My psychology degree plan and if it sounds realistic and achievable
Hi all! I have a plan for what I want to do for my future education once I finished sixth form and need others opinions or advice to see if it sounds realistic and achievable and even some tips. I am currently doing A level Sociology, English literature and Religion, and certain I will gets As and even A* in all subjects. Once I have finished sixth form I plan on getting my bachelor's in psychology and hopefully after that I can go straight onto my doctorate in clinical psychology at UEA and If I can't go straight onto my doctorate I'm fine with doing my masters before that. After all education I am going to become a psychologist. Does this sound realistic and achievable or are there any faults or things I should know before calling this my 'career plan'?
Original post by Natasha_corder
Hi all! I have a plan for what I want to do for my future education once I finished sixth form and need others opinions or advice to see if it sounds realistic and achievable and even some tips. I am currently doing A level Sociology, English literature and Religion, and certain I will gets As and even A* in all subjects. Once I have finished sixth form I plan on getting my bachelor's in psychology and hopefully after that I can go straight onto my doctorate in clinical psychology at UEA and If I can't go straight onto my doctorate I'm fine with doing my masters before that. After all education I am going to become a psychologist. Does this sound realistic and achievable or are there any faults or things I should know before calling this my 'career plan'?
Two things, both in relation you your "hopefully after that I can go straight onto my doctorate in clinical psychology at UEA" aspiration:
1. The timeline for applications to Clinical Psychology Doctorates is similar to that of undergraduate degrees - you apply in Autumn of one year to start in the Autumn of the next year. UEA say here that, "Applicants who are currently completing a GBC-accredited undergraduate degree or conversion course in the UK or Ireland must have completed the degree, obtained the results and provided a document to confirm their GBC status by the time short-listing commences at the beginning of February." So you can't apply during your final year, as you won't be able to meet the above condition. So the earliest you'd be able to apply for the doctorate is once you've graduated, not starting it until a year later. Hence you don't be able to "go straight onto my doctorate".
2. It almost unheard to be allowed entry to a Clinical Psychology Doctorate without having experience. With regards to their requirement for experience, UEA say here that, "There is no formal minimum length of experience required. Whilst we are primarily interested in how clinical experience has prepared you for training, very short or limited experiences are unlikely to be considered as high quality." So unless you've got some clinical experience behind you, you're not going to able to meet this entry requirement.
Reply 2
Original post by DataVenia
Two things, both in relation you your "hopefully after that I can go straight onto my doctorate in clinical psychology at UEA" aspiration:
1. The timeline for applications to Clinical Psychology Doctorates is similar to that of undergraduate degrees - you apply in Autumn of one year to start in the Autumn of the next year. UEA say here that, "Applicants who are currently completing a GBC-accredited undergraduate degree or conversion course in the UK or Ireland must have completed the degree, obtained the results and provided a document to confirm their GBC status by the time short-listing commences at the beginning of February." So you can't apply during your final year, as you won't be able to meet the above condition. So the earliest you'd be able to apply for the doctorate is once you've graduated, not starting it until a year later. Hence you don't be able to "go straight onto my doctorate".
2. It almost unheard to be allowed entry to a Clinical Psychology Doctorate without having experience. With regards to their requirement for experience, UEA say here that, "There is no formal minimum length of experience required. Whilst we are primarily interested in how clinical experience has prepared you for training, very short or limited experiences are unlikely to be considered as high quality." So unless you've got some clinical experience behind you, you're not going to able to meet this entry requirement.
1. The timeline for applications to Clinical Psychology Doctorates is similar to that of undergraduate degrees - you apply in Autumn of one year to start in the Autumn of the next year. UEA say here that, "Applicants who are currently completing a GBC-accredited undergraduate degree or conversion course in the UK or Ireland must have completed the degree, obtained the results and provided a document to confirm their GBC status by the time short-listing commences at the beginning of February." So you can't apply during your final year, as you won't be able to meet the above condition. So the earliest you'd be able to apply for the doctorate is once you've graduated, not starting it until a year later. Hence you don't be able to "go straight onto my doctorate".
2. It almost unheard to be allowed entry to a Clinical Psychology Doctorate without having experience. With regards to their requirement for experience, UEA say here that, "There is no formal minimum length of experience required. Whilst we are primarily interested in how clinical experience has prepared you for training, very short or limited experiences are unlikely to be considered as high quality." So unless you've got some clinical experience behind you, you're not going to able to meet this entry requirement.
Thank you! I didn't know the first one but that's absolutely fine if I can't apply straight away or a year after and the second one I am aware of and planning to get clinical experience some point before my doctorate.
Reply 3
Hi!
Sounds like you've got quite the plan! I did my undergrad in psychology at UEA and considered the clinical route for a bit so I hope I can offer some tips.
Getting a bachelor's in psychology is a necessary step for any aspiring psychologist, so just make sure any psychology course you're looking at is BPS accreditated. You can search for potential courses here. For instance, the UEA psychology course is accredited. If it's not BPS accreddited then you won't be eligible for the doctorate because the accreditation ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of psychology.
I will say going straight into a doctorate in clinical psychology will be very, very difficult. I don't know anyone who has done so, especially without relevant experience. Typically, students will finish their undergraduate and then go out to gain experience for at least a year as an assistant psychologigist, before then applying for the doctorate. As far as I know this is standard practice. These assistant psychologist roles are also very competititive. For instance, I have one friend at the moment who has been working in an eating disorder clinic for a few years and is now trying to get an assistant psychologist job interview. She got this experience from a placement year, where you take a break from your studies between the second and final year to go out into the workplace. It's a great way to see if a career path is right for you!
So the route is typically undergrad -> gain relevent work experience -> keep applying to the doctorate until you get on.
Another thing to consider is what type of psychologist do you want to be? There are other routes you could look into, such as the Psychological Wellbeing Practicioner which might reduce the time you spend in education but still gives you an accreditation.
I hope I haven't overwhelmed you with information! From your post it sounds like your heart is set on this and you've thought it out quite well. The only other thing I would mention is there is a virtual UEA clinical doctorate open evening on the 3rd September (tomorrow) that might provide you more insight.
If you have any more questions, let me know. Good luck!
Best,
Grace
School of Economics
Sounds like you've got quite the plan! I did my undergrad in psychology at UEA and considered the clinical route for a bit so I hope I can offer some tips.
Getting a bachelor's in psychology is a necessary step for any aspiring psychologist, so just make sure any psychology course you're looking at is BPS accreditated. You can search for potential courses here. For instance, the UEA psychology course is accredited. If it's not BPS accreddited then you won't be eligible for the doctorate because the accreditation ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of psychology.
I will say going straight into a doctorate in clinical psychology will be very, very difficult. I don't know anyone who has done so, especially without relevant experience. Typically, students will finish their undergraduate and then go out to gain experience for at least a year as an assistant psychologigist, before then applying for the doctorate. As far as I know this is standard practice. These assistant psychologist roles are also very competititive. For instance, I have one friend at the moment who has been working in an eating disorder clinic for a few years and is now trying to get an assistant psychologist job interview. She got this experience from a placement year, where you take a break from your studies between the second and final year to go out into the workplace. It's a great way to see if a career path is right for you!
So the route is typically undergrad -> gain relevent work experience -> keep applying to the doctorate until you get on.
Another thing to consider is what type of psychologist do you want to be? There are other routes you could look into, such as the Psychological Wellbeing Practicioner which might reduce the time you spend in education but still gives you an accreditation.
I hope I haven't overwhelmed you with information! From your post it sounds like your heart is set on this and you've thought it out quite well. The only other thing I would mention is there is a virtual UEA clinical doctorate open evening on the 3rd September (tomorrow) that might provide you more insight.
If you have any more questions, let me know. Good luck!
Best,
Grace
School of Economics
Reply 4
As others have said, it's not realistic or achievable to go straight to Clinical Doctorate after your degree unless you have had extensive experience prior to this. From my own experience, my DClinPsy trainees's ages have ranged between 27-35.
A good thread to read about people currently getting onto the DClinPsy is here: https://www.clinpsy.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=145&start=420
A good thread to read about people currently getting onto the DClinPsy is here: https://www.clinpsy.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=145&start=420
Reply 5
Original post by Natasha_corder
Hi all! I have a plan for what I want to do for my future education once I finished sixth form and need others opinions or advice to see if it sounds realistic and achievable and even some tips. I am currently doing A level Sociology, English literature and Religion, and certain I will gets As and even A* in all subjects. Once I have finished sixth form I plan on getting my bachelor's in psychology and hopefully after that I can go straight onto my doctorate in clinical psychology at UEA and If I can't go straight onto my doctorate I'm fine with doing my masters before that. After all education I am going to become a psychologist. Does this sound realistic and achievable or are there any faults or things I should know before calling this my 'career plan'?
@Natasha_corder
I'm sure you would make a brilliant clinical psychologist, you seem really driven, and also seem to be good at planning ahead and reflecting on that. Clinical psychology is really competitive at doctorate level so someone with lots of experience would likely be ahead of the que. With Psychology, there is also the option to teach it with a PGCE, or Psychology graduates are popular with management trainee programs in the private sector if you changed your mind along the way
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador
Reply 6
Original post by UEA Rep Grace
Hi!
Sounds like you've got quite the plan! I did my undergrad in psychology at UEA and considered the clinical route for a bit so I hope I can offer some tips.
Getting a bachelor's in psychology is a necessary step for any aspiring psychologist, so just make sure any psychology course you're looking at is BPS accreditated. You can search for potential courses here. For instance, the UEA psychology course is accredited. If it's not BPS accreddited then you won't be eligible for the doctorate because the accreditation ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of psychology.
I will say going straight into a doctorate in clinical psychology will be very, very difficult. I don't know anyone who has done so, especially without relevant experience. Typically, students will finish their undergraduate and then go out to gain experience for at least a year as an assistant psychologigist, before then applying for the doctorate. As far as I know this is standard practice. These assistant psychologist roles are also very competititive. For instance, I have one friend at the moment who has been working in an eating disorder clinic for a few years and is now trying to get an assistant psychologist job interview. She got this experience from a placement year, where you take a break from your studies between the second and final year to go out into the workplace. It's a great way to see if a career path is right for you!
So the route is typically undergrad -> gain relevent work experience -> keep applying to the doctorate until you get on.
Another thing to consider is what type of psychologist do you want to be? There are other routes you could look into, such as the Psychological Wellbeing Practicioner which might reduce the time you spend in education but still gives you an accreditation.
I hope I haven't overwhelmed you with information! From your post it sounds like your heart is set on this and you've thought it out quite well. The only other thing I would mention is there is a virtual UEA clinical doctorate open evening on the 3rd September (tomorrow) that might provide you more insight.
If you have any more questions, let me know. Good luck!
Best,
Grace
School of Economics
Sounds like you've got quite the plan! I did my undergrad in psychology at UEA and considered the clinical route for a bit so I hope I can offer some tips.
Getting a bachelor's in psychology is a necessary step for any aspiring psychologist, so just make sure any psychology course you're looking at is BPS accreditated. You can search for potential courses here. For instance, the UEA psychology course is accredited. If it's not BPS accreddited then you won't be eligible for the doctorate because the accreditation ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of psychology.
I will say going straight into a doctorate in clinical psychology will be very, very difficult. I don't know anyone who has done so, especially without relevant experience. Typically, students will finish their undergraduate and then go out to gain experience for at least a year as an assistant psychologigist, before then applying for the doctorate. As far as I know this is standard practice. These assistant psychologist roles are also very competititive. For instance, I have one friend at the moment who has been working in an eating disorder clinic for a few years and is now trying to get an assistant psychologist job interview. She got this experience from a placement year, where you take a break from your studies between the second and final year to go out into the workplace. It's a great way to see if a career path is right for you!
So the route is typically undergrad -> gain relevent work experience -> keep applying to the doctorate until you get on.
Another thing to consider is what type of psychologist do you want to be? There are other routes you could look into, such as the Psychological Wellbeing Practicioner which might reduce the time you spend in education but still gives you an accreditation.
I hope I haven't overwhelmed you with information! From your post it sounds like your heart is set on this and you've thought it out quite well. The only other thing I would mention is there is a virtual UEA clinical doctorate open evening on the 3rd September (tomorrow) that might provide you more insight.
If you have any more questions, let me know. Good luck!
Best,
Grace
School of Economics
Thank you so much Grace! You definitely did help me with these tips, I have recently been thinking about getting my bachelor's at UEA with a placement year so sounds like if I get my bachelors there I will have all the experience for my doctorate that you mentioned! Many thanks.
Reply 7
Bit of extra advice but during your bachelors, work as a support worker/health care assistant in a psychiatric hospital as this will be perfect experience for a DClin. Then after the BSc, most people tend to work as an Assistant Psychologist (usually for a year or so) and then apply for the DClin. I think they normally want 2 years of experience, so doing the support work during uni (maybe over summer holidays), as well as a year or two as an AP will be good for this, but obviously its still very competitive and it may take a few attempts to get in. Basically, get as much experience while in undergrad, work as a support worker or teaching assistant with SEN children, maybe do some research assistant schemes as well. After the BSc try and find a job as an Assitant Psychologist, or even SEN TA.
Reply 8
Also to say, I think two universities (Hull and York?) allow you to fast-track from an undergrad straight onto a doctorate at Hull. At least this was the case when I was applying, but it might have changed/may change in the future. It might be worth checking out since getting onto doctorate courses is very competitive otherwise, especially if you're keen on going straight from one to the other. Although it means having to train at Hull, which might not be somewhere you're planning to move to.
However, getting some clinical experience would be super valuable anyway as it might allow you to make your mind up as to what you want to do! A lot of undergrads offer a placement year (so the degree is then 4 years) which can be very valuable for experience and for getting a job post uni, but i don't know if there is that option at UEA.
However, getting some clinical experience would be super valuable anyway as it might allow you to make your mind up as to what you want to do! A lot of undergrads offer a placement year (so the degree is then 4 years) which can be very valuable for experience and for getting a job post uni, but i don't know if there is that option at UEA.
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