MSc Foundations in Clinical Psychology & Health Services

This innovative MSc provides students with a strong knowledge and experience base for progressing to health service careers, particularly those looking to become clinical psychologists and clinical psychology researchers.

• The Masters will equip you with up-to-date knowledge of relevant theory and practical issues in UK mental health services, and you'll develop the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake research and development in academic and healthcare settings.
• You'll have the opportunity to complete a work placement in an applied setting, providing you with valuable skills and experience that will aid your career development. You will be responsible for securing a placement yourself.
• The programme is intended for graduates in psychology or related disciplines who are interested in progressing to careers in the health professions as practitioners, researchers or managers, and current health service professionals with a degree in psychology or related disciplines who wish to enhance skills and knowledge in the areas covered by the programme as part of their continuing professional development. This programme is also intended for those who may want to pursue a postgraduate research degree in areas related in clinical psychology. Please note, however, that the MSc itself does not lead to a clinical qualification.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Lucy Oldfield.

You should normally have (or expect to be awarded) the following qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in Psychology or a related subject (eg health studies, neuroscience) with a research component

You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. We consider all aspects of your application when making a decision and may still be able to offer a place even if your qualifications or grades do not meet the published requirements.

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate study.

This Masters is designed to provide a foundation for graduates who are interested in further developing the academic skills and experience needed to apply for UK clinical Doctorate programmes or for PhD programmes in areas related to clinical psychology.

It also helps develop the skills and knowledge for those who seek to pursue careers in the NHS and with private healthcare providers more generally, including careers in various allied health fields and NHS management.

Lastly, the programme is designed to facilitate career progression for those already working in the health sector, by developing new academic skills and experience, particularly in relation to research design and analysis.

Skills

The programme will provide you with knowledge of theory and practical issues relevant to practice in the UK mental health services, with a particular focus on clinical psychology.

It will provide you with the knowledge and skills to undertake research in clinical settings and analyse data.

You will have the opportunity to develop your own research and career interests by conducting a research project under the supervision of a member of staff and relevant external health services staff.

Students on the Applied Clinical Psychology pathway will have the opportunity to complete a work placement where they can gain valuable skills and experience in an applied setting.