Clinical Psychology Professional Doctorate

Our professional doctorate represents a unique blend of academic study, clinical experience and research which will enable you to qualify as a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

An important strand running through the course is the impact of society upon psychological wellbeing. We encourage you to be alert to and involved in the wider context of changing health, social and economic needs of the population.

The teaching elements of the course are closely linked to the work you’ll be doing in your clinical placements and your research activities. The links between theory, practice and personal development are developed through a strong emphasis on reflective practice.

The course has been commended by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for the high regard in which the course team and its students are held by NHS stakeholders and service users who play an active role in its development and implementation.

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the Division of Clinical Psychology in the BPS.

The course is a partnership between Staffordshire University, the NHS and practising clinical psychologists in Shropshire and Staffordshire. As a trainee clinical psychologist, under current funding arrangements, you’ll be employed full-time by one of two local NHS Trusts.

Applications can only be accepted via the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Clinical Psychology.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and exams which will evaluate your academic, clinical, and research work. This will include direct observation of practice within both teaching and placement.

Careers

The course focuses on preparing you for a career in the NHS. Your Clinical Tutors will take account of your career plans when organising your specialist placements, in your third year.

Workshops in Year 3 include a session on job seeking, which also focuses on Continuing Professional Development and Lifelong Learning.

NHS Jobs are advertised via the NHS jobs website. The BPS also lists job opportunities and vacancies received by the programme office are circulated by email.