Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) Selection page for interview updates 2023
This is a Frequently Asked Questions page to assist with the selection process for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Programme and will be kept updated as the selection process progresses throughout the year.
We will be unable to respond to individual queries due to the high volume of applications. Therefore, please monitor this page for regular updates.
STATUS UPDATE
Applications are currently open and the deadline to submit your application through Leeds Clearing House is 1pm (UK time) on 16th November 2022
How can I apply to the UH DClinPsy programme?
Most applications are received through the Leeds Clearing House website, you can find links to Leeds Clearing House on the University of Hertfordshire website
What are the deadlines to apply to the programme this year?
We will be working to the deadlines below.
Deadline to submit your application through Leeds Clearing House: 16th November 2022
Deadline to notify you if you have an interview: 17th March 2023
Deadline to notify you of your interview outcome: 2nd June 2023
Are there Open Days for the DClinPsy programme?
We do not have open days for the programme. During the selection process and for those invited to interview, we do usually have a Q&A with current trainees or an opportunity for discussions.
Questions regarding: completing the application form
I would like to provide extra documents with my application– what should I do?
There should be room to provide all necessary documents with your application form.
Further evidence of documents are only required at interview stage (unless this is to confirm your percentage if this is not noted on your application).
I do not know the percentage I achieved for my academic degree, what should I do?
Please could you either:
- prioritise entering the percentage of the highest qualification e.g. Masters
- put N/A on the application form, for not available.
- Put your grade in the percentage box
Can I apply if I am due to complete my current postgraduate degree, as the same point the programme starts?
Our understanding is that your thesis needs to be submitted before the start of the course date to ensure that you're not enrolled on two courses at the same time. We would advise that the viva has taken place before the course starts even if corrections have not been completed. The viva date would also need to avoid our induction period as we do not allow trainees to take leave during this period. If you have concerns that you were likely to have more substantive amendments or would not be able to complete your work in the timescales, then we would recommend postponing your application a year for a better work-life balance for yourself.
Can I still apply if I am an older applicant?
We welcome applications from mature candidates onto our programme and you won't be considered too old to undertake training. We also encourage those from unconventional/alternative career pathways onto our programme. We encourage mature candidates who come to psychology after a less conventional educational path to explain their educational and career pathways within their application.
Questions regarding: References
Can I upload the reference, or does it have to be the referee?
References must be sent to Leeds Clearing House directly from the referee and the process for this will be clear on the Clearing House application form.
Further, if you are offered a place on the programme, the Employing Trust may well conduct further checks directly with referees. References are not optional.
Who can provide my (academic) reference?
An academic reference is usually linked to the undergraduate or post graduate academic course where relevant, but we understand that it is not always possible or helpful when there would be no detail in the reference. You can therefore ask another referee to complete the academic reference, but please do ask them to focus on your academic abilities rather than clinical or research abilities, as the latter would be covered by your second reference. For example, some people have completed a post graduate IAPT or systemic practice course involving submitted work and have an academic reference linked to their assessed work, or they have a reference covering aspects of their role which required academic rather than clinical or research skills.
You can have a reference from the person you think would be best placed to complete it and you can mention in your application form why you took your approach.
Questions regarding: language requirements and fee status
English is not my first language; however, I studied my degree in English – do I still need to complete an IELTS?
International students from countries where English is not the official first language should have a minimum overall IELTS score of 8, with no less than 7.5 in any band, or equivalent. This must be taken within 2 years before applying.
The IELTS could be waived if you have already studied in the UK or in a predominantly English-speaking country such as the USA or Australia and hold a degree from one of those countries
I studied abroad, however have worked in the UK for the last few years, do I need an IELTS?
Yes, an IELTS would be required.
International students from countries where English is not the official first language should have a minimum overall IELTS score of 8, with no less than 7.5 in any band, or equivalent. This must be taken within 2 years before applying.
The IELTS could be waived if you have already studied in the UK or in a predominantly English-speaking country such as the USA or Australia and hold a degree from one of those countries
Do you use A-Levels when short-listing applicants?
No, we do not look at A Levels when short-listing as we recognise that this is not universal, and outcomes are more reflective of opportunities/privilege. Some courses do take these into account.
Do I need to prove my home fee status at the point of application, interview or starting the programme?
You would need to evidence your status by the time of interviews
Questions regarding: Experience
How would the programme count my experience?
We can count separate amounts of experience including part time, that is outside of experience gained as part of the qualification. Pre-masters experience counts as well. You would need to record any such experience in the employment table in the application form and it needs to relate to mental health. If you add this up and it is less than 24 months, your application is best received next year.
Does the two years of experience exclude annual holidays?
We do not look at annual leave when rating, as the application form will note your experience/ worked time which is then added together.
Are there restrictions to apply with the CAP role?
Applying whilst in the CAP role is fine, if it is understood by the applicant that 2 training programmes cannot be completed at the same time. For example, if you are successful in your application and accept a place on the DClinPsy programme, you will be unable to complete another training programme at the same time.
I received a 2:2 for my undergraduate degree, however I’m completed a Masters degree since. Can I still apply?
If you have a 2:2 undergraduate, your Masters degree will be considered and will cancel out your undergraduate.
Will completing a Masters degree increase my chances getting a place on the programme?
A masters is not necessary, except for where applicants have obtained a 2.2 level degree or below (or its equivalent). Additional qualifications may be helpful in strengthening your application.
Questions regarding: Driving Licence
Do I need to be able to drive to apply?
In the interests of fairness for all candidates, we ask all interviewees to present a valid motorcycle /car driving licence. Our placements are mostly rural and require trainees to be able to travel to and from the University, their main placement base, other placement sites, and to clients’ private residences and other sites as required.
Trainees need to be able to travel in a reliable and timely manner to support this work and therefore we can only exempt those who have a disability under the Equality Act 2010, which prevent them from driving.
You would need to confirm you have a motorcycle /car driving licence, to accept your interview
Do I still need to have a driving licence at time of interview even though I have potential medical difficulty?
As mentioned in our Clearing House webpage, having a recognised disability (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) that affects driving would exempt applicants from our driving license criteria. Therefore, should you reach the interview stage of the application process, we would want you to show that this is the case.
Questions regarding: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
What is the programme doing in terms of Contextual admissions and equal opportunities?
We use contextual admissions data to “break the tie” where applicants obtain the same shortlisting score. We will continue to review the use of this data in line with best practice and developments in the area.
Why should I apply, what are the values of the University and DclinPsy programme?
We closely align with the NHS and University values, with a strong focus on inclusivity, social justice and community. We are committed to the delivery of the principles of the NHS long term plan. A module on Power, Difference and Social Justice spans all 3 years. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Office is readily accessible to all students and staff at UH. With EDI sitting at the forefront of our community we strive to ensure all learners have an educational experience which is supportive and inclusive. We facilitate this by having dedicated champions in place in each Department to ensure EDI is at the heart of decision making and allows us to listen to our diverse community to better understand their perspectives and respond to their needs.
How does the programme help applicants and trainees with a disability?
We work closely with our student wellbeing service and a study needs assessment will be undertaken where appropriate. This enables recommendations to be made to the programme regarding reasonable adjustments.
Questions regarding: Self-funding applications
Are international students eligible for the DClinPsy programme at the University of Hertfordshire? International students are only eligible to apply for self-funded places on the programme and not NHS funded places.
Two fee-paying places will be available on the DClinPsy Hertfordshire programme in 2023. These are open to International, European and British applicants. Applications for our fee-paying places can be made directly to the programme via the University of Hertfordshire website or through the Clearing House website.
There is not a salary attached and it is the individual candidate's responsibility to ensure they have the means for funding prior to the start of the course. Travel expenses and living costs would need to be financed by the applicant. The full three-year course would need to be committed to. Please note that we are not aware of any current grants available from the University towards the fees or living costs. Campus accommodation is available at reduced rental for all students, although early application is recommended.
Do you need UK based experience?
You do not need to have UK based experiences although this could be advantageous in terms of understanding the profession and role. However, a lot of international applicants do not have UK based work experience.
The website says 1 year of experience is needed as entry requirement, however is this just for international applicants or for any self-funding applicant?
All self-funding applicants have a minimum requirement of 1 years’ experience.
Questions regarding: the interview process
What will the interview process look like this year?
The written research task is expected to be held on 3 and 4 May 2023 and interviews will be held 8-12 May 2023 inclusive.
It’s highly likely the interviews will stay remote for the foreseeable future given the volume of applicants. However, a decision will be made closer to the time.
How will you let me know if I have an interview?
All initial communication will be made through email. If we need to contact you at short notice, we will try to call you on the number provided in your application.
Questions regarding: Feedback
Can you receive feedback if you are unsuccessful at interview?
Yes. Details will be provided in your interview outcome letter.
Please note – feedback is only provided once all applicants have accepted their place through Leeds Clearing House. This is usually from mid-June onwards.
Can you receive feedback if you are successful at interview?
Yes. Please note that feedback it could be provided once you have started the programme as part of your appraisal.
Can you receive feedback if you were not offered an interview?
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applicants received, we are unable to provide feedback at this stage.
Useful contacts and links
Katie Simmans
DClinPsy Administrator, Doctoral College
dclinpsy-selection@herts.ac.uk
(Work hours: Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5pm, Fri 8.30am-4pm)
Emma Thorogood
DClinPsy Administrator, Doctoral College
dclinpsy-selection@herts.ac.uk
(Work hours: Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5pm, Fri 8.30am-4pm)
Lydia Cooper-Smith
DClinPsy Team Leader, Doctoral College
dclinpsy-selection@herts.ac.uk
(Work hours: Tues 8.30am-1pm, Thurs 8.30am-5pm, Fri 8.30am-4pm)
Leeds Clearing House – https://www.clearing-house.org.uk/
University of Hertfordshire DClinPsy page – https://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/research/clinical-psychology
Twitter – https://twitter.com/dclinpsyuh
UH Research archive page - https://uhra.herts.ac.uk/