Alternative Handbook 2024-25 launch offers crucial insights for prospective clinical psychology trainees
The Alternative Handbook is an annual guide to Clinical Psychology training courses for aspiring clinical psychology trainees.
02 October 2024
Produced in partnership between the BPS Research Team and Division of Clinical Psychology's Pre-Qualification group it offers vital insights for prospective trainees based on responses from current trainees from over 30 courses.
The findings cover important topics including: the course ethos, academic content, interview experiences, placement opportunities, research topics and the support available.
This year the Alternative Handbook received a record-breaking number of responses. In response to feedback, we have significantly improved the interactive webpage to make this more accessible and revised several questions to help better understand trainee experiences, in particular around interview feedback and reasonable adjustments.
The guide is available as interactive web pages, allowing prospective trainees to easily access the key information they need, or as a downloadable PDF.
Ken Cheung and Richard Malkin, Co-chairs of the DCP Pre-Qualification Group, said:
"Choosing which courses to apply for to undertake your professional clinical training is a hugely important decision in your journey towards becoming a qualified clinical psychologist.
"This year we have listened to members' feedback to improve the Alternative Handbook. It's vital this document continues to independently capture current trainee clinical psychologists' experiences and provide a valuable resource for prospective applicants. We extend our huge thanks to all the survey respondents, without them this guide wouldn't exist."