Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology is a healthcare profession that involves the assessment and treatment of a range of psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and addiction, with patients of all ages.

Breaking Down the Personal Statement

The personal statement is broken down into 3 questions. Each question requires a minimum answer of 350 characters, and across the questions there is a limit of 4000 characters for you to distribute how ever you see fit. 

For psychology, where there aren’t typically interviews, the personal statement is crucial in getting your personality and interests across to the university admission teams! Below is a breakdown of the questions, and examples of how you could link the prompts to clinical psychology. 

Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?

As explained by UCAS, this question is “your opportunity to showcase your passion and knowledge of your chosen subject area and to demonstrate to universities and colleges why it’s a good fit for you and your future ambitions”. Here is how UCAS further breaks this down:

  • Your motivations for studying this course(s): This point specifically includes what has inspired you to want to study psychology as a degree, whether it be a particular moment in your life, or a certain role model. This can include your studies so far, but also real-world experiences and examples. Further, you may be drawn to clinical psychology because of how it allows you to put your personal qualities to good use, such as empathy, problem-solving skills, and wanting to help others (you can detail this in question 2). 

  • Your knowledge of this subject area and interests: This point is your opportunity to focus on any super-curricular activities or research that you have done that show your focus on aspects of clinical psychology. This could be reading, whether it be books like “The Body Keeps the Score”, academic articles like the BPS Research Digest, and even our blogs. However, listening to a podcast or watching an academic talk are equally valuable experiences too!

  • Your future plans and why this is a good fit for you: All types of psychologists typically start with a psychology degree, so it is here that you can explain you want to specialise in clinical psychology. Furthermore, you could delve into your potential aspirations for career progression, whether it be wanting to specialise in certain therapies and disorders, to wanting to take on a leadership role as your career progresses.

Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

UCAS describes this question as “your chance to shout about the relevant or transferable skills you’ve gained from your formal education and highlight your understanding of how they will help you succeed in this subject area”. They break this down into the following:

  • How your studies or training relate to your chosen course(s) or subject area: Here is the place to mention how specific content in your A-levels have further sparked your interest in clinical psychology, whether it be discussing the idea of abnormality, or commenting on the way a specific phobia is treated. You don’t have to talk about your subjects individually, but can also acknowledge the overlap between subjects, such as biology and psychology (if you’ve done both), and how this gives you a more holistic insight into the human mind. Additionally, this would be the place to discuss any courses, projects, or coursework that may be relevant, such as if you have completed an EPQ on a related topic.

  • What relevant or transferable skills you have that make you a great candidate: Relevant and transferable skills can come from both inside and outside of school. For example, your studies may have helped you develop an attention to detail and analytical skills, both of which are crucial as a clinical psychology. Additionally, personal attributes such as empathy and trustworthiness are equally important. It is important to demonstrate these through examples, such as by mentioning the specifics topics you’ve learnt that cover these skills, or by detailing times you have put these qualities to use.

  • Any relevant educational achievements: Within this point, you don’t need to mention your predicted grades, but rather talk about any accomplishments you have achieved during your time in school. These could be more academic things like having the best presentation in your class, to having a key role in the school such as being a prefect, student ambassador, or sports captain. These achievements can be used to support any key qualities you want to emphasise about yourself, such as leadership, teamwork, and dedication, all of which are needed as a clinical psychologist.

Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful?

According to UCAS, this final question is “your chance to talk about any other activities you have undertaken outside of your formal education or personal experiences which further demonstrate your suitability for the course”. This section is more personal to you as in individual, and “anything you do include should reflect on why you’re including it”. UCAS lists the following as examples of things to include when answering this question:

  • Work experience, employment, or volunteering: Direct work experience for clinical psychology can be difficult to get, but that’s no problem, as your personal statement can be strong without any. However, it is worth noting that you can easily link volunteering, whether it be for the NHS or charity shops, to a career in psychology by drawing on the way it shows you have genuine commitment and care towards people. Additionally, it is possible to gain virtual work experience, such as through our clinical psychology course, and sites like Springpod.  

  • Personal life experiences or responsibilities: Although you don’t want to make your personal statement too personal, it can sometimes be valuable to account an experience you have observed, and how this may have developed skills or attributes like curiosity and empathy.

  • Hobbies and any extracurricular or outreach activities: These don’t need to be directly related to your studies, but can be demonstrative of your enthusiasm and interest in learning. For example, it could be valuable to take part in a summer school like UNIQ,Discover Bath,Brighton Summer School to show your passion for your subject area, but also your independence and readiness for university life. Additionally, including a hobby or two are useful in showing that you are capable of having a healthy work-life balance!

  • Achievements outside of school or college: Achievements like learning another language, mastering a musical instrument, or winning a competition you’ve entered, such as theJohn Locke Essay Competition, serve a similar purpose. They not only demonstrate your dedication to learning, but also show that you have a range of skills and are always looking to expand your skill set.

For further information and advice, take a look at the UCAS personal statement guide! 

Clinical Psychology Vs Psychiatry

Clinical psychology and psychiatry are both healthcare professions that involve considering the mental health of individual patients, but both roles have distinct focuses, responsibilities, and are ultimately not the same. 

Clinical psychology

  1. Scope of Practice: Clinical psychologists specifically focus on the mental health of individuals, and primarily do so from a psychological perspective. As clinical psychologists are not medically trained, they cannot typically prescribe medication, but can work alongside psychiatrists who can.

  2. Roles and Specialisations: Clinical psychologists can work in a range of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and prisons. They can specialise in specific types of therapy and disorders, allowing them to progress to more senior positions with experience. It is also possible for a clinical psychologist to open their own practice.

  3. Education: In order to become a clinical psychologist, you must complete an undergraduate degree accredited by the British Psychological Society. If you take an uncredited course or a non-psychology degree, it is possible to complete a psychology conversion course afterwards. After gaining some experience, you must then complete a doctorate in clinical psychology.

  4. Responsibilities: Clinical psychologists work with individuals or families to help assess, diagnose, and psychologically treat various mental health problems. 

Psychiatry

  1. Scope of Practice: Psychiatrists also focus on the mental health of patients, but typically consider a combination of psychological, medical, and social factors and needs. They are more likely to deal with complex disorders, and can work alongside a clinical psychologist to do so.

  2. Roles and Specialisations: Psychiatrists can also work in a range of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and prisons. With experience, psychiatrists can become more senior consultants. It is also possible for psychiatrists to become team leaders, and help teach other healthcare professionals.

  3. Education: In order to become a psychiatrist, you must complete a degree in medicine that is recognised by the General Medical Council. This would be followed by some general training, core training in psychiatry, and then further specialist training before you are fully qualified. 

  4. Responsibilities: Psychiatrists work with individuals or families to help assess, diagnose, and treat various mental health problems. Unlike a clinical psychologist, they have the additional responsibility of prescribing and monitoring medication.

British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is a body that represents psychology and psychologists in the United Kingdom. 

In order to pursue a career in clinical psychology, your undergraduate degree must be accredited by the British Psychological Society. Whilst many undergraduate courses have the same name, they may not all be BPS accredited. Additionally, your degree does not have to be specifically titled “clinical psychology” to be eligible to pursue a career in clinical psychology. You can check if the course you’re interested in is accredited by using accredited courses checker, or by checking the specific university webpage. 

The British Psychology Society has created a Code of Ethics and Conduct, which guides all members on how they should professionally conduct themselves. It focuses on 4 main principles.

Key Principles

Respect

Understanding that all humans have worth, regardless of any real or apparent differences, such as gender and ethnicity. As a result, all people are worthy of equal moral consideration, and each individual should be treated with dignity and regard to their rights. 

Responsibility

Members should value the responsibility they have towards individuals, the general public, and the profession of psychology itself. Hence, they should take accountability for their actions, respect the welfare of others, avoid harm, and prevent the misuse of their work and contributions. 

Competence

Members of the BPS offer professional services that require specific skills, experience, and knowledge. They should ensure that they work within their ability, and do not attempt to work outside of their capabilities. This ensures they maintain a professional standard and a high quality of service.

Integrity

It is important to be objective in a professional context, one’s behaviour in an open and unbiased manner, with the avoidance of self-interest. Members should also consider values such as honesty, accuracy, fairness, maintaining personal and professional boundaries, and the address of any misconduct.  

Moving Up The Ladder

Agenda for Change pay scales are used by the NHS, and can be used to refer to the different levels or bands of clinical psychology practice within the NHS in the United Kingdom. These bands outline the career progression and responsibilities of clinical psychologists. The bands are organised based on experience, skills, and professional development. It is worth realising that the specific details may vary, and the following is a generalist outline of some bands.

Bands 4 to 5 - Assistant Psychologist

  • Under the supervision of a clinical psychologist, who has overall clinical responsibility for the patients.

  • Responsibilities include carrying out observations and assessments, researching the backgrounds of patients, and carrying out treatment programmes.

  • Opportunities to progress bands with further experience.

Band 6 - Clinical Psychologist Trainee

  • Assistant psychologists have further experience, so are now able to progress in their career.

  • Still working under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.

  • Holding similar responsibilities, including carrying out observations and assessments, researching the backgrounds of patients, and carrying out treatment programmes.

Band 7 - Clinical Psychologist

  • Training is now complete.

  • May supervise trainees or assistant psychologists.

  • There are opportunities to specialise in certain psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT), and more.

Band 8d - Consultant Psychologist

  • Once gained enough specialist experience, there is the opportunity to progress into more senior roles.

  • Responsibilities include leadership of a certain specialist area or region, supervising less experienced clinical psychologists, and managing resources.

Please note that the specific titles and responsibilities may vary between NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations. The banding system provides a framework for standardising pay scales, but individual roles may have unique titles based on local organisational structures.