PSYCHOLOGY

How can I become a Clinical Psychologist?

To become a Clinical Psychologist, you need to complete a BPS-accredited Psychology degree followed by a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. At Hull, our BSc (Hons) Psychology provides a recognised route into the profession, and eligible students can apply for our unique fast-track ClinPsyD programme, allowing you to progress directly into professional clinical training. Successful completion of the doctorate enables you to register with the HCPC and practise as a Clinical Psychologist in the UK.

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)

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.

Aaron Hall Psychology student sat in front of a computer showing a medical scan of a brain

Explore our Psychology degree

Ready to understand how people think, feel and act - and why it matters? At Hull, our psychology degree blends rigorous science with practical experience from the start. You’ll investigate the brain, behaviour and mental health, while gaining real skills through labs, research and meaningful community engagement. Study in a place that champions curiosity, collaboration and almost 100 years of academic excellence.

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