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 dateOctober
Length of studyThree years full-time
Programme directorDr David Gillanders

Have a question about the course?

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

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

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.

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.

Applicants must meet the essential minimum criteria to be considered for the programme. There are essential minimum criteria at all stages of our process. Entry requirements are updated each academic year and are subject to change. The requirements below are for 2025 entry.

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

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

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.

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

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.