MSc Clinical Psychology

The programme is designed to provide the clinical training, experience, and skills that place graduates at a competitive advantage in the career pathways to professional clinical practice. Providing insight and instruction of NHS service delivery and clinical practice, graduates are provided with a secure foundation for clinical practice and research, and privileged preparation and perspective on further training opportunities. This has meant that many of our graduates successfully progress onto doctoral training in clinical psychology, or secure clinical roles in the NHS or third-sector organisations.

• Year 1

• With the supervision and guidance of clinicians and clinical researchers, you will acquire specialist skills and knowledge that will prepare you for your clinical career pathway, with a focus on training related to the core concepts and techniques of clinical psychology. 

  Core modules

  PSYC721
  Core Competencies for Clinical Practice in Psychology 20 credits

  This module introduces students to core competencies in clinical practice. Practical and experiential learning help students develop these competencies, and reflective activities aid students in the process of taking control of their own professional development — identifying strengths, weaknesses and formulating a plan for treatment.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  PSYC750
  Personal and Professional Development 0 credits

  This module will enhance students awareness of the transferable skills they possess, focus thinking about future employment, spur reflection on recent learning, and promote the effective use of feedback to enhance academic performance.

  PSYC762
  Models of Intervention in Psychology 20 credits

  What makes a psychologically based intervention effective? This module covers a range of contemporary interventions for clinical psychological and behavioural problems, focusing on a critical analysis of the psychological mechanisms underlying interventions and explores how laboratory research can be translated into new interventions.

  100% Coursework

  PSYC763
  Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research Part 1 20 credits

  The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data collection including interviewing, surveys, computer programming, systematic reviewing and EEG. It also provides students with a grounding in core research skills such as writing, literature reviewing and conducting service evaluation.

  100% Coursework

  PSYC764
  Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research Part 2 20 credits

  The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data analytic and data handling methodologies including qualitative approaches such as thematic analysis and content analysis and methods of analysing and data handling approaches to quantitative data such as JAMOVI/JASP and excel. The module will also cover specific elements of analysis such as clinical significance, psychometrics and research dissemination through academic posters.

  100% Coursework

  PSYC765
  Neuropsychology and Neuroscience: From lab to community 20 credits

  To show how different cognitive science and neuroscience techniques can be used to advance understanding cognition and how this relates to neurological conditions. Students are introduced to a range of neuropsychological conditions including Acquired Brain Injuries, Parkinson’s and dementia and approaches to intervention from lab through to hospital and community settings.

  100% Coursework

  PSYC766
  Becoming a Practitioner Psychologist 20 credits

  This module provides foundational knowledge in the theory and practice of clinical psychology and other practitioner psychologist roles. The module introduces students to the social, cultural and legal context in which mental health professions operate.

  70% Coursework

  30% Practicals

  HIPL600
  Interprofessional Learning 3

  PSYC707
  MSc Research Project 60 credits

  Students, supported by academic supervisors and specialist workshops, are required to conduct a complete piece of research, from establishing a research area, formulating a research question, conducting a literature search, designing and conducting a study that meets appropriate ethical standards, analysing the data and communicating the research in writing.

  100% Coursework

MSc Clinical Psychology programme specification 7670

Most students will hold an honours degree, usually a 2:2 or higher. There is no requirement that the degree is in psychology, and the programme is open to medical and other professionals who wish to update or augment their knowledge and skills in applied clinical psychology. Applicants that can also demonstrate their ability to thrive on this programme through current or previous professional experience will also be taken into consideration.

Applicants will also need to demonstrate that they adhere to the values and ethical conduct that is compatible with U.K regulatory bodies (e.g. Health and Care Professions Council, the NHS). Adherence to values and ethical conduct will be assessed via a structured personal statement, to be evaluated by the programme team.

If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required, with a normal minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency of 6.5.

For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.  

Within your online application please attach a copy of your current CV in the section entitled ‘work experience’, outlining your academic progress and/or work experience.

In addition, within the section ‘personal statement/proposal’ please type or attach a reflective report of no more than 1000 words that includes the following details:

Please also note that if your application is approved, your place will be provisional on the results of an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) statement.