Each application is rated independently by three people using the critieria described with the Entry Requirements section.  These ratings are used to identify people for interview.  Applicants who are not offered an interview are sent a copy of the short-listing criteria and asked to evaluate their own application against these.  If they then require further feedback this is available.

There are two interviews.  One interview covers academic and research issues and the other, personal and clinical issues.  There are three people on each panel, including course staff and clinical supervisors from the region.  All interviews are conducted using the same script; this helps with equal opportunities and is used to help interviewers rate each candidate in relation to a person specification.  The person specification includes having a good understanding of research design principles, the ability to develop a research proposal, the ability to demonstrate basic clinical skills, the ability to link theory and practice and the capacity to reflect on their own experience and to learn from it.  At interview we expect applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding gained in their undergraduate psychology degree and have a good working knowledge of clinical psychology in the health service.  Further details about the course and the selection process are sent to all those invited for interview.  Existing trainees are available to meet candidates at interview to provide additional information.

Successful applicants are allocated a base within our region covering Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge. The bases are, 1) Norwich, 2) Cambridge, 3) Ipswich, 4) Huntingdon, 5) Kings Lynn, 6) Peterborough, and 7) Bury St. Edmunds.  We endeavour to provide all placements within the allocated base but situations do arise where placements are not available within the allocated base.  In these circumstances, the trainee will be expected to travel to a placement within an adjoining base.  Successful applicants will have an opportunity to express preferences about which base they will be allocated to but no guarantees can be given about choice of base.  It is strongly recommended that the trainee lives within the base allocated, as clinical placements are likely to involve considerable amounts of driving.

Unsuccessful applicants who are interviewed are offered feedback from a member of their interview panels.

Those offered a place on the Course will be required to undergo enhanced CRB checks and Occupational Health clearance assessment.