By Dr. Melody Smith
Choosing where to apply for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) is a big decision. Each programme has its own ethos, training style, and community, and what feels like the right fit for one person may not for another. Here we take a closer look at the University of Hertfordshire’s Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, drawing on both official course information and the voices of current trainees from the BPS Alternative Handbook.
Hertfordshire’s Ethos and Approach
The Hertfordshire programme is distinctive in its commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and equity. It is grounded in a social constructionist perspective, meaning the course encourages trainees to consider how mental health is shaped by wider socio-political contexts. Teaching places strong emphasis on anti-oppressive practice, cultural humility, and critical reflection, alongside the development of clinical, academic, and research skills.
Trainees in the Alternative Handbook often highlight that the course feels values-driven and reflective. Some note that the high number of assignments and deadlines can make it difficult to maintain balance, but most describe the course as friendly and supportive, with peer relationships and staff approachability making a significant difference when training becomes challenging.
What Training Involves
Training at Hertfordshire combines clinical placements, academic teaching, and research, spread across the three years of the doctorate. Placements are organised across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and West Essex, and cover a wide variety of specialties including paediatrics, older adults, health psychology, eating disorders, psychosis, and neuropsychology. This ensures that trainees gain exposure to a broad range of clinical populations and therapeutic approaches.
Alongside placement, academic teaching takes place on campus in Hatfield. The curriculum includes modules on core clinical skills, lifespan development, epistemology, reflective practice, power and community perspectives, and models of therapy. Particular emphasis is placed on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and systemic family therapy, with the programme working towards formal accreditation in both areas.
Research is another major component of training. In the first year, trainees complete a small service-related project while on placement, typically in the form of an audit, evaluation, or quality improvement project. Later in training, they design and conduct a major doctoral research project, usually aligned to one of the programme’s four research streams: Child and Family Wellbeing, Health and Wellbeing, Equity and Inclusion, or Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology. Trainees are expected not only to complete these projects but also to disseminate their findings, which reflects the course’s strong emphasis on contributing to the wider evidence base.
One of Hertfordshire’s unique features is its use of simulation training. The university hosts one of the largest simulation centres in Europe, which allows trainees to practise clinical and community-based scenarios in realistic, controlled environments. This innovative teaching method is highly valued and provides an extra layer of preparation before stepping into real-world settings.
What Trainees Say
The Alternative Handbook gives a flavour of what it feels like to train at Hertfordshire. Many trainees describe the interview process as supportive and values-focused, with panel members appearing genuinely interested in drawing out applicants’ strengths rather than testing or catching them out. They frequently mention that the course ethos, with its emphasis on social justice and anti-racism, is inspiring and closely aligned with their own values.
At the same time, several trainees comment on the intensity of the workload, with deadlines falling every few weeks. They stress the importance of self-care, organisation, and peer support in order to manage the demands effectively. Despite these pressures, the staff team is consistently described as approachable and committed, while reflective groups and buddy systems are seen as vital sources of support throughout the programme.
The 2025 Application Process
Applications for entry in September 2025 were submitted through the Clearing House by 20 November 2024. Candidates were required to have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS, normally through a 2:1 psychology degree, although those with a 2:2 and additional postgraduate qualifications were also considered. Applicants also needed at least two years of full-time equivalent clinical or research experience in relevant settings, together with a clear commitment to working in the NHS and specifically within the Hertfordshire training region.
Once applications were received and references confirmed, they were reviewed against minimum entry requirements. Those who met the criteria had their applications independently rated by staff and local stakeholders. In situations where candidates achieved equal scores, the programme also considered contextual admissions data to support applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.
Unlike some courses, Hertfordshire did not use written selection tests at the shortlisting stage. Instead, shortlisted candidates were invited to take part in a multi-stage interview process held virtually in May 2025. This included a group task designed to assess interpersonal skills, an individual panel interview exploring academic, research, clinical, and personal competencies, and a research reflection exercise in which candidates were asked to read and reflect on a paper in advance. Experts by Experience and current trainees were actively involved throughout the process, reflecting the programme’s ethos of collaboration and inclusion.
Successful applicants were offered one of approximately 52 NHS-funded places. These trainees were employed full-time as Band 6 Trainee Clinical Psychologists on a three-year fixed-term contract, with salary and course fees covered by the NHS.
What Makes Hertfordshire Distinct
Hertfordshire stands out for its strong emphasis on social justice and anti-oppressive practice, embedding critical reflection throughout the curriculum. Its innovative teaching methods, including simulation training and problem-based learning, provide creative ways to develop and consolidate skills. The course also fosters a supportive and diverse community, where trainee voice plays an active role in shaping the programme. Finally, Hertfordshire demonstrates a strong commitment to widening access, using contextual admissions to ensure fairer opportunities for applicants from underrepresented groups.
Trainees often describe the course as one that works brilliantly for those whose values align with its ethos, though they are also clear that the workload is demanding and organisation is key. For many, the experience of training at Hertfordshire is as much about personal growth and reflection as it is about professional development.
Final Thoughts
The Hertfordshire DClinPsy is not a typical programme. For some trainees, its critical stance and commitment to social change are exactly what they were looking for; for others, its emphasis on socio-political perspectives feels less traditional than programmes that prioritise specific therapeutic models.
If you value reflection, systemic thinking, and anti-oppressive practice, Hertfordshire offers a distinctive training environment. The best preparation is to know your own values and aspirations, and to consider how these align with the ethos of the programme. Whatever choice you make, the process of reflecting on these fit factors will strengthen not only your application but also your readiness for the journey ahead.
References
- University of Hertfordshire (2025). Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. UH Website
- British Psychological Society (2023). Alternative Handbook for Postgraduate Training Courses in Clinical Psychology – Hertfordshire. Leicester: BPS.
- Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology (2024). Application Guidance. Clearing House Website
Disclaimer: This blog reflects information available at the time of writing (August 2025). Course details, structures, and selection procedures may change. Always check the University of Hertfordshire and Clearing House websites for the most up-to-date information before applying.
