executive Health Department, NHS Education for Scotland and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education in Scotland brought together a working group of stakeholders in post-graduate education and training for Clinical Psychologists and Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology, respectively, in NHS Scotland.

The tasks of the group were:

• To consider the QAA benchmarking statement for clinical psychology (prepared at the instigation of the Department of Health) for its applicability to the Scottish context with a remit to suggest amendments as required by Scottish training arrangements, and;
• To describe the characteristics and standards expected of the Masters level training in Applied Psychology (Healthcare) in a comparable fashion to allow the similarities and differences between the two levels of award to be clearly articulated.

The working group produced a benchmark document which following a period of consultation has now been published. Currently the document can be accessed via the QAA.

Important to note: In response to the consultation the working group proposed an amendment to the working title for the Masters level training.

Clinical doctoral programmes - University of Glasgow/University of Edinburgh

Currently there are two clinical psychology programmes in Scotland at the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh .

These programmes combine placement experience (as NHS employees) in one of the 14 health boards across NHS Scotland, teaching and research over the course of study to allow trainees develop to core competencies in clinical psychology.

Both of these courses are approved by Health and Care Professions Council and represent the highest level of training in Clinical Psychology. There are currently 200 trainees. Recent developments include the design of aligned training pathways to reflect particular needs in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Older Adult and Forensic services.

NES employs clinical tutors and funds local tutors to work alongside academic staff to support the delivery of the clinical practice elements of training in NHS Boards. Trainees deliver clinical services throughout their training.

Application processes for both clinical programmes are co-ordinated by the UK Clearing House . 

University of Glasgow Clinical Psychology Programme

University of Edinburgh Clinical Psychology Programme

Trainee health psychologists

NES, in partnership with Health Boards in Scotland, funds Trainee Health Psychologists to apply specific skills and expertise to support NHS Scotland to meet its health improvement targets.

These are two-year fixed term posts designed to allow the Trainee Health Psychologists’ successful completion of the British Psychological Society’s Stage 2 Training while employed by the NHS to undertake a programme of approved work.

The application phase for the 2024 intake is now CLOSED . 

Please contact  [email protected]  if you have any queries.

Additional Information

• Summary of Health Psychology  (word doc)
• QHP Candidate Handbook (2020) (PDF)

The NES Health Psychology Stage 2 Training Programme

• Introduction: Health is all about behaviour

To radically improve the health of people in Scotland we need to understand and change the environmental, socio-economic and individual causes of poor health. Promoting effective, evidence-based delivery of health care, and supporting people to adopt healthy behaviours is a crucial part of the Scottish Government's health improvement strategy.

• What can health psychologists contribute?

A Health Psychologist has high level competencies in research, delivery of interventions, consultancy, teaching and training, and generic professional skills.

These competencies are acquired during  Stage 2  training, including:

• Practice:  Developing professional practice, designing healthcare policy and practice.
• Implement interventions for behaviour change, maintenance and long term condition management/adjustment;  for example, improving self-efficacy, coping with barriers to change, enhancing motivation, supporting adjustment to diagnosis.
• Research:  designing, implementing and evaluating original research on issues relevant to managing health, health conditions and health behaviour.
• Consultancy:  using consultancy skills to design, deliver and evaluate bespoke healthcare projects for clients that aim to improve service outcomes
• Teaching and training:  building capacity by providing theory-driven, evidence-based training for health professionals, others delivering health care and patients.
• Presenting accessible and meaningful health related information  so that people can make better informed choices.
• Providing high quality trainees: The NES Training Programme.

NES recognises the importance of adding Health Psychology to the NHS skill mix in Scotland by supporting training posts. Since 2007 NES has jointly funded (with NHS Health Boards) 2 year training posts for over 50 trainee health psychologists in NHS Health Boards in Scotland. 

The projects undertaken can be grouped into several areas:

• Health Improvement, health inequalities, illness prevention
• Physical Health including long-term conditions
• Covid-19 recovery
• Staff support and wellbeing
• Smoking, Drugs and alcohol
• Antenatal, Postnatal care and Early years
• Healthy Eating, Activity, Weight Management
• Frailty and Dementia

Child and adolescent psychotherapy training

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) has funded a new cohort through the Human Development Scotland Professional Clinical Doctorate programme which commenced in September 2017, with places across the NHS Boards in Scotland. It's a four year, full-time course to clinical qualification with further time needed to complete the doctoral thesis.

MSc psychological therapies in primary care

In January 2005 a new 1-year Master's level programme in Psychology Therapy in Primary Care commenced, jointly run by the Universities of Stirling and Dundee. Trainees are employed in NHS Boards and provide clinical services as part of supervised practice during training. These courses focus on the development of competences relating to a specific area of focus. Graduates can therefore enter the workforce quickly and respond to pressing service demands (e.g. support for NHS Boards to meet the CAMHS and Psychological Therapies Local Delivery Plan Access Standards (LDPAS)).

Further information can be found on the University of Dundee course website .

MSc applied psychology for children and young people

An additional Masters programme in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People was commissioned by NES in 2007 at the University of Edinburgh. Trainees are employed in NHS Boards and provide clinical services as part of supervised practice during training. These courses focus on the development of competences relating to a specific area of focus. Graduates can therefore enter the workforce quickly and respond to pressing service demands (e.g. support for NHS Boards to meet the CAMHS and Psychological Therapies Local Delivery Plan Access Standards (LDPAS)).

Further information can be found on the University of Edinburgh course website .

Enhanced Psychological Practice (EPP) programme

The Enhanced Psychological Practice (EPP) programme is a new post-graduate certificate level education programme that has been developed to enable staff to deliver high-quality, evidence-based psychological interventions for mild to moderate difficulties in a way that can be efficiently brought to scale. This approach aims to make effective use of the large cohorts of graduates in Psychology to deliver and support, under supervision, brief, outcome-focused, evidence-based interventions at the Enhanced level of practice. Within the Enhanced Psychological Practice Programme, there are two courses; one which focuses on practitioners working with Adults (EPP-A), and a course targeted at practitioners working with Children, Young People and their Families (EPP-CYP), with each course having modules related to their specific target population. Both courses are jointly accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and NHS Education for Scotland (NES).

Entry requirements

• Candidates must have a minimum of a 2:1 Psychology undergraduate degree that confers eligibility for graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS) or Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)
• Candidates must have the right to work in the UK without restriction.

EPP Adult Leaflet

EPP CYP Leaflet

Applications for the April 2024 intake are now closed. Check back for updates on future recruitment.

Clinical neuropsychology

Additionally, the University of Glasgow is also running a post-qualification course in Clinical Neuropsychology, offered as a postgraduate diploma or MSc as well as an option for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The programme provides clinical psychologists with specialist knowledge in the area of clinical neuropsychology and covers the underpinning knowledge syllabus of the British Psychological Society Division of Neuropsychology Practitioner Full Membership Qualification (PFMQ). These skills are required for working as part of multidisciplinary teams for people with acquired brain injuries, epilepsy, dementia and other neurological conditions.

Further information can be found on the postgraduate diploma, MSc and CPD sessions/modules at The University of Glasgow website .

Clinical psychology specialist supervision module for new supervisors

Building on the fundamental skills, models and ideas delivered in the Generic Supervision Course (GSC), the Clinical Psychology Supervision Module was developed to support supervisors of Clinical Psychology Trainees to deliver these skills effectively within their professional context. In line with HPC/BPS accreditation of both the University of Glasgow and University of Edinburgh Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and the professional demands on the trainees, additional elements such as evaluation of professional competence, placement development, contracting within the educational placement are covered.

One of the main objectives was to develop an integrated and developmental approach to supervision, which helps move the profession as a whole toward improved (and evidenced) quality training. In partnership with relevant pre and post registration agencies we have developed a curriculum that considers the experiences of the trainees and supervisors, while contributing to the development of both.

In line with NES' partnership approach, development has involved the relevant pre and post registration agencies with a view to creating a product which is cohesive, relevant and fit for purpose (for Boards, HEIs and participants) and ensures equity of access to quality supervision for trainees. Ultimately the aim is to ensure quality of training, service and patient safety through the training period and beyond and this is achieved by supporting high quality, evidence based supervision which creates a positive, open and constructive learning environment.

The module is designed to be delivered in Health Boards jointly by Local Area Tutors and Clinical Tutors, which allows discussion to be firmly anchored in local systems and polices. Over a two day period, new supervisors will discuss:

• Power and the relationship
• Placement ILOs
• Placement experiences and expectations
• Embedding the placement in the team
• Observing trainees
• Feeding back within an Experiential Learning Framework
• Promoting and evaluating professional and ethical development
• Dealing with difficulties
• Encouraging trainee reflection
• Reflective supervision
• Evaluating supervision
• Supervisor's development

The module is generally experiential and reflective in nature. A number of new multimedia resources have been developed to allow rehearsal of evaluation and feedback and to stimulate discussion around professional and ethical issues.

Last updated: 21/11/2023

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• Schools & departments

Entry requirements for 2024

Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements to be considered for the programme.

Applications to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology are not accepted from candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK without restriction.

Applicants must meet the essential minimum criteria to be considered for the programme. There are essential minimum criteria at all stages of our process.

Please note that we do not accept applications from:

• Applicants currently enrolled on either the MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care (Universities of Stirling and Dundee) or the MSc in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People (University of Edinburgh)
• Applicants in receipt of NES funding for the Enhanced Psychological Practice (EPP) programme (i.e. for at least 18 months from date of enrolment on EPP programme). This means, if you enrolled on the EPP programme in April 2022, or before, then you are eligible to apply to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in the current (September – November 2023) application window. If you enrolled on the EPP programme in the November 2022 or April 2023 intakes or you have accepted a place to start the EPP programme in November 2023 then you are not eligible to apply for a Doctoral training place in the current (September – November 2023) application window.
• We do not accept applications for self-funded places.
• Applicants need to have the right to work without restrictions in the UK.
• Intending applicants should be aware that the University of Edinburgh does not permit concurrent registration for any other degree while an individual is registered with the University of Edinburgh

All applicants must have:

• GBC confirmed at the time of application
• We will therefore not consider candidates still pursuing their undergraduate degree at the time of applying. Some general considerations regarding when to apply are provided on the  Clearing House Website

All applicants must also have either:

• a GBC-accrediting honours degree at 2.1 or above with a mean percentage mark of at least 61% in the final two academic years fte
• a GBC-accrediting MSc conversion degree in psychology at 2.1 equivalent or above with a mean percentage mark of at least 61.
• a GBC-accrediting higher diploma conversion in psychology, at 2.1 equivalent level or above, with 240 credit equivalent (120 ECTS), where the overall number of research credits is at least 80 (40 ECTS)

Please note that we check the equivalence of international degrees against the Guidelines for International Postgraduate Admissions published annually by Edinburgh Global here at the University of Edinburgh. Where GBC is based upon degrees accredited for GBC by the BPS, transcripts for each of those degrees need to be submitted.

Entry qualifications by country

Strong candidates will have evidence of other academic achievements, for example, research experience, publications or conference presentations. Candidates should be able to relate their experience of research to practice. We are looking for candidates who understand and can critically appraise theory and practice from a first principles basis as we aim to develop trainees to think about theoretical positions in depth and understand and reflect upon the nature of scientific assumptions and the meaning of "evidence".

Relevant Experience

Relevant experience which allows the applicant to apply psychological principles in practice is essential. An understanding of how to do psychological research is essential. Previous working contact with, and supervision by, a practitioner psychologist such as a clinical psychologist is an advantage, but other relevant work (e.g. nursing, support work, experience in relevant voluntary organisations) will be considered. Experience working on clinically focused research project(s), for example as part of a research degree such as a PhD or through employment on such projects, would also be seen as relevant, particularly if it involved direct client contact. A good range and amount of relevant experience is an advantage, however, it is more important to demonstrate an ability to reflect on how this relates to clinical training and to the role of the clinical psychologist. It will be essential that applicants can demonstrate an in-depth understanding of, and application of, the academic psychological models and principles that underlie the work they have undertaken. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to develop competence as reflective scientist-practitioners, and an understanding of their role as consumers and producers of research

English Language Requirements

Nationals of a majority English speaking country (which includes UK, Ireland, USA, Australia, Jamaica and New Zealand) need to provide evidence of either (a) or (c):

a)  A degree from a university in a majority English speaking country (including UK, Ireland, USA, Australia, Jamaica and New Zealand) or a degree taught and assessed in English at a university which has been approved through the University of Edinburgh’s due diligence process (see https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/english/postgraduate ).

Nationals of other countries need to provide evidence of either (b) or (c):

b)  A degree from a university in a majority English speaking country (including UK, Ireland, USA, Australia, Jamaica and New Zealand) or a degree taught and assessed in English at a university which has been approved through the University of Edinburgh’s due diligence process (see https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/english/postgraduate ). The award date of the degree should be no more than 3.5 years old at the start of the clinical psychology programme, but can be up to 7 years if you have worked or studied continually in a majority English speaking country since the degree was awarded.

c) One of the following qualifications, which should be no more than two years old by the start date of the programme:

• IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT: total 100 in a single test (at least 23 in each module)
• PTE(A): total 67 (at least 61 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)
• For further details, including other qualifications as accepted by the university for postgraduate entry, see: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/applying/your-application/entry-requirements/english-requirements

Find out more about the university’s postgraduate language requirements:

English language requirements

Interpersonal and Other Skills

All candidates must have a fluent command of the English language and demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills. It is essential to be able to foster good working relationships with colleagues and clients and to work as part of a team. Candidates should show evidence of reflecting on the ethical and value base of clinical psychology. Given the demands of clinical training, the candidate should be adaptable and flexible, and have the capacity to prioritise and balance academic and work demands. Due to the geographical spread of some health boards, extensive travel will be required for most placements.

Professional Issues

Strong candidates will be motivated to take on the full range of roles of the clinical psychologist. They will provide a clear rationale for, and demonstrate insight into, the professional context, roles and responsibilities of the clinical psychologist in the NHS and a clear understanding of professional issues as they relate to clinical psychology. A commitment to, and knowledge of NHS Scotland (e.g. current priorities), and the role of clinical psychology within it is beneficial. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to professional development as a reflective scientist-practitioner and an understanding of the contextual factors which can influence physical and mental health.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) will be applied for candidates who have completed the MSc in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People at the University of Edinburgh or the MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care provided jointly by the Universities of Stirling and Dundee, which have significant clinical practice (placement) components. Any consideration of RPL will not have any impact on the selection of trainees.

Please note that the MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care and the MSc in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People have been designed as an innovation in the training structure for Applied Psychologists and provide MSc graduates to NHS workforce roles.  NES funds these training roles in addition to the Doctoral training places.  NES will not fund places on the University of Edinburgh/NHS (Scotland) clinical psychology training programme for candidates who apply to the clearing house while in receipt of NES funding for the MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care or MSc in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People

This means, if you are currently enrolled on either the MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care or the MSc in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People, you would not be eligible to apply to the University of Edinburgh/NHS (Scotland) clinical psychology training programme in the current intake (i.e. September to November/December 2023 application window for 2024 intake).

Recognition of Prior Learning does not apply for those who have completed the NES-funded Enhanced Psychological Practitioner (EPP) programme. If you are currently in receipt of NES funding for the Enhanced Psychological Practice (EPP) programme (i.e. for at least 18 months from date of enrolment on EPP programme), then you would not be eligible to apply. This means, if you enrolled on the EPP programme in April 2022, or before, then you are eligible to apply to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in the current (Sept – Nov 2023) application window. If you enrolled on the EPP programme in the November 2022 or April 2023 intakes or you have accepted a place to start the EPP programme in November 2023 then you are not eligible to apply for a Doctoral training place in the current (September – November 2023) application window.

Promoting Diversity/Equal Opportunities

The University of Edinburgh and NHS Scotland employers are committed to promoting diversity and welcome applications from under-represented groups. The Programme participates in the "Disability Confident Scheme". The selection process will be carried out in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and as such will clearly not discriminate against any applicant on the grounds of the 9 protected characteristics covered by the Act. Consistent with the Act, we apply positive action in relation to Race at the shortlisting and interview stages of selection, as highlighted in our Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan. 

No Concurrent Degree Registration

Intending applicants should be aware that the University of Edinburgh does not permit concurrent registration for any other degree while an individual is registered with the University of Edinburgh.

Visa Requirements

Successful applicants to the programme are currently employed by the NHS as trainee clinical psychologists while they study. By applying for this programme you would be applying for a job with the NHS and therefore need to have the right to work in the UK without restriction. A student visa is therefore not applicable for this programme as, if you were accepted, you would be classed as an employee, not a student.

We are not qualified to tell you whether you have the right to work in the UK or not. If you are unsure of your status, please:

• check the UK Visas and Immigration website ; or
• contact your local British Embassy . 

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