Son rejected from Clinical Psychology PhD three times, what next steps?

[linz62]

Hi, my son has applied for a pHd in Clinical Psychology and has failed to get on three times. He has been an Assistant Psychologist for three years and has done well in both roles and has a first and a masters degree. I know that it is very competitive but I think the whole process is really harsh and the system very opaque - they get little feedback as to why they have been rejected. I feel that he has travelled along a cul-de -sac and that had he chosen another career, would be well established by this stage. He is very frustrated and doesn't know what route to take now. I don't think he will apply again. Would it be worth paying for career advisor support or contacting recruitment companies? As there is a shortage of Clinical Psychologists, I don't really understand why only 18% of applicants get places.

if he is getting interviews then he needs to ask for feedback and get coached on practice.
he could also try counselling and educational psychology doctorates

I always knew that the clinical psychology route was competitive but am staggered that some people apply for it while already holding a PhD.

Does that mean that some people effectively have two doctorates funded by the public purse, if they had a first PhD funded by a research council then the DClinPsy funded by the NHS? I know that some will have self-funded a first PhD, but that is surely rare in psychology.

No criticism of individuals but it is a very strange system and a huge waste for talented individuals to end up in this bottleneck while so many people are desperate for MH support…

You are very much mistaken, I’m afraid.

My relative got on the clinical psychology course last year. It was his first attempt and a somewhat speculative application. Already had a psychology degree, first class, masters and a funded PhD and was also teaching at university alongside. Had spoken at international seminars, published papers, etc. Done a lot of related work during uni holidays for his first degree. He was 26 when he applied. He could have carried on with his academic career but wanted a different direction.

But PhDs are usually funded, especially in psychology. And the funding body have got their research, which is what they paid for. You don’t pick the topic, you research what the funding is for.

True, perhaps I was thinking more about how it works in the humanities and social sciences where topics are often self-determined.

My advice would be to be careful about applying for PWP courses as I think the rules have changed to mean that if you’ve done one nhs funded course, you’re ineligible for another.

My advice as a consultant CP is to make sure that he is having direct supervision with a CP; get them to review his form and most importantly mock interviews.

Actually - can you say what stage he has got to? Has he had any interviews or waiting list places for interviews?

If topics are self determined they’re usually self funded.

The advice on what to do really depends on what stage he is getting rejected.

If it is at the application stage (not getting an interview or waitlist for interview) consider - are you applying to the right courses for you. They vary considerably in what they are looking for. Consider what experience he has - would a different AP job working with a different population expand his experience. Also ensure that the application form shows sophisticated thinking and reflection. It not just have you got experience it’s what you make of that experience. Don’t just tweak the application form - start again from first principles.

If he’s getting stuck at the “extra task” stage - maybe consider different courses without this stage.

If he is getting on to waiting lists - look at refining the application form. It must be pretty close - but not quite what they are looking for - “score” it yourself - what is missing, what is implied but could be made explicit. Consider the nature of the particular programmes you are applying for.

Not getting a place after interview - interview prep and practice.

Also check in that he really does want to do it. It’s easy to get caught up in a must be a clin psych mindset. There are many other roles such as PWP/ CAAP/CAP or other allied health professions.

It is - I would be wary of taking advice from the internet. Is there a trusted clin psych he knows who would look over his CV and statement and tell him where his weak spots are? Interview training is also very useful if he is getting that far.

I took four goes to get on (interviews were not my strong point!) but when I did I excelled and got to consultant level much quicker than my peers so as hard as it is, try not to take the rejection personally.

Is he applying to courses which have less applicants due to location? Is he willing to move to northern Scotland for example? some London unis have a 40-1 applicant acceptance ratio and it can be half that if you pick somewhere less desired.

This is true -
hugely longstanding queue of AP’s waiting on minimal wage jobs to get on DPhil Clin Psych courses -
even highly educated graduates in voluntary sector roles -
many end up in NHS Talking Therapies -
the sweat shops / drive through equivalent of psychotherapy