Doctor of Clinical Psychology
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- November 2026
- 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. This course starts in September of each academic year.
Introduction
Please note that the application deadline and start date is subject to change. Applications are completed via the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology which sets the deadline for submissions. All applications are managed via the Clearing House and are not accepted directly to the University.
The programme of applied study promotes transferable knowledge and competencies relevant to working across a very wide range of health and social care contexts and complex presentations as a Clinical Psychologist. These include, for example, services for children, adults, older adults, families, people with developmental and intellectual disability, people who are neurodiverse, people with mild–severe mental health difficulties, physical health presentations, chronic conditions, forensic services, and other groups and presentations.
Alongside the academic and research components of the course, trainees rotate across six supervised clinical placements, covering core NHS and specialist services, ensuring exposure to a broad range of populations and clinical presentations. There is focus on equity, diversity and overcoming health inequalities across all clinical placement settings.
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.
Detailed information about eligibility criteria, the selection process, programme content and requirements is available on the Clearing House website. We recommend that you read this carefully before applying. We also strongly recommend for you to complete the Eligibility Checklist for the University of Liverpool Doctorate in Clinical Psychology prior to application.
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
Strong emphasis on foundational knowledge and meta-competencies that apply across the lifespan. Clinical training involves structured supervision with increased observation, and clinical supervisors tailor the complexity of client cases to trainee development. Academic teaching provides the theoretical foundation necessary for clinical formulation and assessment.
The taught modules in Year one cover the following areas:
- Personal and Professional Development, Critical Psychology and Health Inequalities
- Core Clinical Competencies and Meta-competencies (including assessment and formulation skills, and core therapeutic training in CBT and CAT)
- Core Lifespan: Physical Health and Neuropsychology
- Core Lifespan: Introduction to Human Rights in Psychological Practice for Older Adults and People with Intellectual Disabilities
- Research methods: Foundation.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
Trainees transition into consolidating their supervised clinical work, with greater autonomy in applying assessment, formulation, and intervention skills. They also begin to engage in supervised, independent-led research, preparing them for their doctoral thesis.
The taught modules in Year two cover the following areas:
- Personal and Professional Development, Critical Psychology and Health Inequalities
- Core Lifespan: Advanced applications of Human Rights in Psychological practice for Older Adults and people with Intellectual Disabilities
- Core Lifespan (Systemic)
- Core Clinical Competencies in Children and Young People
- Research methods: intermediate.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year Three
The focus shifts to specialist clinical placements, leadership, and research. While trainees remain supervised throughout, they are expected to demonstrate higher levels of independent clinical decision-making, research competency, and professional leadership. They may also start to develop skills in supervision of other staff.
The taught modules in Year three cover the following areas:
- Personal and Professional Development, Critical Psychology and Health Inequalities
- Advanced Clinical Competencies (Specialisms and Therapeutic modalities including options for peri-natal, neurodevelopmental, forensic, Third Wave CBT and CAT)
Year three also includes significant focus on research and thesis preparation, including presentation at the annual departmental research conference.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
The assessment framework for the University of Liverpool Doctorate in Clinical Psychology curriculum incorporates a wide range of authentic formative and summative assessments delivered within a model of continuous assessment, in the university and placement settings. This takes place throughout the three years to ensure trainee development over time to gain core theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.
How you're assessed
- Written assignments and exams, which assess theoretical understanding, formulation skills, and application of psychological models
- Practical examinations and observed role plays, designed to evaluate clinical interviewing skills, risk assessment, and therapeutic techniques
- Reflective and multimedia assessments, encouraging personal and professional development, self-awareness, and the integration of theory and practice
- Group-based tasks and presentations, fostering collaboration, peer learning, and communication skills
- Clinical competency assessment within placement settings via e-Portfolio, spanning the three-year training programme.
Detailed information about eligibility criteria, the selection process, programme content and requirements is available on the Clearing House website. We recommend that you read this carefully before applying. We also strongly recommend for you to complete the Eligibility Checklist for the University of Liverpool Doctorate in Clinical Psychology prior to application.
Liverpool Learning Framework
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
- Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
- Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
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
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
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. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Graduate Loyalty Scholarship – UK
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
Bracken Scholarship
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
John Lennon Memorial Scholarship
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
Detailed information about eligibility criteria, the selection process, programme content and requirements is available on the Clearing House website. We recommend that you read this carefully before applying. We also strongly recommend for you to complete the Eligibility Checklist for the University of Liverpool Doctorate in Clinical Psychology prior to application.
| 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. |
More about life in Liverpool
Discover more about the city and University.
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 30 June 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions