PhD Discussion Forum

Hey there! Do you mean the clinical psychology practitioner doctorate (DClin) or a clinical psychology research-based PhD? I don't think not getting a merit/distinction will be the end of the world either way- what did you get for your first degree? Many people apply for DClin without having done a masters (although there are also many people applying who already have research PhDs)- the only time lots of places insist on a masters is if your original degree was graded lower than a 2.1. If you have a lot of good quality relevant experience it might not have too much of an impact on your application. If it's a research PhD you're after, you might still be fine. Of course, the higher the mark, the better, but I know a few people doing fully-funded PhDs with just a pass at MSc level. Good luck with the appeal etc. Best, KB

Can I give you a tip here? I'm sure you didn't intend to, but in your original post you sound very flippant about having been accused (and presumably if already penalised found guilty) of plagiarism. If you come across like that in your appeal, it is unlikely to be successful. The penalty is actually quite light as it stands for a postgraduate student in my experience. Research misconduct is more of a red flag for PhD admissions than your mark, so I think you might be well advised to have a talk with a tutor you trust, to find out what impact it might have. You certainly will have to discuss the situation with the people you intended to use as references to find out how this will effect the reference they would write. In particular, if there are any extenuating circumstances you need to make sure they are aware of them.

Hi badhaircut

Thanks for your reply, I was really happy to read it. Yes I didn't make myself clear, when I said academia, I actually meant the DClinPsy, sorry! I got a 2:1 for my undergrad and I think I have quite a good chance for a distinction on my dissertation. But I am worried that because the committee won't really go back on their decision as the computer has evidence, I can't possibily argue with them, the only thing I can do is make it really clear that I did not intend to plagiarise, and it was a honest, human error of not going through my text again and checking that my citations were in order even though my list of references was. Anyways I am worried this will ''taint'' my academic records, there will be an anomally of 40% on my transcripts if I apply for the DClinPsy and then what am I to say to them in an interview? Even though I have quite a bit of experience????

Ok, for the clinical doctorate (DClinPsy), with admissions, for most unis, I don't think they look at your MSc transcripts unless applicants have a 2.2 or a low 2.1.

Some career pathways (health psychology) insist on a Merit in an MSc in Health Psychology to proceed onto stage 2 professional doctorate in health psychology.

Obtaining postgraduate qualifications is by no means essential for DClinPsy admission.

Admission criteria for the DClinPsy differ between unis.

- With undergraduate degrees, some universities clearly outline a high 2.1 (over 65% I think at undergrad) or with a low 2.1 or 2.2, strong performance at MSc level (over 65% at MSc level- unis check MSc transcripts here).
- Some unis specify at least a 2.1 without any mention of postgrad qualifications. Remember you've got a 2.1, so you've met the minimum criteria for most unis.

Admission tutors look at a range of factors- academic (BPS accredited undergrad, 2.1 or 2.2 with postgrad qualifications), relevant experience (ie assistant psychologist, research assistant, support worker, care assistant, mental health recovery worker), strong references, good reflective form and strong interview performance if shortlisted.

Some universities require strong academic backgrounds, whereas other universities are more reflective and require strong clinical experience.

Also, some DClinPsy courses have pre interview selection tests (usually a research methods type exam). Applicants who've met the minimum criteria (Ie 2.1, relevant experience) receive invites for a pre interview selection test. Generally, the top % applicants in the pre interview selection test receive invites for interviews. In the case of tied scores, admission tutors then look at application forms again and select the stronger applicant.

All in all, a varied process. Also depends on the level of competition out there as well, which varies every year.

If you carefully select universities for DClinPsy admissions, this should improve your prospects of getting onto the DClinPsy.

Also, a friend of mine obtained a Pass at MSc level (she failed to obtain a Merit in her MSc) and she got onto the DClinPsy and is now a clinical psychologist.