Doctor of Clinical Psychology - University of Sheffield
Shortlisting Criteria
2015 Intake
The following anchor points are provided for rating each dimension. Each dimension is rated from 0-3.
Please do not rate a dimension if information is not readily available. Only use information provided on the
application form and from referees' reports. Please use half points where you think this would be useful.
1
Academic qualifications
0:
Degree below 2.1 or no GBC (graduate basis for chartered membership of the BPS) at the
time of applying.
1:
2.1 degree (low to mid – as evidenced in application and no adverse comments about coping
with academic demands of training.
Conversion degree, no adverse comments about coping with academic demands of training.
2:
High 2.1 degree (as evidenced in application) and positive referees’ comments. Or first class
degree with no further academic qualifications.
Conversion degree with evidence of high 2.1 achievement at undergraduate level and/or
specific referee comments about academic strengths.
Relevant, completed masters degree where there is specific reference to having achieved a
distinction, and there are very positive referee comments as to academic aptitude.
3:
2
In addition to a 1st class or high 2.1 undergraduate degree a higher degree in psychology
PhD.
Research or Service Evaluation Skills
0:
No evident experience of empirical research even at undergraduate level, or referees’
comments that applicant lacks necessary skills.
1:
Experience of empirical research at undergraduate level and no adverse comments
concerning specific lack of research experience or skills.
2:
Significant experience of carrying out a piece of original research either for a completed
higher research degree or to meet the needs of a clinical service or via working on a clinically
relevant research project.
Referees’ comments should also validate good research skills.
A high level of achievement, in research, at undergraduate level; 2.1 or above on
dissertation/research module and specific positive referee comments about research
strengths.
Applicant should also demonstrate enthusiasm and an aptitude for the application of
psychological theory to real problems.
3:
Extensive experience of original applied research and service evaluation projects, or relevant
published research in a peer reviewed journal (manuscripts in preparation or submission are
not to be included). Referees’ comments should validate highly developed research skills and
initiative.
Revised September 2014
3
Clinical Experience
0:
No (or limited) experience of paid or voluntary work in a clinical, community or clinicalacademic setting exposing the applicant to client groups and service settings directly relevant
to clinical psychology.
1:
Some experience of working in a professional helping role and being supervised by a
responsible professional. This could be a paid or voluntary role in a clinical, community or
clinical-academic setting, in a range of contexts including NHS or university settings, the
voluntary sector or organisations affiliated to the NHS.
Applicant includes reflections on how the experience has influenced learning and evidence of
professional development towards training and demonstrates an understanding of the training
and qualified role of the clinical psychologist.
2:
Significant experience of working in a professional helping role including the use of
psychological models of understanding and/or working under the supervision of or alongside a
Clinical Psychologist.
3:
In addition to above extensive experience of working in a professional caring role with a
range of relevant client groups with direct supervision from a Clinical Psychologist and
demonstrates learning linked to experiences.
4
Other relevant experience
(This should cover activities not previously rated in any other dimension.)
*0:
No evidence of reflection upon life experience outside of student or work role.
(* This rating of inadequate should not be used as an exclusion criterion.)
1:
Some relevant vocational experience, may be voluntary or part-time vacation work whilst a
student and demonstrates some breadth of life experiences/interests.
2:
Significant experience relevant to organisational or interpersonal aspects of clinical
psychology arising out of other employment/voluntary activities; or family responsibilities,
and some psychologically informed reflection on learning from personal or professional
experiences relating to issues of diversity.
3:
Extensive experience relevant to organisational or interpersonal aspects of clinical
psychology arising out of other employment/voluntary activities,
and specific experience of issues of diversity (personal or professional),
and excellent connections made between these experiences and the role of the clinical
psychologist.
5
Personal Qualities and Interpersonal Skills
0:
Direct comment from referee that candidate is presently unsuited for clinical training (for
example limited ability to plan own workload, organise appointments with clients, plan
sessions, work to deadlines or having limited capacity to learn from feedback or supervision
etc) or very poorly organised application form.
1:
Referees’ comments suggesting that candidate is able to form good, empathic and
respectful working relationships with clients, colleagues and staff and effective written
communication skills as evidenced by a well-written application form. Evidence of
organisational potential and flexibility which enables planning, monitoring and adjusting of
own workload, in relation to both clinical and academic work.
2:
Positive referees’ comments on candidate’s skills and abilities to build and sustain good,
empathic and respectful relationships with clients, staff and colleagues,
Revised September 2014
and evidence of the ability to function well in the context of unexpected or uncertain
outcome.
In addition evidence of the ability to self-reflect, learn from supervision and of a
commitment towards a career in clinical psychology.
and a well organised and presented application form.
Exceptional referees’ comments on candidate’s skills with clients, staff and colleagues, and
their ability to function to a high level in novel or uncertain environments and evidence of
highly developed skills of self reflection.
3:
NB:
All applicants must be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the
British Psychological Society at the time of application.
Rating of application forms – information for applicants.
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Summative scores from two independent raters across these dimensions are used to rank
order application forms. Any candidate scoring 0 on any dimension other than dimension 4
(other relevant experience) will not be offered an interview.
The maximum score is 30. We do not interview candidates whose aggregate score is less
than 16. This is our minimum criterion for entry to our interview process.
We have up to 64 places for interview.
All candidates who disclose a disability under the double tick scheme and who score 16 or
higher will be offered an interview.
The top ranked candidates over the minimum score of 16 will be offered an interview.
The next 25 candidates scoring 16 or above will form our reserve list for interview.
Any candidates including double tick candidates scoring less than 16 will not be offered an
interview, as a score of less than 16 is below our threshold for interview.
This information is provided to assist you in understanding our process. Due to the very large
numbers of applications, we are not able to provide individual feedback on your application,
whether successful or unsuccessful.
Revised September 2014