By Dr. Melody Smith
For many aspiring clinical psychologists, choosing where to apply for training is both exciting and daunting. Each programme has its own ethos, specialisms, and structure, and it can be difficult to know which course might suit you best. Today we’re spotlighting the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) at Newcastle University — one of the longest established programmes in the UK, with over 50 years of history in training clinical psychologists.
This blog will walk you through what the Newcastle programme offers, what you might expect if you train there, and how current and past trainees have described their experiences.
A Course with Strong Foundations
Newcastle’s programme is built on an evidence-based ethos and is firmly grounded in both clinical practice and research. Graduates from the programme are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and for Chartered Clinical status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) — the essential markers for practising as a clinical psychologist in the UK.
The course also has close links with NHS services across the North East, Cumbria, and into the Scottish Borders, giving trainees a wide geographical spread of placement opportunities. While this ensures breadth of experience, it does mean that mobility is important. Trainees are advised to have access to a car, though reasonable adjustments can be made for those with disabilities.
Trainees contributing to the BPS Alternative Handbook often highlight Newcastle’s strong sense of community, with approachable staff and supportive peer networks. Many also note that placements are diverse and offer opportunities to work with varied client groups across urban and rural settings, which can feel challenging at times but is seen as excellent preparation for qualified practice.
What You’ll Learn
Over three years, trainees develop a wide range of skills:
- Clinical competence across different therapeutic models and service user groups.
- Research expertise, with opportunities to publish and present at conferences.
- Leadership and collaboration skills, preparing you to contribute to the NHS beyond individual therapy.
- Critical reflection, which is central to both clinical practice and personal development.
Importantly, there is a strong neuropsychology pathway threaded throughout the programme, offering partial accreditation routes towards specialist training in Clinical Neuropsychology. Trainees also have the chance to complete foundation-level training in systemic therapy (AFT), and the course is exploring BABCP accreditation pathways, which may appeal if CBT is a particular interest.
Trainees quoted in the Alternative Handbook have described the teaching as well-structured and clinically relevant, with a good balance of academic and practical input. Some have also noted the intensity of balancing placement and research, but many reflect that the skills gained in managing competing demands are invaluable for later practice.
Placements: Core and Elective
Trainees complete five placements across the three years. These include:
- Four six-month core placements in areas such as child and adolescent services, later life, common mental illness, severe and enduring mental illness, neurodisability, physical health, or neurodevelopmental contexts.
- One ten-month elective placement in the third year, allowing trainees to specialise, gain additional competencies, or prepare for a particular career pathway.
Placements are arranged and monitored by the clinical tutor team, ensuring that trainees progress through the competencies required for qualification. The elective placement is particularly valued as a space to deepen expertise, whether in neuropsychology, psychosis, forensic services, or another specialist area.
Trainees in the Alternative Handbook frequently mention the breadth of placements available, with some noting that travel between different NHS Trusts can be demanding, but also that it provides a breadth of experience difficult to find elsewhere.
Research Opportunities
The Newcastle programme is research-active, with 42% of its psychology research rated as “world-leading” (REF 2021). Trainees are encouraged to contribute to this culture through their doctoral research projects, with many opportunities to present findings at professional conferences or submit work for publication.
For aspiring psychologists, this dual focus — practice and research — reflects the scientist-practitioner model at the heart of clinical psychology. If you’re someone who enjoys bridging clinical questions with empirical investigation, this may feel like a good fit.
The Interview Process
For 2025 entry, Newcastle held face-to-face interviews on campus. Shortlisted applicants were invited to a 45-minute panel interview with programme staff and NHS clinicians. In addition, applicants submitted a pre-recorded video in advance, answering a question set by the programme’s Experts by Experience (EbEs). These responses were double-rated and contributed to the final decision.
On the day, applicants also met a small group of current trainees. This part did not form part of the formal selection process but gave space for honest questions about the realities of training.
Trainees in the Alternative Handbook describe the interview as fair but challenging, with an emphasis on reflection, clinical reasoning, and awareness of professional issues. Many note that the inclusion of service user perspectives feels distinctive and aligns with the programme’s ethos of collaboration.
What Makes Newcastle Distinct?
Several features make the Newcastle programme stand out:
- Its history and stability, with more than five decades of training clinical psychologists.
- The geographical spread of placements, offering diverse experiences across urban and rural NHS services.
- A research-rich culture, with strong publication and conference activity.
- Specialist pathways, particularly in neuropsychology and systemic therapy.
- The involvement of Experts by Experience in recruitment, embedding service user voice in the very fabric of training.
For aspiring psychologists, this is a programme that expects you to think deeply, reflect critically, and balance clinical demands with academic rigour.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering applying to Newcastle’s DClinPsy, it’s worth reflecting on whether the course’s values and structure align with your own goals. Do you feel excited by the chance to work across a large and varied region? Are you keen to integrate research and clinical practice? Would you welcome the chance to specialise in areas like neuropsychology or systemic therapy?
Ultimately, every programme has its own character. Newcastle offers a strong balance of tradition and innovation, with clear opportunities for those who want to make an impact through both practice and research.
Whatever stage you’re at in your journey, remember that preparing for the DClinPsy is about growth over time. Each role, reflection, and learning experience helps you build the skills you’ll one day bring into training.
At ACPsych, we’re here to support you along the way — from building reflective practice to preparing for interviews. Join the Pathfinder Membership or explore our DClinPsy Prep Pathway to take the next step towards training with confidence.
References
- Newcastle University (2025). Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) Programme Information. Newcastle University Website
- British Psychological Society (2024). Alternative Handbook for Postgraduate Training Courses in Clinical Psychology. Leicester: BPS.
Disclaimer: This blog reflects information available at the time of writing (August 2025). Course details, structures, and selection procedures may change. Always check the Newcastle University website and the Clearing House for the most up-to-date information before applying.
