By Dr. Melody Smith,
Every year, thousands of psychology graduates consider applying for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). With over 30 courses across the UK, each with its own ethos, teaching style, and placement opportunities, the choice can feel overwhelming. How do you know which programmes are right for you?
The Alternative Handbook, published annually by the BPS Division of Clinical Psychology Pre-Qualification Group, is designed to help answer that question. Built on the voices of current trainees, the handbook offers insights into what it’s really like to study on each course, beyond the official prospectuses. If you’re preparing your applications for the 2025/26 cycle, this year’s handbook is an invaluable place to start.
What is the Alternative Handbook?
The Alternative Handbook is based on an anonymous survey of current DClinPsy trainees across all UK courses. This year, over 1,470 trainees responded – the highest ever response rate – making it one of the most reliable resources available to applicants.
It covers everything from teaching and research support to placement structures, supervision, and trainee wellbeing. By reflecting the lived experiences of trainees, it gives aspiring psychologists a clearer sense of what life on different courses might look like.
It’s important to note that this is not a “league table” of courses. Instead, it highlights the diversity of training routes and helps you weigh up what matters most to you – whether that’s location, ethos, support for trainees with disabilities, or the types of client groups you’ll encounter on placement.
What’s new in 2025/26?
The BPS have made several updates this year to ensure the handbook remains relevant and accessible. Among the highlights:
- Record response rates: With nearly half of all trainees responding, the handbook provides a rich and varied picture of training across the UK.
- Improved online platform: A redesigned interface makes it easier to browse and compare courses, while a downloadable PDF remains available for those who prefer a more traditional format.
- Updated survey questions: This year’s edition includes new questions around parental leave and additional guidance for trainees on how to provide constructive feedback.
- Greater transparency: The survey process now includes clear explanations of how inappropriate or identifiable comments are redacted, giving reassurance about the integrity of the data.
For aspiring clinical psychologists, these changes mean the handbook is more user-friendly and relevant than ever before.
Why does it matter?
The DClinPsy application process can feel intimidating. With courses varying in their selection procedures, placement structures, and research opportunities, applicants often struggle to make meaningful comparisons.
The Alternative Handbook bridges that gap by providing real trainee perspectives. For example, you may discover that a course you had not considered is particularly strong in community placements, or that another has a reputation for supportive supervision. These insights can help you reflect on your own values, experiences, and career goals – and ultimately make more informed choices about where to apply.
Equally important is the reassurance the handbook provides. It reminds applicants that there is no single “best” course, but rather a range of training routes that nurture different aspects of professional development.
Using the handbook effectively
The Alternative Handbook works best when used alongside other sources, such as the Clearing House website, course open days, and direct conversations with course staff. One helpful approach is to make a list of your own prioritiesbefore you dive in. Do you want to train near family or friends? Do you hope for strong links with neuropsychology, health psychology, or child services? Is a course’s ethos of particular importance to you?
Once you’re clear on your values, you can use the handbook to identify which courses might fit best. It’s also worth remembering that experiences vary across cohorts – what one trainee found challenging, another may have found rewarding. Keeping a reflective and balanced perspective is key.
Beyond the handbook
If you’re not successful in securing a place this year, don’t be disheartened. Many aspiring clinical psychologists apply multiple times before gaining a place. The handbook can also be a resource in those moments, helping you reflect on where you might strengthen your application and where your skills and experiences could be developed further. Some courses offer feedback on applications and interviews, and this can be a valuable complement to the insights you gain from the handbook.
Want tailored support to interpret your experiences and link them to the DClinPsy competencies? Book a 1:1 Interview Coaching Session through ACPsych and receive personalised feedback and an individualised learning plan.
Final thoughts
The Alternative Handbook is a collective effort by current trainees to support the next generation of clinical psychologists. It offers a window into training that can help you prepare with greater clarity, confidence, and reflection.
As you use the handbook this year, remember that it is not about finding the “perfect” course, but about identifying the settings where you can grow into the kind of clinician you want to become.
Wherever you are in your journey, know that there are tools and communities – like ACPsych – to walk alongside you. With the right support and reflective practice, you can approach the application season with resilience and purpose.
