MSc Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology

Develop a scientific understanding of modern clinical psychology and prepare for careers in clinical, educational, health and research fields with our MSc Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology programme.

Enhance your knowledge of clinical topics, including evidence-based treatments and common mental health issues across the lifespan, while gaining practical experience through a clinical or research placement.

Here at the 丝瓜视频, you will gain essential clinical skills through an extended placement within the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences or with one of our clinical partners. You’ll also develop valuable research skills and conduct clinically relevant research, enhancing your employability in clinical settings both in the UK and internationally.

For more information, please visit the School of Psychology's website.

Develop key skills and deepen your knowledge under the guidance of experienced clinicians and researchers.

During your studies, you will complete 320 hours of placement activity, either in one of our affiliated clinics, with a research group, or with local healthcare partners. You can choose between a clinical or research placement.

Clinical placement

During a clinical placement, you will gain exposure to a clinical environment, developing key skills such as clinical interviewing, assessment, and psychological formulation.

If you choose the clinical placement option, you can gain experience in:

one of several clinics linked to the School’s work (e.g. Anxiety and Depression in Young People; Centre for Autism; Speech and Language Therapy)
an NHS trust
an external placement provider.

This option is ideal if you wish to work directly with clients and enhance your skills and knowledge in client-focused settings. Supervision and training will be provided to support your placement.

Research placement

A research placement, completed in one of our research centres or with a School partner, allows you to work with clinical populations without direct client contact.

Research placements may involve activities such as:

literature reviews
ethics applications
recruitment
data collection analysis.

This option is ideal for students with clinical experience who wish to enhance their proficiency in clinical research, a valuable skill for pursuing Clinical Psychology training in the UK and abroad.

Taught by active researchers

Being taught and supervised by active researchers means you will acquire essential research skills while engaging with the latest psychological developments.

100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience). Explore our research.

Access specialist facilities

The provides access to advanced technology and expertise in cognitive and computational neuroscience.

We also have facilities for experimental and observational research, including specialist laboratories for:

virtual reality
ageing
infant vision
infant language
auditory perception
body kinematics
psychophysiology.

Overview

For more information, please visit the School of Psychology's website.

Learning

Develop key skills and deepen your knowledge under the guidance of experienced clinicians and researchers.

Clinical placement

During a clinical placement, you will gain exposure to a clinical environment, developing key skills such as clinical interviewing, assessment, and psychological formulation.

If you choose the clinical placement option, you can gain experience in:

one of several clinics linked to the School’s work (e.g. Anxiety and Depression in Young People; Centre for Autism; Speech and Language Therapy)
an NHS trust
an external placement provider.

This option is ideal if you wish to work directly with clients and enhance your skills and knowledge in client-focused settings. Supervision and training will be provided to support your placement.

Research placement

A research placement, completed in one of our research centres or with a School partner, allows you to work with clinical populations without direct client contact.

Research placements may involve activities such as:

literature reviews
ethics applications
recruitment
data collection analysis.

This option is ideal for students with clinical experience who wish to enhance their proficiency in clinical research, a valuable skill for pursuing Clinical Psychology training in the UK and abroad.

Taught by active researchers

Being taught and supervised by active researchers means you will acquire essential research skills while engaging with the latest psychological developments.

Access specialist facilities

The provides access to advanced technology and expertise in cognitive and computational neuroscience.

We also have facilities for experimental and observational research, including specialist laboratories for:

virtual reality
ageing
infant vision
infant language
auditory perception
body kinematics
psychophysiology.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Typically a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above) in psychology. As part of your degree you should have completed/ be completing an empirical project. An understanding of the realities of clinical work is highly desirable.

For the Clinical Placement option, prior experience in a clinical setting or direct work with clinical psychologists is not required. However, relevant hands-on voluntary of paid experience in a community, clinical, or clinical-academic setting is essential. This could include working with older adults in care settings, children with special educational needs in schools, or adults with mental health difficulties. As part of the application process for the MSc with Clinical Placement, you will be required to attend an interview.

For the Research Placement option, clinical or other relevant hands-on experience is not required, but is highly desirable.

When making a decision, we consider all the information provided in your application, ensuring that the required course-specific questions are addressed in your personal statement. Please make sure you read the questions on the form carefully and follow the instructions before submitting your responses.

Due to the popularity of our programmes and our restricted numbers, we recommend applying as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

IELTS

7.0 overall with no element less than 6.5

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP), which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Introduction to CBT

Become acquainted with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and learn the importance of evidence-based psychological interventions, based on current theoretical understanding of common disorders such as anxiety and depression. You will also consider contemporary evidence relevant to both the models of psychological disorders and efficacy of associated treatments.

Evidence-Based Treatments across the Lifespan

Study interventions for psychological and neurological conditions from clinical experts in the field. You will examine a range of disorders and their treatment as you develop an understanding of evidence-based practice.

Empirical Project

Explore empirical research in psychology by designing, undertaking and reporting your own research project. You will be introduced to key activities for research as you gain generic and transferable skills.

Clinical Placement

Work with an established clinical team and be exposed to the practical issues found in clinical situations. You will develop an understanding of core psychological principles appropriate to those working in healthcare.

Gathering Data for Applied Psychology

Optional modules

Theories and Models about the Brain

Compare the foundational notions and current models in cognitive neuroscience as you interpret and appraise findings from both animals and humans. You will focus on current issues and debates within cognitive neuroscience and consider perception, neurocognitive and emotional disorders as well as lifespan development.

Gathering Data for Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience

Gain working knowledge of research in the field of cognitive neuroscience and practical experience of gathering and analysing fMRI and EEG data. You will focus on robust, open and reproductive methods of data gathering, processing and analysing.

Analysing Data Using R

Learn in-depth strategies of data analysis and their applications to psychological research using R. Building on undergraduate-level statistics, you’ll gain theoretical and practical knowledge of data analysis, and learn how to use R scripts to analyse data for your dissertation.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 丝瓜视频.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £12,800

New international students: £30,950

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read .

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

The MSc Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology prepares students for advanced training in various branches of applied psychology.

The course structure and content are particularly suited for those seeking:

a place on a clinical doctoral training course in the UK (or its international equivalent)
career in psychological clinics
career in clinical research, both in the UK and globally.

Overall, 100% of graduates from Psychology are in work or further study within 15 months of the end of their course. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022-2024, Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2019/20-2021/22; includes Postgraduate (Taught) and Postgraduate (Research) Psychology responders only.

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P