Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Academic Unit of Mental Health and Well-being
Institute of Health and Well-being
University of Glasgow
Admin Building, Gartnavel Royal Hospital
1055 Great Western Road
GLASGOW
G12 0XH
Telephone: 0141 211 3920
Fax: 0141 357 4899
Programme Director: Dr Hamish McLeod
Link to University of Glasgow website
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Programme is located within the thriving Academic Unit of Mental Health and Well-being. The Unit was established in 1947 and has a distinguished record of research, and undergraduate and postgraduate education. An enduring strength of the Unit has been the very effective collaboration between the psychiatrists and clinical psychologists who compose its staff. This is a multidisciplinary group comprising the professions of clinical and health psychology, clinical neuropsychology, psychiatry and medical sociology. The Unit is within the Institute for Research into Health and Well-being. The Unit also hosts the Sackler Institute of Psychobiological Research in Glasgow. A number of postgraduate students are registered for PhD and MD degrees within the Unit, and there is an excellent completion rate.
Successful completion of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme at the University of Glasgow will mean that you are eligible to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council as a Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical).
The Unit's principal postgraduate commitment is to the management of the West of Scotland/University of Glasgow Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Training Programme: some 66 clinical trainees are currently undertaking this three-year Doctorate. The Programme is led by Dr Hamish McLeod (Programme Director). The programme team also includes Dr Alison Rowlands (Clinical Practice Director), Professor Tom McMillan (Research Director), Professor Andrew Gumley (Academic Director), Dr Alison Jackson/Dr Jaycee Pownall (Academic Tutor), Dr Sue Turnbull (Research Tutor), Dr Dave Martinage (Senior Clinical Tutor), Dr Suzy O'Connor (Clinical Tutor), and Dr Ruth Sumpter (Clinical Tutor). Other members of the Unit, including Professor Andrew Jahoda, Professor Kate Davidson, Professor Jon Evans, Dr Kenneth Mullen and Dr Sarah Wilson also contribute to both teaching and research supervision of the clinical trainees.
The University of Glasgow/West of Scotland Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Programme is one of the oldest in the country, having started in 1957 at the Crichton Royal Hospital in Dumfries then moving to the University of Glasgow in 1960. In 2010 we celebrated our 50th anniversary of training in the University of Glasgow. For most of its history, a two-year Master of Applied Science (MAppSci) Degree in Clinical Psychology was offered. However, trainees graduating from 1995 onwards have been awarded a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). The DClinPsy is a full-time (46 weeks per year) programme taken over three years. About half of the time is spent on clinical placement with the rest divided between academic course work, research work and personal study. Trainees complete up to six clinical placements covering the required range of core competencies. The placements cover a wide range of training opportunities.
Over the years, the Programme has been run from a variety of locations but since 1992 we have been settled in the Administration Building at Gartnavel Royal Hospital. This is home to the University Unit of Mental Health and Well-being which has a staff of clinical psychologists, clinical neuropsychologists, health psychologists and psychiatrists. The Unit has strengths in adult mental health, learning disabilities, neuropsychology, health psychology and psychological therapies. The Unit hosts the Glasgow Institute for Psychosocial Interventions and has strong links with the South of Scotland Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Programme, the Sackler Institute of Psychobiological Research and the Centre for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. We are part of the College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences of the University of Glasgow and share many research and clinical interests.
In 2005, the DClinPsy developed as a modularised programme in response to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and was guided and informed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) Benchmarks for Clinical Psychology (2004) and the revision has been informed by the Criteria for the Evaluation of Clinical Programmes (CTCP) accreditation criteria (2002). Since 2010 it has been accredited by the Health Professions Council.
The DClinPsy programme is now collaboratively funded through NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the University of Glasgow. The University of Glasgow is responsible for the provision of the programme and the award of the Doctorate. NES is responsible for commissioning training numbers, contracting with the University of Glasgow for the delivery of the programme, employment of the clinical practice education staff for the programme and contracting with NHS Boards for training numbers and training capacity. Presently Trainee Clinical Psychologists are employed by one of four NHS (Scotland) Boards: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Highland, NHS Lanarkshire, and NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Employing NHS Boards are responsible for all aspects of the trainee's employment and pay progression. They are responsible for providing clinical placements and clinical supervisors. In this context Trainees are responsible and accountable to the University of Glasgow as postgraduate students, and responsible and accountable to their employers as employees. Psychologists in NHS departments are closely involved in the Programme, including teaching, research supervision and other tasks. We regard clinical training as a shared responsibility and the Programme team work closely with health service colleagues to ensure the best quality training is provided.
The DClinPsy Programme is one of the largest postgraduate taught courses in the College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences. Alongside other courses such as the Masters in Public Health and the Masters in Primary Care, postgraduates on the DClinPsy programme can access College and University level advice and support, including attending courses offered to research postgraduates. Within the Unit of Mental Health and Well-being, the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology sits alongside the MSc/Diploma in Clinical NeuroPsychology and the South of Scotland Cognitive Therapy course. It is anticipated that the Unit will also offer a new programme within the next couple of years, a MSc in Global Mental Health.
The core aims of the degree of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology are to provide trainees the skills, knowledge and values:
In common with many programmes we have a strong cognitive behavioural orientation, although there is substantial commitment within the academic programme and clinical practice to other psychotherapeutic approaches. We also wish to develop clinical psychologists who are reflective practitioners as well as scientist practitioners.
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology aims to confer high quality research skills that support both clinical and research practice. The University of Glasgow is fortunate in having a very high proportion of senior NHS staff with PhDs and active research interests. The Unit of Mental Health and Well-being where the DClinPsy is based provides a dynamic research environment. The Unit has a robust programme of research into mental health which the trainees are encouraged to affiliate with during the course of their training. This research programme aims to improve understanding of psychological disorder. This is achieved through the systematic study of the predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating characteristics and processes. Central to our work is the recognition of the multifactorial nature of such developmental and maintaining factors, and so we adopt a bio-psycho-social-developmental framework.
Professional and personal development is recognised and actively encouraged throughout the West of Scotland DClinPsy Programme. The Programme has paperwork and procedures in place, in line with CTCP guidelines, and relevant guiding documents, to embrace an agenda of reflective practice in the context of professional development. These measures include self-assessment and reflective writing in Reflective Notes (completed for each clinical placement), Reflective Accounts (as part of the Clinical Research Portfolio) and Individual Learning Plan Review (completed annually to reflect on long term competency development). These procedures aim to ensure that trainees "monitor and review their own progress and develop skills in self-reflection and critical reflection on practice" (CTCP Criteria, 2002) and are "cognisant of the importance of self-awareness and the need to appraise and reflect on their own practice" (Benchmark Statement, QAA, 2006). Through developing skills in reflective practice, we encourage trainees to identify and define their own abilities, provide evidence of competency development for review with supervisors and tutors, and take these transferable skills on into the workplace (Continuing Professional Development). This approach engenders self-awareness, increasing autonomy and an insightful approach to lifelong learning. The process also has organisational and accountability implications, allowing the West of Scotland Doctorate in Clinical Psychology to produce qualified clinicians who are capable, competent and fit for purpose.
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is provided by the University of Glasgow in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the NHS (Scotland). The programme covers a wide geographical area, including Ayrshire and Arran, Highland, Lanarkshire, and Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The geographical area is varied in terms of rural, urban and inner city populations. Psychologists in departments throughout this area are closely involved in the programme, including placement provision, teaching, research supervision and co-ordination of teaching modules. We regard clinical training as a shared responsibility and academic staff work closely with health service colleagues to ensure the best quality training is provided.
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Candidates must have the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) for the British Psychological Society (BPS). This would usually take the form of a single or joint honours degree in Psychology of at least 2.1 degree classification or above. Candidates who have gained GBC by other means will be considered. We do not consider applications from final year undergraduates.
In addition, practical clinical or clinically oriented research experience of working with children or adults with mental health problems or disabilities is an advantage. We do not accredit prior (experiential) learning.
Overseas applicants whose first language is not English, are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English language via the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A score of 8.0 or higher must be achieved, with no element of the test falling below 7.5. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK without restriction.
Candidates will be selected and treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, ethnic or national origin, colour, race, disability, age, religious or political beliefs, trade union/professional organisation membership, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.
When reviewing applications and interviewing candidates we look for evidence of academic strength, research strength, exposure to experience in relevant settings, thoughtfulness in approach to professional issues and evidence of motivation which includes awareness of ethical issues relevant to training in clinical psychology.
Relevant experience which allows the applicant to apply psychological principles in practice is essential. Experience of applying and/or disseminating research is desirable. Previous working contact with, and supervision by, a clinical psychologist is an advantage, but other relevant work (eg nursing, support work, experience in relevant voluntary organisations) will be considered. Experience working on a clinically focused research project would also be seen as relevant, particularly if it involved direct client contact. A good range and amount of relevant experience is an advantage however, it is more important to demonstrate an ability to reflect how your experience (however limited, extensive or diverse) relates to clinical training and to the role of the clinical psychologist in the NHS in Scotland.
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The selection and appointment procedures reflect the close involvement of the NHS Boards in the West of Scotland, and their wish to encourage recruitment of trainees into their locality. First, all applications are scrutinised by a panel of NHS Board representatives or clinical supervisors and programme organisers. At least twice as many candidates as places are short-listed on the basis of the entry requirements. On the basis of candidates' applications the short-listing panel considers evidence of quality of clinical experience, motivation and academic ability. Following short-listing candidates are provided with information regarding NHS Boards who employ trainees. Prior to interview, candidates are asked to indicate their preferences for the NHS Boards in which they wish to be considered for their employment and to undertake their training. Selection procedures are under review. Normally the selection process includes two interviews: a clinical interview and an academic interview, followed by an observed role play in a non-clinical setting. The clinical interview tends to comprise of NHS staff and the academic interview, University staff. The role play is observed by two trained role play assessors normally including at least one clinical psychologist. Role plays are conducted with actors who are experienced in working with undergraduate and postgraduate students in the College of Medicine at the University of Glasgow. Selection procedures are subject to change and prospective candidates should check our website for updates.
All applicants must have the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or demonstrate clearly that they will receive this prior to commencing training, on completion of a particular qualification. We will check the status of your qualification against the information available on the BPS website, and we may ask you to produce proof that your qualification confers GBC in the form of a letter from the BPS. We may withdraw the offer of an interview or a place on the programme if this proof is not available.
All offers of a place on a course are dependent on evidence of membership of the Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and relevant employment checks.
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Funding for the programme is via NHS Education for Scotland NHS Trusts or NHS Boards.
Trainees on the programme are employed as Trainee Clinical Psychologists in one of the NHS Boards. In addition, educational costs are paid by NHS Education for Scotland. Self-funded trainees will not be considered.
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The programme follows a modularised structure, which integrates academic teaching, clinical practice education and research training. This process underpins the commitment of the Programme team to maximising the synergy between the clinical, academic and research components of training and reflects explicitly our commitment to an integrative educational process. One initiative to develop from the process of modularisation has been the creation of integrated courses. For example, in the first year there are two integrated Adult Mental Health clinical-academic courses which combine learning outcomes embedded in academic teaching and clinical practice education.
Foundations of Clinical Psychology
Foundations of Clinical Practice 1
Foundation of Clinical Practice 2
Foundation Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
Service Based Evaluation 1
Foundations of Clinical Practice Courses 1 and 2 include a 10-month clinical practice placement.
Children/Young People and Families Theory and Practice, including a 6-month clinical practice placement
Learning Disability Theory and Practice, including a 6-month clinical practice placement
Research Methods
Research Practice 1
Advanced Professional Practice 1
Service Based Evaluation 2
Advanced Practice 1, including a 6-month clinical practice placement
Advanced Practice 2, including a 6-month clinical practice placement
Psychology and the Law
Research Practice 2
Advanced Professional Practice 2
These are integrated into the modular structure. The attachments cover a wide range of training opportunities. A car is very useful, however those who cannot drive will not be disadvantaged.
The Glasgow Programme encourages trainees to develop a range of high quality research skills that will support their clinical and research practice following qualification. At the end of three years trainees are required to prepare a research portfolio, which reflects a variety of research methodologies. Glasgow is fortunate in having a very high proportion of senior NHS staff with PhDs and active research interests. The Unit of Mental Health and Well-being provides a dynamic research environment and staff research interests cover a very wide spectrum. Trainees are required to integrate their research project with staff expertise.
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The following table shows the assessment process for each stage of the course.
| Academic Competence | Clinical Competence | Research Competence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Two written examinations. | Trainee reflective portfolio; Supervisor's evaluation of clinical competence; Two unseen case conceptualisation papers. |
Service based evaluation proposal; One data management examination. |
| Year 2 | Two written examinations. | Trainee reflective portfolio; Supervisor's evaluation of clinical competence; Two unseen case conceptualisation papers. |
Service based evaluation project; Major research project proposal; Systematic review outline; Critical appraisal examination. |
| Year 3 | Two written examinations. | Trainee reflective portfolio; Supervisor's evaluation of clinical competence; Two self reflective critical accounts of clinical practice. |
Systematic literature review; Major research project. |
At the end of the third year there is an oral examination. The assessment process may change in response to the overall course review.
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Each trainee is allocated a University Advisor whose remit is to oversee his/her progress through training. In addition, there is a system of Academic, Research, and Clinical Tutors who co-ordinate the integration of training within each year. The Programme has a number of mechanisms to provide personal and professional support and development (eg mentoring) and these are used flexibly to suit trainee needs. We value trainee involvement in developing a responsive programme. Regular meetings are held with trainees to discuss any problems or other issues. Trainee representatives are invited to attend Programme Organisers' meetings and the Programme Strategy Committee meetings. At an informal level, trainees are usually very supportive of one another.
Trainees are employed by one of our stakeholding NHS Boards. These are:
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
NHS Highland
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
NHS Lanarkshire
Practice placements are based within the employing NHS Boards and therefore the travel requirements for trainees will vary. Trainees who are based in NHS Highland will be required to travel to the University of Glasgow for academic teaching. Travel and accommodation costs incurred are provided at NHS rates.
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The programme is run by the following group of Programme Organisers:
Dr Hamish McLeod - Programme Director
Professor Tom McMillan - Research Director/Chair in Clinical Neuropsychology
Professor Andrew Gumley - Academic Director/Chair of Psychological Therapy
Professor Andrew Jahoda - Chair of Learning Disabilities
Dr Alison Jackson/Dr Jaycee Pownall - Academic Tutor
Dr Susan Turnbull - Research Tutor
Dr Alison Rowlands - Clinical Practice Director
Dr Dave Martinage - Senior Clinical Tutor
Dr Suzy O'Connor - Clinical Tutor
Dr Ruth Sumpter - Clinical Tutor
Mrs Louise McCormack - Clinical Practice Secretary
Ms Lynsay McGinlay - Student Support
Mrs Anne Smith - Admissions Support
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