Doctor of Clinical Psychology
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 36 months
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- September 2025
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course is a three-year, full-time programme accredited by the British Psychological Society. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible for Chartered Clinical Psychologist status, allowing you to practise as a Clinical Psychologist within the NHS.
Introduction
This programme offers clinical placements throughout the year, an academic course and an opportunity to undertake your own research work and dissertation.
Local NHS clinical psychology services on Merseyside offer a particularly rich variety of specialist placements at facilities such as Ashworth High Secure Hospital, the Windsor Clinic (Addictions), the Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery
You will also have the opportunity to work with many esteemed practitioners in their fields such as; family therapy, paediatric liaison, brain injury rehabilitation and eating disorders.
Alongside clinical placements, time is also devoted to the major theoretical paradigms in clinical psychology (e.g. cognitive-behavioural, cognitive analytic therapy, psychodynamic, and systemic), that continue to inform and influence clinical practice.
As you progress in your programme, the time devoted to the formally taught component in Year one with an intensive teaching block reducing through Years two and three as your own research and clinical practice provide the hands-on experience needed for registration to practice.
You will gain in-depth knowledge in the field of clinical psychology and contribute to the development of the mental health care services relating to the elderly or children and young adults from poor households.
In recognition of the challenging and, at times, demanding nature of the programme, your training is underpinned by a range of support structures.
You’ll have regular access to an Academic Advisor(a member of the core team) who’ll support your clinical, academic, research, personal and professional development. You’ll also have regular contact with a Mentor, a qualified clinical psychologist working in the NHS who’ll help you navigate personal learning and career objectives. In addition there’ll be regular Personal and Professional Development (PPD) sessions where you’ll meet with the same group of colleagues to discuss and seek support for personal, ethical and professional issues. You’ll have support from a specialist DClinPsych. support librarian during the programme.
Candidates must apply through Clearing House – click the “Apply Now” button for instructions and full requirements (including Right to Work).
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for students who already have an honours degree in psychology or a conversion degree pass.
This programme is suitable for you if you want to develop your clinical, professional, academic and research skills further to doctoral level, while providing you with a high level of independence, and equipping you to practice competently as a qualified clinical psychologist in the NHS.
What you'll learn
The programme is organised within a series of teaching units covering the theoretical and research bases of clinical psychology including;
- Adult, child and adolescent clinical psychology
- Intellectual disabilities
- Clinical assessment methods
- Neuropsychology
- Psychopharmacology
- Forensic clinical psychology
- Global mental health and human rights
- Behaviour, cognition and emotion in therapy
Accreditation
The programme leads to the award of the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology, conferring eligibility to apply for registration as a Clinical Psychologist with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and for Chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Accreditation in detail
British Psychological Society
The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. This programme is BPS accredited, meaning it meets the BPS' standards for education and training.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
The programme begins with an introductory academic block of five weeks’ duration, designed to equip you with the basic skills necessary for your first placement experience.
Among the taught modules you’ll be studying are:
Addictions, Behaviours and Cognition, Human Rights, Human Sexuality, Family and System Therapies, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Learning Disabilities, Psychology of Older Adults, Psychological Models and Theories, Psychopharmacology, Psychosis and Recovery, Third Wave Therapies.
Year One also introduces you to a range of methods and issues arising in clinical research, clinical skills and assessment, Mersey Care induction, and ethical and social issues.
You’ll be required to successfully pass the two supervised six-month clinical placements in NHS clinical psychology services which are mandatory and are specified by the British Psychological Society accreditation criteria.
From October to March – Core Adult
From April to September – Core Older Adult
Local NHS clinical psychology services offer a particularly rich variety of specialist placements, and trainees are encouraged to gain experience within the various specialised facilities on Merseyside.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In your second year your modules will focus on;
- Children, Young People and Family, Eating Disorders, Personality Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Orientation taught modules
- Clinical Skills / Research Presentations, Family and Systemic Therapies, Third Wave Therapies
- Personal and Professional Development, Professional Issues
- Research Training Sessions, Presentations and Conferences.
In Year two the curriculum aims to develop research skills and knowledge in conducting empirical studies and literature reviews, critiquing research, as well as understanding recruitment and ethical issues in clinical research applications.
You’ll be required to successfully pass the two supervised six-month clinical placements below in NHS clinical psychology services which are mandatory and are specified by the British Psychological Society accreditation criteria.
October to March – Core Learning Disabilities
April to September – Core Child & Family
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year Three
The taught modules you’ll be studying in Year Two will include;
- Addictions, Forensic Practice, Psychosis and Recovery,
- Clinical Skills
- Enquiry-Based Learning (from practice to research),
- Research Sessions
- Optional seminars
- Professional Issues
- Personal and Professional Development
- Research Training Sessions
- Research Presentations
- Research Conference
You’ll have the option to undertake one, twelve month specialist placement in Year Three. Combining the fourth and fifth placement into a 12-month core and specialist child and family placement may also be possible in a small number of cases.
From October to March: Specialist Placement 1
From April to September: Specialist Placement 2
March: Coursework Assignment 3
May and July: Research Dissertation and Viva Voce examination
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Much of the teaching on the core psychological topics are completed by the end of the first year, allowing you to make maximum use of this knowledge in subsequent placement experiences.
The programme is founded on giving approximately equivalent time to the major theoretical concepts (e.g. cognitive-behavioural, cognitive analytic therapy, psychodynamic, and systemic), that inform and influence clinical skills, theory and practice.
You’ll be allocated placement experiences so that you gain ‘hands on’ experience of CBT plus at least one other therapeutic approach. The time devoted to the formally taught component decreases as the programme progresses through years two and three.
The clinical practice component of the training programme allows you to apply and supplement the learning and skills gained through the academic programme and which will enable you to obtain the qualification required for registration to practice.
How you're assessed
Specific methods employed for assessment include:
- Essays
- Clinical case research investigations
- Clinical services research investigations
- Group presentation and teaching assignment
- Dissertation
- Viva voce examination
- Placement evaluation report
- Clinical logbook
- E-portfolio
- Case presentations
- Application for ethics approval
- Research proposal
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Placement opportunity
This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.
Your experience
Our experts in the Department of Psychology connect the dots between the mind, brain, and human behaviour. And our students are immersed in this world-leading research from day one, whether beginning a psychology career, or looking to qualify as a professional psychologist. The department has links with many special interest groups/regional DCP faculties and other post-qualification activities throughout the North West.
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place for postgraduate study
- Internationally recognised qualifications with a wide range of programmes
- Access to some of the best specialist units in the UK
- World-leading excellence in research and research-connected teaching
- The MSc Investigative and Forensic Psychology is renowned worldwide and attracts a large number of international students and visiting speakers each year
- Provides specialist training with taught and research components
- Work alongside internationally-renowned academic researchers and experts in their field.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
Graduate from this programme and you’ll be eligible for Chartered Clinical Psychologist status, allowing you to practise as a Clinical Psychologist within the NHS. The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme has an excellent record for employment of graduates.
Clinical Psychology is an expanding profession and graduates will have the opportunity to work within a variety of different settings within the NHS such as hospitals, local clinics and health centres and in community mental health teams.
As you gain more experience in practice you may decide to specialise in a particular area of work, or progress to management. Some graduate decide to pursue careers that combine both leading research and clinical activity.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
International fees
This course is not available to international students who require a visa to study in the UK. However, if you're a 'home' student and you've lived outside of the UK, you'll need to complete a fee status questionnaire as part of your application. We'll then assess your fee status and in some cases, home students who've lived outside of the UK may be required to pay the international fee rate. Check your tuition fee status on our webpages.
This course is salaried - see "Fees and Funding" for further details.
Successful candidates are not required to pay course fees as they will be employed full-time by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust at Band 6 of the Agenda for Change pay scale. Further information is available from Clearing House.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
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Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution, as well as Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society and clinically relevant experience. You must have the unrestricted right to reside, study, train and work in the UK. Acceptance onto the programme will be subject to satisfactory health screening and criminal record checks. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this DClinPsychol, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
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More about life in Liverpool
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Why study at Liverpool?
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
Accommodation
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Fees and Finance
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have a course-specific query, you can get in touch with the programme team.
Last updated 27 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions