Ranking
8th
in UK for Psychology (QS 2024)
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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Join the first practitioner Doctorate in the UK to provide expertise in two different branches of applied psychology and embark on a transformative journey to eligibility to practise as a Forensic and Clinical psychologist.
Earn a prestigious dual qualification, endorsed by both the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Whether you’re drawn to forensic environments, clinical settings, or a dynamic combination of both, this program equips you with the expertise and credentials to excel. The course welcomes applications from people underrepresented in the profession.
Successful completion of the course will grant you eligibility to become Chartered Forensic and Clinical Psychologists within the BPS and to apply for registration with the HCPC as Forensic and Clinical Psychologists.
The course is a 4 year full-time (5 days per week, 52 weeks per year) taught doctorate. All years follow roughly the same structure with one day per week teaching, 3 days per week placement and 1 day per week study. The course covers the entire Clinical and Forensic curriculum and competencies, allowing graduates to register as both Clinical and Forensic Psychologists with the HCPC and BPS.
Course highlights
This unique course trains reflective scientist-practitioners to creatively tackle diverse psychological challenges, blending clinical and forensic approaches. With a growing need for expertise in both disciplines, you’ll be equipped to address mental health issues in prison, probation, and forensic settings. Gain dual qualifications (BPS and HCPC approved) at the doctoral level, unlocking opportunities to practice in forensic, clinical, or combined environments. Through cutting-edge research, you’ll expand the field’s knowledge base and improve forensic clinical practices, shaping better outcomes and enhancing public safety. Push the boundaries of psychology and make a lasting impact.
- Combining Forensic and Clinical – This is a unique course integrating forensic and clinical psychological practice at doctoral level
- Dual Qualification – The qualification confers a dual qualification, BPS and HCPC approved, for practice in forensic, clinical or combined settings
- Research – You can expand the knowledge base in this crucial area of psychological practice through your own forensic clinical research
- Improve Practice – You can push the boundaries to improve forensic clinical practice and protect the public
Course delivery
There are assessed pieces of work throughout the four years, including reports relating to clinical practice, research tasks and academic essays. In addition, a two volume research thesis is completed across the four years, containing a systemic literature review and a novel empirical paper. Both elements need to relate to both clinical and forensic practice.
Teaching usually consists of a mix of:
- Didactic teaching to introduce key content and theory
- Small group work, role play and case studies to apply this learning in practice
Research themes
Research focuses on areas where forensic and clinical psychology intersect, such as therapeutic work in forensic hospitals and prions, as well as risk in clinical settings and considerations of wellbeing and mental health in criminal justice domains.
Entry requirements
- 2:1 Honours degree
in Psychology that confers Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society.
- A 2:2 degree classification that confers GBC plus a Masters degree would be considered equivalent to the above criteria. A Masters degree or other relevant academic qualifications would also support an application. Conversion degrees that confer GBC are also acceptable.
- Enhanced DBS check
- No criminal convictions (Psychology is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act so no criminal convictions are ever considered 'spent')
- At least 12 months of relevant experience working in a clinical and/or forensic setting which has involved face-to-face contact with clients under the supervision of a qualified clinical or forensic psychologist (where this is not possible, such as in the case of international students, please contact the admissions tutor for advice on meeting this requirement)
More information regarding what needs to be submitted at the application stage can be found on the admissions pre-form on the application page.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £15,560
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.
Application process
The selection process will consist of an interview and a group exercise. The interview will be conducted by a panel of academic staff, practitioners from relevant services and experts by experience. Topics will cover personal suitability and academic/research proficiency. The group exercise will focus on your ability to work collaboratively with others. Selection will normally be held over the course of a single day. Interviews for 2025 entry will be held on Tuesday 29th April and Thursday 1st May 2025. The application deadline is 5th March 2025. For admissions related queries, please contact Dr Owen Forster - o.forster@bham.ac.uk
To help candidates to submit their application, please see the guidance notes in the application proforma below. This will provide guidance on formulating the personal statement, research proposal and inclusion of any work experience.
Career opportunities
This course equips you with the dual qualifications of a clinical and forensic psychologist, empowering you to work at the highest level within both fields. Perfect for those aiming to excel in forensic mental health, you'll master risk assessment and public protection, while addressing overlooked mental health needs in forensic settings. With high demand for accredited professionals, your career prospects are bright, opening doors to impactful roles in a dynamic and rewarding field.
Careers Network
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.
We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state of the art facilities.