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MSc Developmental Psychology as a conversion course to apply for Clinpsych PHD...

I have children, a mortgage and a full-time job so I am unable to move areas. I live near a university which offers the MSc Developmental Psychology course which is accredited by the BPS, and can be used as a conversion course.

I was wondering what your thoughts are on this course as a conversion to use to apply for the clinical psychology doctorate course? I have over 14 years of experience working in mental health as a volunteer for victim support, mental health support worker, qualified nurse in acute mental health and forensics; including, roles a deputy manager and a secondment as a clinical research nurse. I also have a post-grad degree in high intensity and I am practicing as a CBT and ACT therapist in IAPT, so I feel my work experience is strong and I want my conversion course to help, not hinder my clinpsych application.

What are your thoughts?

Thank you for your help. 🙏

Reply 1

@greg tony might be able to help with this

Reply 2

Original post
by Laurajane89
I have children, a mortgage and a full-time job so I am unable to move areas. I live near a university which offers the MSc Developmental Psychology course which is accredited by the BPS, and can be used as a conversion course.
I was wondering what your thoughts are on this course as a conversion to use to apply for the clinical psychology doctorate course? I have over 14 years of experience working in mental health as a volunteer for victim support, mental health support worker, qualified nurse in acute mental health and forensics; including, roles a deputy manager and a secondment as a clinical research nurse. I also have a post-grad degree in high intensity and I am practicing as a CBT and ACT therapist in IAPT, so I feel my work experience is strong and I want my conversion course to help, not hinder my clinpsych application.
What are your thoughts?
Thank you for your help. 🙏

Thanks @Stormgrad for the hit.

As long as its accredited it does not matter one iota the name of the course, as they all cover a very similar syllabus albeit with some minor optional choices. Doctoral courses will only care about the accreditation and then your result in it.

Reference your experience you have some great jobs/roles, however your issue will be explaining why Clinical Psychologist rather than stay as a nurse/therapist. These roles are very different to a pure psychologist pathway (Asst Psy etc) so they do not automatically give you the same knowledge and experience. This does not necessarily mean your experience will hold you back but will depend signicantly on how your frame and reflect upon it.

Hope this helps,

Greg
Clinical Psychologist

Reply 3

Original post
by greg tony
Thanks @Stormgrad for the hit.
As long as its accredited it does not matter one iota the name of the course, as they all cover a very similar syllabus albeit with some minor optional choices. Doctoral courses will only care about the accreditation and then your result in it.
Reference your experience you have some great jobs/roles, however your issue will be explaining why Clinical Psychologist rather than stay as a nurse/therapist. These roles are very different to a pure psychologist pathway (Asst Psy etc) so they do not automatically give you the same knowledge and experience. This does not necessarily mean your experience will hold you back but will depend signicantly on how your frame and reflect upon it.
Hope this helps,
Greg
Clinical Psychologist

Hi Greg,

Thank you for taking the time to reply,

That's great to hear about the course. I understand I will need to justify the change, and reflect on this. I have reflected on this, but I wonder if you have any more guidance or tips on how to frame this, so it has impact and does not become generic?

Thanks,

Laura Jane
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 4

Original post
by Laurajane89
Hi Greg,
Thank you for taking the time to reply,
That's great to hear about the course. I understand I will need to justify the change, and reflect on this. I have reflected on this, but I wonder if you have any more guidance or tips on how to frame this, so it has impact and does not become generic?
Thanks,
Laura Jane

Hi Laura Jane,

It sounds like you already are very reflective about your experience, and you will stand out naturally due to your own professional background. If I were you i would really study the specific course/location you want and try and tailor your application to suit them (all courses are looking for slightly different things, such as some want more research knowledge, some are more reflective focused, some are very therapeutic focused etc).

Good luck,

Greg

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