Program Overview

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Overview

The Clinical Psychology programme at Newcastle is one of the longest established in the UK, with over 50 years of practice. It is part of the School of Psychology in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University. The course works with NHS colleagues in local psychology services and Health Education North East, which is part of Health Education England. The programme integrates research and clinical practice, preparing students for practice as professional clinical psychologists.

What You'll Learn

You'll develop many advanced skills, including:

• An in-depth knowledge base in research findings
• Key skills in collaboration, reflection, and leadership
• Proving the links between theory and practice
• Competence in the current evidence-based and widely practiced aspects of clinical psychology
• Critical appreciation of relevant empirical literature and clinical theory
• Contributions to research for clinical practice

How You'll Learn

Delivery and teaching methods include academic teaching from programme staff, NHS staff, and external contributors. The research is evidence-based, and the academic syllabus mirrors the trainees' experience on clinical placement. The principal therapeutic models taught on the programme are cognitive-behaviour therapy and systemic therapy, with an emphasis on these two models within the first two years of training.

Assessment Methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Essay
• Report
• Research paper
• Viva
• Written exercise

Your Development

Advanced Skills

You'll develop many advanced skills, including:

• An in-depth knowledge base in research findings
• Key skills in collaboration, reflection, and leadership
• Proving the links between theory and practice
• Competence in the current evidence-based and widely practiced aspects of clinical psychology
• Critical appreciation of relevant empirical literature and clinical theory
• Contributions to research for clinical practice

Partnerships

The programme has strong and established links with regional partners, providing considerable input and support. The programme has close involvement of regional clinicians and Special Interest Groups, contributing significant teaching on the course.

Clinical Placements

Trainees undertake five placements, which are:

• Four six-month core placements in years one and two
• One ten-month elective placement in year three These placements ensure that trainees acquire and prove the competences required to complete clinical psychology training.

Your Future

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 150 for Psychology – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 200 for Psychology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

British Psychological Society (BPS)

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

This course will enable you to meet the standards required by the Health and Care Professions Council.

Facilities

Excellent general learning resources are available, including:

• Canvas Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
• Praxis online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training programme
• IT and library facilities

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry (per year)

• Qualification: Doctor of (DClinPsy) Full time
• Home students: Full time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) Fees are paid by the NHS
• International students: Full time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) £31,900

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

All applicants must have:

• GBC confirmed at the time of application
• 1st class or 2:1 undergraduate degree in Psychology or 2:2 plus evidence of subsequent academic achievement (e.g. Relevant PhD or Master's degree at the level of Merit or Distinction)

Clinical Experience

All Trainees accepted onto the Programme need:

• A minimum of 12 months full-time (or equivalent) relevant clinical experience
• This relevant clinical experience should be undertaken post undergraduate degree (ensuring you have GBC Status)

English Language Requirements

Select your qualification IELTSPearsonsDuolingo English TestTOEFLOtherPre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeksPre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

How to Apply

Before You Start

• Start Dates: The course starts in October
• Closing Dates: The application deadline is typically November for you to start the programme the following October

Selection Procedure

Successful applicants are more likely to:

• Meet the minimum academic and clinical experience requirements for interview
• Have strong references from people who have direct knowledge of their academic/clinical aptitude
• Have been able to effectively communicate the relevance of their work experience to training and to working as a clinical psychologist

Programme Codes

Qualification: Doctor of (DClinPsy) Full time

Full time: 36 months| Programme Code:8861F

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