Essential Criteria

Criteria Note

You must hold either:

  • A 1st class or 2:1 in an undergraduate psychology degree, or
  • An undergraduate degree in another subject, with a Masters level conversion course (merit or distinction).
We will not accept any other qualifications or class of degree different to these.
Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS) Candidates from non-GBC accredited courses need to apply themselves for membership on the basis of GBC.
Clinical experience There is no required amount, but you must have some relevant experience.
Two Satisfactory References One reference MUST be academic and the other a relevant experience reference.
Personal Qualities and Values Consistent with the NHS Constitution You must demonstrate that you can give the highest standards of professional care. You must demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice and to the values in the NHS constitution.
The Right to Work in the UK Health Education Thames Valley commissions the course and provides trainees with financial support. You must ensure before applying that you are eligible for NHS funding for both tuition fee and salary support (standards are set by the bursary specifications) and Home Fee/EU status. We do not currently offer any self-funded places.
An Adequate Level Of English (if this is not your first language)

Candidates will need to provide evidence of English language proficiency at the higher level required by the University of Oxford,  See https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford/application-guide?wssl=1

Certificates must be dated to within two years of the start of study.

Ability to Drive

All Trainee Clinical Psychologists on the Oxford Course must be able to drive and have access to a vehicle for the duration of the three-year training course. This forms part of the training contract. 
Reasonable adjustments are made as required for those trainees with a disability that may prevent them from driving.

 

Desirable Criteria:

Criteria Note
Appropriate Research Experience This must be in addition to an undergraduate project. We are looking for candidates who show a continuing commitment to improving the quality of health care and contributing to the evidence base of the profession. Suitable experience would include an MSc, PhD or other relevant research, service audit or evaluation. Research experience can occur in the context of an undergraduate placement year.

Developing/coordinating research and applying for ethics approval will be rated more highly than data collection/entry.

Appropriate Work Experience

We give credit for the amount and range of experience gained, and are particularly interested in what candidates have made of the experience they have had, in particular how it has shaped their career aspirations and made them a stronger candidate for clinical psychology training.

Appropriate clinical experience can include that gained within the context of a research role that involves work with people who present with psychological needs.

Publications We give credit for authorship of publications in peer-reviewed journals.  We also give credit for other forms of dissemination such as oral and poster presentations at national conferences and contribution to substantive health service publications.
Additional Skills and Competencies

We value a range of additional activities, skills and training (such as postgraduate certificate level training and counselling courses). Valued indirect skills include:

  • leadership skills
  • teaching qualifications
  • community involvement projects
  • drama skills
  • competency in different languages
  • publishing
  • media experience

Academic Scoring System

Qualification Grade Score

A-Level or equivalent

A maximum of 3 A-levels or equivalent are considered

Maximum total A-level score = 18

A or A*

6 points

B 4 points
C 2 points
D or below 1 point
Undergraduate Psychology Degree

First class

10 points

Conversion Course (MSc)

Scored in place of undergraduate psychology degree

Distinction

10 points

Other Postgraduate Qualifications

Candidates will only be allocated points for their highest qualification in this category

Distinction at Masters

5 points

PhD beyond 2 years 5 points
Completed PhD 10 points

Maximum Total Academic Score = 38 points