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

  • Core Competencies for Clinical Practice in Psychology (PSYC721)

    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.

  • Applied Clinical Research (PSYC723)

    Conducting research with service users in clinical settings poses a unique set of challenges. This module supports students to tackle a small-scale clinical research project and to analyse and report results.

  • Personal and Professional Development (PSYC750)

    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.

  • Modules of Intervention in Psychology (PSYC762)

    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. 

  • Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research part 1  (PSYC763)

    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. 

  • Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research part 2  (PSYC764)

    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.  

  • Neuropsychology and Neuroscience: From lab to community  (PSYC765)

    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.  

  • Becoming a Practitioner Psychologist (PSYC766)

    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. 

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Clinical Psychology Programme Specification 7670

Most students will hold an honours degree, usually a 2:1 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. Please note that this programme does not confer graduate basis for recognition by the British Psychological Society, applicants seeking this recognition should apply to our MSc Psychology programme.

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. Health and Enhanced Disclosures: Offers are subject to occupational health clearance and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure.

English language requirements

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:

• Your personal experiences and reflections on mental health.
  
• Demonstration of your potential to adhere to the NHS’ values, and to acquire the skills and aptitudes of a professional psychologist.
  
• Your reflections on what you consider to be the opportunities and challenges of undertaking further study in the field of mental health and clinically related psychology.
• Reflections on your own resilience and preparedness for a challenging course.
• Your experiences of working, volunteering or research in fields related to mental health (if this applies; it is not a requirement that you have this experience to access the programme).

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.