1. Complete a BPS-accredited Psychology degree
The first step is to complete a British Psychological Society (BPS)-accredited Psychology degree, which gives you Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). During your degree, you’ll study mental health, cognition, behaviour, and research methods, while developing strong analytical, communication, and ethical practice skills essential for clinical work.
Hull’s BSc (Hons) Psychology provides a recognised route into professional training and prepares you for the next stage of your career.
2. Progress to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
To qualify as a Clinical Psychologist in the UK, you must complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (ClinPsyD or DClinPsy), which combines academic study, clinical placements, and research.
In the UK, aspiring clinical psychologists are typically expected to spend several years gaining substantial, relevant work experience – often in health or social care positions such as Assistant Psychologist posts – after completing an undergraduate degree in psychology, before they can be considered for clinical psychology training..
At Hull, we offer a unique fast-track Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (ClinPsyD) that accepts applications directly from our undergraduate Psychology programme. This means eligible students can progress straight into professional clinical training, without spending years gaining additional work or voluntary experience.
3. Register and practise
After successfully completing your doctorate, you’ll be eligible to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), which regulates Clinical Psychologists in the UK. You can then practise in a range of settings, including the NHS, private healthcare, community services, or independent practice.
Professional bodies to know about (link all)
- British Psychological Society (BPS) - Accredits psychology degrees and supports professional development.
- Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) - Regulates Clinical Psychologists and other health professions in the UK.
- NHS Psychological Professions Network (PPN) - Unites NHS psychological professionals to maximise the benefit for the public.
Alternative careers for Psychology graduates
If you decide not to pursue clinical training, your Psychology degree can lead to careers in:
- Counselling or other areas of applied psychology
- Research and academia
- Education, youth work, or social care
- Business, HR, marketing, and organisational roles
- Sports psychology and support
Find out more in our What can I do with a psychology degree? FAQ.
