Original post by henna_kc
Hi,
I was just wondering if you have to go to university to become a clinical psychologist? And if so, which universities would you suggest?
Thanks
I was just wondering if you have to go to university to become a clinical psychologist? And if so, which universities would you suggest?
Thanks
You would have to do an undergraduate accredited psychology degree and then a postgraduate course to become a clinical psychologist - try googling "how to become a clinical psychologist" for full details. It takes a long time and I understand that the postgrad course is very competitive so be warned!
Good luck
As the previous person said, you have to do a BPS accredited degree in psychology followed by a three year doctorate in clinical psychology. There will most likely be a couple of years in between involving working as an assistant psychologist, research assistant or something similar, as entry on to the doctorate is incredibly competitive and you'll need experience.
Original post by henna_kc
Hi,
I was just wondering if you have to go to university to become a clinical psychologist? And if so, which universities would you suggest?
Thanks
I was just wondering if you have to go to university to become a clinical psychologist? And if so, which universities would you suggest?
Thanks
Yes. Only a certain few universities do the clinical doctorate course which is needed to become a chartered clinical psychologist, and they ask for a high 2:1 or a first honours degree in psychology, as well as at least 9 months' paid work experience in the clinical field (so for example working at a school for disabled children).
Many people will also complete a masters specialising in clinical psychology before they apply onto the clinical doctorate to give them a stronger chance. After all it is ridiculously oversubscribed and thus very competitive
I'd suggest going to a russel group university if you have good enough grades, just pick one perhaps from league tables that offers modules you think you'd like! Consider location, cost (of living and tuition and of course accommodation) and stats
Original post by beyknowles2
Yes. Only a certain few universities do the clinical doctorate course which is needed to become a chartered clinical psychologist, and they ask for a high 2:1 or a first honours degree in psychology, as well as at least 9 months' paid work experience in the clinical field (so for example working at a school for disabled children).
Many people will also complete a masters specialising in clinical psychology before they apply onto the clinical doctorate to give them a stronger chance. After all it is ridiculously oversubscribed and thus very competitive
I'd suggest going to a russel group university if you have good enough grades, just pick one perhaps from league tables that offers modules you think you'd like! Consider location, cost (of living and tuition and of course accommodation) and stats
Many people will also complete a masters specialising in clinical psychology before they apply onto the clinical doctorate to give them a stronger chance. After all it is ridiculously oversubscribed and thus very competitive
I'd suggest going to a russel group university if you have good enough grades, just pick one perhaps from league tables that offers modules you think you'd like! Consider location, cost (of living and tuition and of course accommodation) and stats
The Russell Group is meaningless in terms of applying to and getting a place on the doctorate. The courses don't care where you obtained your BSc, only that it confers GBC and what classification you have.
Original post by _Sinnie_
The Russell Group is meaningless in terms of applying to and getting a place on the doctorate. The courses don't care where you obtained your BSc, only that it confers GBC and what classification you have.
Never suggested any link. They're asking for university recommendations and I always recommend going to a russell group uni because they are well looked upon. They may not actually have any advantage over other universities in terms of employment for the most part but still, it's a place to start!
Original post by beyknowles2
Never suggested any link. They're asking for university recommendations and I always recommend going to a russell group uni because they are well looked upon. They may not actually have any advantage over other universities in terms of employment for the most part but still, it's a place to start!
I'm just wary of putting the Russell Group as a starting point when it comes to Psychology. There is a lot of pressure on young people to perform, go to the best university and get the best job they can. Bringing up the idea of these 'go to' universities can set expectations about what one must do, or achieve, in order to be successful. It's hard to then quantify how many people decide not to bother as they'll 'never get in', who take harder A-levels in order to make the cut and then perform more poorly or who over exert themselves to go to a university they are less happier at.
The OP clearly misunderstands the route required to become a clinical psychologist, because that information can actually be very difficult to come by. I think their request for university recommendations is a bit moot in light of that.
Original post by _Sinnie_
The Russell Group is meaningless in terms of applying to and getting a place on the doctorate. The courses don't care where you obtained your BSc, only that it confers GBC and what classification you have.
I'm sorry but that's not true at all. The better the institution the better, you'll be fighting for a place amongst people who went to top 20 unis. I disagree with the emphasis on Russell Group, but you need to go to a uni which has a decent psychology department.
Original post by Twinpeaks
I'm sorry but that's not true at all. The better the institution the better, you'll be fighting for a place amongst people who went to top 20 unis. I disagree with the emphasis on Russell Group, but you need to go to a uni which has a decent psychology department.
I've attached the shortlisting criteria for the Clinical Psychology doctorate for Newcastle and Sheffield - both Russell Group universities. You only get marks for your classification, the shortlisting process is a simple cull by numbers, more important is how you reflect on the experiences you've had.
The majority of shortlisters split the pile into 1st / 2:1 / 2:2 and below (which are discarded) and move onto the next criterion. This is especially true of assistant psychologist and similar roles.
Perhaps some shortlisters will have their personal preferences, which may include one, more or all of the RG universities. They may also prefer you to have certain experience, be male/female, be good looking, be funny, confident or be someone who reads lots of journal articles. But there is no way to account for this.
A good psychology department and the Russel Group are in no way synonymous and I'd disagree that the department even has to be that good. You should absolutely go to the best university you can get the grades for, but you do that by picking the best A-levels for you and doing as well as you can - not by trying to attain an arbitrary standard.
Original post by Twinpeaks
I'm sorry but that's not true at all. The better the institution the better, you'll be fighting for a place amongst people who went to top 20 unis. I disagree with the emphasis on Russell Group, but you need to go to a uni which has a decent psychology department.
Not necessarily true. I went to a mid-low ranking former polytechnic and didn't even do a 'straight' psychology degree (it was a BPS accredited course though), and two years post graduation I'm not on a clinical doctorate course. I did graduate with a first, and got as much work experience as possible whilst still studying, which meant I was able to get a much coveted assistant psychologist post before I'd even graduated.
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