School of Health in Social Science

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

The Doctorate in Clinical and Health Psychology is an applied training programme which entitles graduates to apply for registration as a clinical psychologist with the Health Professions Council and as a chartered clinical psychologist with the British Psychological Society.

Start date October
Length of study Three years full-time
Programme director Dr Helen Griffiths

Have a question about the course?

Why choose the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology?

First taught in Edinburgh in 1959, this advanced practitioner programme is one of the longest established of its kind in UK.

Aims

The core purpose of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology training programme is to train clinical psychologists to doctorate level.

Structure

The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme is taught in blocks spaced throughout the years of training and interspersed with supervised NHS placements in linked areas.

Career prospects

Upon successful completion of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a Practitioner Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist with the HCPC and the British Psychological Society.

Entry requirements for 2024

Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements to be considered for the programme.

Fees

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology students are funded through NHS Education for Scotland (NES), which pays fees, trainee salaries, and travel expenses.

How to apply

All applications for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology are processed by the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology.

Privacy statement

Information about Doctorate in Clinical Psychology students will be shared with the National Health Service and the Health and Care Professions Council as part of their training and registration with accrediting bodies.

Anti-racism, Diversity and Inclusion

Programme statement, action plan and key external links concerning Anti-racism, Diversity and Inclusion.

Advisory Panel of Experts by Experience

Established in 2011, Advisory Panel of Experts by Experience (APEX) represents the perspective of those with lived experience of using health & social care services, including parents and carers. We are a small, friendly and welcoming group from a range of backgrounds. If you use or have used health or social care services, we would love you to consider joining our group. We particularly wish to encourage people who have experience of using clinical psychology services to join us. We welcome enquiries from people from a range of different backgrounds and with a diverse range of skills. We support the training of clinical psychologists on the Edinburgh training programme, ensuring that the voice of lived experience is recognised and valued as part of the training experience.

Related links

NHS Education for Scotland (NES)

British Psychological Society

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology study resources

Guide to video teaching on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme