Below you will find the answers to the most commonly asked questions relating to the MPhil in Foundations of Clinical Psychology admissions process and the course itself.
“As an international student and medical doctor, I have found this course to be an excellent fit for my long-term goal of integrating mental health care into primary care systems in low- and middle-income countries, as well as contributing to systemic change and policy development.
What sets this course apart is its breadth. Beyond psychological therapeutic models, we are also exposed to governance, public mental health, and systems-level thinking—making it highly relevant to a wide range of professionals and career paths.
I have also felt genuinely supported throughout the programme. The teaching environment is both accommodating and intellectually stimulating. We are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and begin to see ourselves as future leaders in the field.” Daniela
FAQs
I am thinking about applying….
Who do I contact with questions about the course?
Any queries, please direct these to our course administrator Vincenzo Paci using the course email: clinpsychmphil@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Where can I find out about funding and financial assistance?
You can apply to be considered for most University funding through your course application in the Applicant Portal. The general funding deadline is the same as the course application deadline (early December) with the exception of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for US citizens which is usually in mid-October. Information on the types of funding that are available and how to apply can be found on the Postgraduate funding webpages: Postgraduate funding | Postgraduate Study
Do I really need two references?
Yes you need to nominate two referees when completing your application. You will be asked to nominate an additional referee if you are applying for Gates Cambridge funding (see Gates website). See the Postgraduate Study References to support your Cambridge application for more information on the types of referees that you need depending on whether you are currently or recently finished studying.
Does the personal statement have to fall within the 1,000 character count?
Yes and this includes spacing, if there is more information that you’d like to add in support of your application you can use the ‘Career Goals’ and ‘Additional Information to Support Application’ sections in your application.
Can I use AI to assist me with my application?
AI must not be used when writing personal statements and CVs. This prohibition covers the use of AI to help your use of English. AI may also generate false claims (‘hallucinations’) and if these are about your personal achievements they will be treated like any other application fraud. For additional guidance on using AI in your application visit the Postgraduate Study webpages on Using AI in your application | Postgraduate Study.
Where are lectures taught?
Teaching takes place across various Cambridge sites, but will most likely be concentrated in Douglas House, Trumpington Road, and on the Addenbrookes Hospital site, including the Herschel Smith Building, on the (East) Forvie site. However, exact locations and timetable schedules will be circulated nearer the start of the course and are subject to change. For a map of Cambridge facilities, see https://map.cam.ac.uk/.
Is the MPhil in Foundations of Clinical Psychology BPS accredited?
The MPhil is not accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS), the minimum requirement for pursuing a DClinPsy in the UK is the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) which is typically acquired by completing a BPS accredited Psychology undergraduate or an accredited Conversion Master’s degree that covers an extensive Psychology undergraduate curriculum. International students who have completed their qualifications abroad may apply to obtain GBC by applying to the BPS, see here for more information: International applicants: Qualifications – International applicants | Clearing house
After you have been made an offer….
What kind of DBS do I need?
You will need an enhanced DBS that covers both working with adults and with children and young people. See the Disclosure and Barring Service Guide for general information on what a DBS is. If your application is successful and you are made an offer of a place on the course the DBS Office will contact you in March / April with an invitation to complete your DBS check.
DBS conditions need to be fulfilled prior to commencing the course and will be set as one of the conditions of your offer – further guidance is available through the Postgraduate Admissions Office. For any questions relating to the DBS check you should contact the University’s DBS Office directly at the following email address: dbsstudents@offices.admin.cam.ac.uk.
I already have a DBS, what do I do now?
If you already have a DBS check then you should submit a scanned copy of this to the University’s DBS Office at the following email address: dbsstudents@offices.admin.cam.ac.uk. The DBS Office will then be able to advise if this is usable or not. Generally, checks need to be of the right level, and you need to be subscribed to the Update Service for them to be usable for admission.
When will I receive the outcome of funding applications?
The awards period runs from March to July, it is an ongoing process and applicants will remain under consideration until the end of the awards period. Unfortunately funding bodies are not generally able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you have not been contacted by the end of the awards period, you should assume that your application has not been successful. Information on funding and scholarships is available on the Postgraduate Study Funding webpages. Financial support may also be available from your College with more information on the College websites.
I am an overseas student, where do I find out about applying for a visa?
Students who do not hold a UK or Irish passport and are studying on a full-time course longer than 6 months will need a student visa in order to come to the UK and study at Cambridge. The International Student Office provides a visa advice service, offering assistance on applying for a student visa as well as information on related areas of immigration.
What is the role of an adviser and who is mine?
You will be overseen by a supervisory team which consists of the Course Principal Supervisor, your Secondary Supervisor and your Academic Adviser. Your Adviser will act as a second point of contact for academic advice and will be available to discuss your research progress, as well as personal and research development needs.
Clinical placements are advertised as either Lent or Easter – does it matter which one?
After we have matched you to a clinical placement, we will let you know which term you will be on placement depending on the provider’s availability.
Can I work whist studying for my MPhil?
Postgraduate students on full-time taught courses are not expected to work while studying during term time but may work during the holidays (Christmas and Easter breaks). More information is available on the University’s Working while you study webpages: Working while you study | Cambridge students. Students should always take into account personal constraining factors, including visa and financial sponsorship restrictions.
Are there any additional funding sources, hardship funds, or internal support available through the University?
The majority of funding is linked to application deadlines and postgraduate students are expected to have their finances in place before they start their course. However, there are a number of scholarships, bursaries and awards that are available to current students. More information is available on the University’s Scholarships, Travel Awards and Prizes webpages: Scholarships, Travel Awards and Prizes | Cambridge students. Your College may also be able to offer some financial support and you can find College funding information on College websites.
Postgraduate students who find themselves in need of extra financial assistance after starting their course may also apply to the University’s Postgraduate Financial Assistance Fund: Postgraduate Financial Assistance Fund | Cambridge students which aims to provide support to current postgraduate students in unforeseen financial need, to enable them to complete their studies.
Is it possible to defer entry until the following year?
Once you accepted your offer of a place you are unable to defer unless it is due to a disability or pregnancy/maternity leave, instead you would have to reapply for the following year when the application process opens again in September. For more information please visit: Deferring or changing your start date | Postgraduate Study.