Foundations in Clinical Psychology MSc
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
DURATION
12 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 29,900 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* no application closing date for this course
** international students | GBP 12,400 - home students
Introduction
There are two pathways available. The teaching content is the same on the two pathways. The difference is if the 60-credit module is taken as a research dissertation or a professional skills portfolio. You can be considered for one pathway or both pathways. You must state your preference in your personal statement. The two pathways are:
- Foundations in Clinical Psychology MSc - if you’re interested in developing your research skills, this pathway allows you to complete a 60-credit dissertation
- Foundations in Clinical Psychology with Professional Skills Portfolio MSc - if you have yet to undertake a research project during your undergraduate studies, this pathway offers a 60-credit professional skills module which incorporates simulated placement activities, in place of a dissertation
Please state clearly in your personal statement if you want to be considered for one pathway, or if you prefer to be considered for both.
Our programmes will equip you with several skills. These will help you to enter the fields of clinical and applied psychology and research. You will learn through expert lead teaching and training in topics related to:
- clinical psychology
- health and forensic psychology
- neurobiology and human development
- research skills
Rankings
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University - QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Psychology – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 200 for Psychology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Curriculum
What you'll learn
As part of both Foundations of Clinical Psychology master's pathways, students will learn how to:
- gather information from a variety of sources and synthesise it in an appropriate way
- evaluate and interpret theoretical concepts in the principal areas
- prepare and articulate arguments against these areas
- critically evaluate the evidence for these ideas
- tolerate and understand different points of view
- understand the issue of cultural and clinical competence
Students on the Foundations in Clinical Psychology MSc (5202f) will:
- gain research skills and experience in conducting research
- interact with professional academic, health, forensic and/or clinical psychologists and related professionals in conducting a piece of research
Compulsory modules
- Dissertation
- Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Applied Professional Psychology Skills
- Neurobiology of Mental Health
- Research Skills for Psychological Research in Clinical Settings
Optional modules
- Applied Health Psychology
- Research Apprenticeship
- Advanced Topics in the Neurodiversity of Development
- Legal Psychology and the Criminal Justice System
- Professional Issues in Psychological Practice
Students on the Foundations in Clinical Psychology with professional Skills Portfolio MSc (5506f) will:
- participate in online clinical activities and compose a variety of clinical documentation and materials as part of a simulated clinical placement
- develop skills in conducting a systematic review of the literature
Compulsory modules
- Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Applied Professional Psychology Skills
- Neurobiology of Mental Health
- Research Skills for Psychological Research in Clinical Settings
- Professional Skills Portfolio
Optional modules
- Applied Health Psychology
- Research Apprenticeship
- Advanced Topics in the Neurodiversity of Development
- Legal Psychology and the Criminal Justice System
- Professional Issues in Psychological Practice
Career Opportunities
This course can provide a sound basis to apply for roles relevant to applied psychology, such as an assistant psychologist post. This may also provide you with a variety of skills and experience to support applications for further training in Clinical Psychology.
Further training includes:
- The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
- Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programmes
Please be aware that within the UK you will typically require relevant work experience and a previous degree that qualifies for graduate registration with the British Psychological Society in order to apply for such training or for an assistant psychologist position within the NHS. The MSc does not qualify you for graduate registration with the British Psychological Society or a clinical qualification which allows you to practice as a mental health practitioner. Consequently, if you do not have a previous degree which confers this and you aspire to undertake the above programmes, you are recommended to undertake a BPS accredited MSc conversion programme.
The course is also suitable if you are considering a research career in psychology. You may also be considering a PhD.