For over 30 years, this 3-year programme leading to a Clinical Psychology doctorate has been established at the University of Southampton. Involving a mix of taught and research activities, you’ll join a thriving group of clinical practice programmes. These programmes also offer postgraduate qualifications in Educational Psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. –You will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and use the protected title Clinical Psychologist. As well as being eligible for Chartered clinical psychologist status with the British Psychological Society  (BPS) with full membership of the Division of Clinical Psychology.

The course adopts an ethos of anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice and values critical community psychology, recovery and wellbeing approaches. Recognising the inequalities that have been perpetuated by systemic discrimination and actively acts to address this through an ethos of integrating equity, diversity and inclusion.

Introducing your degree

Our programme is firmly rooted in the core values of the NHS Constitution and has over 30 years experience in clinical training in partnership with our local NHS trusts and related organisations. Full-time for three years and fulfils standards of education and training required by the Health and Care Professions Council.

The programmes structure and content is designed with the aims of developing explicit theory-practice links. Split between academic study, clinical experience, research and private study. The programme practices the scientist-practitioner model and is committed to using evidence-based practice in all areas of clinical work. You will learn an evidence-generating approach based on a combination of key formulation skills, work within a formulation driven framework as a basis for interventions and learn to produce high-quality, publishable clinical research at a doctorate level. Equipping you with skills to work with a wide range of clinical presentations and offer consultancy and leadership to a range of professional disciplines.

Structure of Degree

First 2 years

You will have two clinical practice placements per year in a variety of settings across the region, were you will be supervised by an appropriately qualified practitioner. First-year placements usually involve working age and older age adults. Second year introduces systems that include children, adolescents, families and neuro-diverse populations.

You will typically 1 day at the University in teaching, 3 days on placement and 1 study day for independent learning, research and completing assignments. Helping you to develop foundation knowledge and clinical skills across 2 principal theoretical orientations, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Systemic Therapy. Also a focus on neuropsychology and health.

Year 3

Focus on advanced practice knowledge and leadership skills through academic curriculum and a specialist third year clinical practice placement. It will enable you to develop a level of autonomy, innovation and clinical skills for post-qualification practice. You can also work towards dual accreditation in CBT, Systemic Therapy or Neuropsychology.

Programme structure?

What Makes Southampton Different?

Equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism

Southampton is nationally recognised as leaders for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI). We demonstrate a strong, consistent commitment to action in the field and making EDI a core component of all our teaching.

Experts by experience

We value active and inclusive experts by experience (EbE) integration. A widespread process is used to actively recruit experts by experience alongside robust support for EbE involvement. We gain regular feedback from experts about the positive factors of working with us.

Student experience

The programme is rated in the Top 10 DClin Programmes, out of 37 nationally, based on student feedback (BPS Alternative Handbook, 2025)

• 2nd for focus on research and theoretical knowledge
• 6th for EDI work
• 1st for neuropsychology nationally

How do I apply for a place?

Applications for this Clinical Psychology doctorate are made ‘online’ through the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology. Visit the  Clearing House website for up-to-date information on entry requirements.

What will I need to demonstrate in my application and interview?

To be shortlisted for an interview, there are minimum requirements which must be met:

• Must have a GBC (Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society) A psychology degree (Graded 1st, 2:1 or 2:2). If you do not have a psychology degree must have completed a Conversion Course. Minimum 2:2 grade.
• At least one year’s (full-time equivalent) experience at the time of application, of work in the UK relevant to Clinical Psychology.

Applications are then rated using a competency-based rating procedure:

• Academic/Research competence
• Clinical competence
• Reflective practice
• Personal resilience

Where can I learn more about Educational Psychology research?

Published distinction level trainee assignments are regularly published on our course blog. You might also like our Psyched podcast.

We also have a X (Twitter) feed. Follow us @SotonDClinPsych