1Course record · South West
University of Plymouth
Does Plymouth test before interview? No. It says it uses no short-listing test.
The record
Before you apply
What you must meet to apply, in the course’s own words.
Getting to placements
The course is based at University of Plymouth and trainees are required to be able to attend placements in Cornwall, Plymouth or South Devon.
Source: Clearing House entry requirements, updated ; checked .
Right to work and fee status
Whilst we welcome applications from applicants who have come to the UK from other countries, currently all applicants must be eligible for home fee status and have the independent right to work in the UK.
Source: Clearing House entry requirements, updated ; checked .
GBC when you apply
You must, at the time of application, have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
Source: Clearing House entry requirements, updated ; checked .
DegreeOur summary: A lower second (2:2): With a merit or distinction in a relevant psychology master’s, a CAP or CAAP master’s, or a completed PhD.
A 2:1 or 1st degree (or equivalent) in a Psychology or related subject area
OR
2:2 Undergraduate degree in Psychology or related subject area plus:
a Merit or Distinction on a relevant psychology-based postgraduate degree (e.g. MSc)
or a UK trained Clinical Associate in Psychology / Clinical Applied Associate in Psychology (CAP or CAAP) Masters (if pass / fail graded – Pass required; if fail / pass / merit / distinction graded – Merit or Distinction required)
or PhD completion in Psychology or related subject area
OR
A 2:2, 2:1 or 1st in a non-psychology related degree plus:
a Merit or Distinction in a psychology conversion course (Diploma or Masters)
Source: Clearing House entry requirements, updated ; checked .
Experience:
You must have a minimum of 12 months clinical experience acquired after attaining GBC eligibility.
Source: Clearing House entry requirements, updated ; checked .
English language
Our English Language Ability requirements are IELTS (6.5) in all components or a TOEFL score of 93.
Source: Clearing House entry requirements, updated ; checked .
Our English proficiency requirement is IELTS (7.0) in all components or a TOEFL score of 93.
Source: Plymouth course page, checked .
Our note: The two English levels differ: Plymouth’s Clearing House entry, updated 7 September 2026, gives IELTS 6.5 in all components, and its own course page, which carries no date, gives 7.0.
Earlier NHS-funded training
Due to NHS England funding restrictions, we are unable to consider applicants who have completed another NHS-funded training programme within the past 2 years.
Source: Clearing House entry requirements, updated ; checked .
Not mentioned on these pages: driving licence, research, other study, suitability statements and other conditions.
Pages read: Clearing House entry requirements, updated ; Clearing House selection procedure, updated ; Plymouth course page; Plymouth’s selection process page; all checked .
Before interview
No test
The course states: “We do not use any pre-selection testing.”
Sources: Clearing House, checked ; the course’s own page, checked .
At interview
A panel interview, a group task and values-based questions.
When“Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 May”
Source: Clearing House list of 2027 interview dates for NHS places, updated ; checked .
A panel interview "designed to explore candidates' strengths", and a group task that "assesses candidates values and approach to communication in a group setting." The panel is members of the course team, representatives from the Plymouth Consultative Group and practising clinical psychologists from services across Devon and Cornwall. Its focus: academic, clinical and research competences; reflectivity and reflexivity; formulation and intervention; values and professionalism; commitment to service user involvement.
Sources: Clearing House, checked ; the course’s own page, checked .
What your form is rated on
This course does not publish what it rates the form on.
Source: Clearing House, checked .
A note on this record
The course's own selection page is undated and describes the 2026 selection event (19–21 May 2026); it lists the interview focus as "academic and research competencies, clinical experience, reflexivity, values, anti-racism and commitment to service user involvement". The Clearing House page, updated 21 September 2026, is newer and is followed here.
Dates for 2027 entry
- Applications close
- 18 November 2026, 1:00 pm
- Interviews
- “Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 May”
Sources: Clearing House, checked ; Clearing House 2027 list, NHS places, checked .
Prepare for this course
- Practise interview questionsUses a panel interview, a group task and values-based questions. On values, its record mentions “values and professionalism”.
Our own questions, on the themes courses name.
- Practise situational judgementUses values-based questions at interview.
The scenarios here were written for this site.
Checked Report an errorCorrections
Reported online by applicants, not confirmed by the course
What trainees and applicants have said in public about selection here, paraphrased. The process may have changed since.
Posted 2009 to 2015: 3 reports from single accounts
One account
One applicant remembered two interviews, one clinical and one research-based, with a service user on the panel.
Source: ClinPsy forum, 19 Feb 2015, checked .
One account
One applicant suggested preparing a clinical formulation, a critique of a theory, evidence-based practice versus practice-based evidence, and major NHS policy reports.
Source: ClinPsy forum, 19 Feb 2015, checked .
One account
One applicant called the interview friendly and relaxed, and said the course leans towards systemic and community approaches and values reflective skills.
Source: ClinPsy forum, 26 May 2009, checked .
If you have applied here
What Plymouth says about feedback
We provide telephone feedback to unsuccessful candidates following their interview and after the Clearing House closing the date for acceptance of offers.
Source: Clearing House, selection procedure, updated ; checked .
Applying again: feedback from each course
The practice here fits this course.
This site is not affiliated with University of Plymouth.
Sources
- clearing-house.org.uk: selection procedureUpdated 21 September 2026; checked 24 September 2026.
- plymouth.ac.uk: the course’s own pageChecked 24 September 2026.
- clearing-house.org.uk: which courses use a short-listing testUpdated 7 September 2026; checked 16 October 2026.
- clearing-house.org.uk: interview dates for 2027 by course, for NHS placesUpdated 5 October 2026; checked 22 October 2026.