Clinical Psychology at University of Exeter celebrates 40th anniversary

The President of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and other high profile academics from across the country joined Professor Janice Kay, the University Provost, as well as Clinical Psychology staff past and present and NHS partners at a day-long conference to celebrate the work of the last 40 years.

Exeter’s DClinPsy programme has trained more than 350 clinical psychologists since it opened its doors in 1975, and has become globally recognised for the high calibre of its evidence-based practice and research, particularly in Psychological Therapies, Leadership, Mood Disorders and Neuropsychology. 

Competition for the training, which is closely linked to the NHS through placements, clinics and training contracts, is extremely intense. There were 375 applicants for 15 places available on the DClinPsy programme in 2016.

Over the years the Clinical Psychology programme has worked closely with the Wellcome Trust, and its academics have been instrumental in setting up research centres such as the Mood Disorders Centre and the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology group, with NHS partners, which conduct research, and provide treatment and training.

Speaking ahead of the event, Professor Kay said: “It is wonderful to celebrate this important anniversary, and recognise the outstanding world-leading work that has been achieved by everyone associated with Clinical Psychology at Exeter.

 “We have an outstanding global reputation as a centre of excellence for psychological therapy training and research, which is centred not just on what we have already accomplished, but also through our commitment to training the future generations of clinical psychologists.

“We are immensely proud of our staff, students and alumni past and present, and also our many stakeholders and partners that have provided such invaluable support, and I look forward to toasting the continued success of Clinical Psychology for many years to come.”

Director of Clinical Training (CEDAR), Professor Eugene Mullan, who will introduce the conference, is keen that the day provides an opportunity to look forward to the future.

“Forty years on and we’re still going strong. This has been a great year for the DClinPsy programme, which won a five- year extension to its training contract, a five- year BPS re-accreditation with many commendations for good practice and received the highest ever level of applications for our 2016 intake.

“The celebration day is an opportunity to review and reflect as well as look forward to the next 40 years and to say thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 40,” he said.

Mark Levine, Professor of Social Psychology, added: “Clinical Psychology is a world leading group not only dong excellent research but also training the next generation of clinical psychologists and this is making a profound difference to people in  the community and across the country. We are so proud of its magnificent work.”

Professor Dan Charman, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences added: “The work of the Clinical Psychology Training Group is tremendously important to the University and the Psychology department. We are pleased to be able to have a real clinical impact from our world-leading research through our clinical training programmes.”