An Evaluation of Embedded Foundation Training in Systemic Practice Within a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Programme

ABSTRACT Embedded systemic trainings have recently gained popularity in Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) programmes due to increased recognition and government funding. However, limited evaluations have been completed to understand both student experience and the effectiveness of the embedded training. As part of piloting the new systemic pathway in the DClinPsy programme at Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL), we recruited students from our 2023 cohort for the evaluation. We developed the Systemic Competence Survey (SCS) to evaluate the embedded Foundation Training in Systemic Practice (FTSP) quantitatively and qualitatively. The SCS demonstrated that participants improved their self‐reported systemic knowledge, especially in applying the family life cycle framework. However, confidence in practical competencies showed minimal growth. Qualitative data highlighted the abstract nature of systemic ideas and a structural misalignment where compulsory FTSP precedes appropriate placement opportunities. This suggests the need to better align the timing of FTSP with practical application to enhance skill acquisition and meet key learning outcomes.