Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Overview

The Clinical Psychology Doctorate is a joint award between Coventry University and the University of Warwick. It aims to train clinical psychologists for work in the NHS and related settings, in accordance with the requirements of both the British Psychological Society's Committee on Training in Clinical Psychology and for registration as a clinical psychologist.

Course Details

• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Location: Coventry University (Coventry)
• Study Mode: Full-time
• Course Code: HLST304
• Start Date: September 2025

Course Overview

This 3-year full-time course can lead to a professional qualification in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psych). It aims to enable trainees to become reflective practitioners, placing great emphasis on personal and professional development. The content of this programme encourages the creative use of psychological concepts and theories in order to solve problems in clinical settings, as well as a collaborative and cooperative group ethos.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): This programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the statutory regulator for practitioner psychologists in the UK.
• British Psychological Society (BPS) - Accredited Clinical Psychology: The programme is also currently accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the University seeks to renew its accreditation each year.

What You'll Study

Year One

• Professional Practice in Clinical Psychology 1: This module aims to provide a general foundation in personal and professional issues relevant to clinical psychology practice.
• Model Specific Therapies 1: This module aims to provide you with the relevant skills, knowledge, and understanding required to conceptualise psychological problems from several theoretical perspectives.
• Clinical Presentations 1: Adult and Older Adult: This module aims to provide you with the relevant skills, knowledge, and understanding required to develop as a Clinical Psychologist working with adults of any age.
• Clinical Neuropsychology and Severe and Enduring Mental Health Difficulties: This module aims to enable you to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of psychological theory and practice related to the specialist areas of clinical neuropsychology and severe and enduring mental health presentations.
• Research Methods in Clinical Psychology 1: This module provides you with the opportunity to examine the role of different research techniques in clinical psychology and to plan their research project.
• Clinical Placement 1: This core experience placement is undertaken during the first half of stage 1 of the programme.
• Clinical Placement 2: This core experience placement is undertaken during the first half or second half of the second year of the programme.

Year Two

• Professional Practice in Clinical Psychology 2: This module aims to build upon the foundation in personal and professional issues from Stage 1 addressing issues relevant to clinical psychology practice.
• Model Specific Therapies 2: This module aims to provide you with the relevant skills, knowledge, and understanding required to conceptualise psychological problems from several theoretical perspectives.
• Clinical Presentations 2: Child and Learning Disabilities: This module aims to build upon learning from Stage 1 Module Clinical Presentations Across the Lifespan 1.
• Clinical Health Psychology and Forensic Psychology: This module aims to enable you to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of psychological theory and practice related to the specialist areas of forensic and clinical health psychology.
• Research Methods in Clinical Psychology 2: This module provides you with the opportunity to examine advanced research methods and data analysis techniques.
• Clinical Placement 3: This core experience placement is undertaken during the first half or second half of the second year of the programme.
• Clinical Placement 4: This core experience placement is undertaken during the first half or second half of the second year of the programme.

Year Three

• Specialist Workshops: This module aims to provide advanced learning in a range of specialised clinical areas.
• Research Thesis in Clinical Psychology: The aim of this module is for you to produce a doctoral thesis in Clinical Psychology.
• Elective Clinical Placement 1: This specialist experience placement is undertaken during stage 3 of the programme.
• Elective Clinical Placement 2: This specialist experience placement is undertaken during stage 3 of the programme.

How You'll Learn

• Teaching Contact Hours: Contact hours vary depending on the module.
• Assessment: This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Entry Requirements

• UK: All candidates, at the time of application, must be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
• International: Candidates should normally have at least a 2:1 honours degree and be proficient in the use of English.

Fees and Funding

• UK: Health Education England funded - see information below
• International: Clearing House funding per year

Careers and Opportunities

• Graduate Outcomes: On successful completion of the programme, you should be eligible for registration with HCPC as Practitioner Psychologists and have fulfilled the criteria and met the BPS Partnership and Accreditation Committee’s accreditation criteria for eligibility for Chartered status (BPS, 2017), and demonstrate the academic and research skills commensurate with doctoral status.

How to Apply

• UK Students: Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology
• International Students: Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology

---

Overview:

• Founded in 1843 as the Coventry School of Design
• Received university status in 1992
• Over 30,000 students from over 150 countries
• Campuses in Coventry, London, and Scarborough
• Known for its focus on practical, industry-focused education

---

Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in various disciplines
• Student support services include counseling, mental health support, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a gym, swimming pool, and student union

---

Academics:

• Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of subjects
• Faculty with industry experience and research expertise
• Teaching methodologies include lectures, seminars, workshops, and project-based learning
• Academic support services include writing centers, math labs, and peer mentoring
• Unique academic programs include:
  • Centre for Applied Science and Technology
  • Centre for Business in Society
  • Centre for Intelligent Systems

---

Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Ranked among the top 150 universities in the UK (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
• Excellent industry connections and partnerships
• Specialized facilities such as the National Transport Design Centre and the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
• Notable alumni include:
  • Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine
  • Sir David Attenborough, naturalist and broadcaster
  • Sir Patrick Stewart, actor

---

Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Accommodation services
• Library with over 1 million books and resources
• Technology support
• Career development services