Course description
The MSc in Clinical Applications of Psychology provides modules in aspects of psychology relevant to clinical practice, for students who are intending to apply to Doctoral programmes in clinical psychology or study a PhD. Whilst there is no guarantee that students will ultimately be successful in gaining entry to Doctoral programmes or a PhD, this course is intended to strengthen your credentials and enable you to get the most out of your relevant experience. It is expected that students accepted onto the MSc will be currently working in clinically relevant posts, such as psychology assistants, nursing assistants or therapy aides. As with other current Masters Degrees in Clinical Psychology this MSc is not BPS accredited.
“This course occupies a niche in higher education in psychology that does not seem to be filled elsewhere: a grounding in clinical psychology theory and research that can support and provide an additional dimension to the experience of psychology graduates who are aiming to go on in the future to train in clinical or other related areas of applied psychology. The syllabus has been carefully designed to meet the course aims. The outcomes can be demonstrated in the level of performance of the students (and also in their reported success in gaining places on Doctorate courses).”
External Examiner
Training Course Content
This programme will provide you with the opportunity to study several key topics related to the current practice of clinical psychology in the United Kingdom at a distance, through online learning and teaching methods. The taught modules reflect key areas of clinical psychology, e.g., adult and child mental health, issues in psychotherapy, neuropsychology, professional issues, ethics and diversity, and clinical research methods. Adult and Child mental health examine mental distress, their aetiology, diagnosis/formulation and treatment/interventions. Issues in psychotherapy covers competing perspectives of some of the major ongoing issues in psychotherapeutic theory & practice. Neuropsychology looks at assessment of patients in a range of domains of cognitive functioning. Professional issues, ethics and diversity looks at the way in which Clinical Psychologists engage with the world and conduct themselves in a professional way. Research methods utilizes qualitative and quantitative methodologies to look at real world applications of research. These six taught components of the programme are delivered over two academic years and the independent dissertation component can be taken concurrently with the taught modules or after the taught modules have been completed. The dissertation element of this programme is an opportunity for you to produce an independent piece of research to a publishable standard. The dissertation submission takes the form of a journal article written to the specifications of a journal chosen by yourself.
All modules on the MSc in Clinical Applications of Psychology programme are delivered using the institution’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – moodle. The programme has been designed around notions of experiential learning – learning by doing. Thus you will play an active part in each module of the programme. Module content is predominantly based around core texts and journal articles. Each module is embedded with practical aspects to enable you to apply theory into a practical context. This occurs through innovative learning and teaching methods, utilising the functions available on moodle. The programme is underpinned by both synchronous and asynchronous learning and teaching methods (e.g., online activities and live chats). You will have the opportunity to take part in weekly synchronous online group seminars/tutorials to discuss specific topics within the module. This seminars/tutorial is made available on a set day during an evening slot. By means of asynchronous learning, you will have the opportunity to take part in discussions, utilising the discussion forum. PowerPoint’s are also made available for some content and pre-recordings. Thus, there are many learning mechanisms for you to engage.
Course delivery details
- Part-time programme.
- Delivered online with only one compulsory campus based induction workshop.
- The online nature allows students to continue to work alongside their studies.
- The delivery mode enables students to be geographically widespread.
- The programme is designed to strengthen student’s credentials for those who are intending to apply to Doctoral training programmes within Clinical Psychology.
- There are no examinations on this programme, all assessments are course work based.
- The applied nature of this course makes it valuable for any Psychology graduate wishing to develop their skills.
- The programme will provide students with the opportunity to study at post-graduate level several key topics related to the current practice of clinical psychology in the United Kingdom.
Continuing Studies
The programme intends to strengthen students’ credentials, for those wishing to apply for Doctorate Programmes in Clinical psychology or study a PhD. Relevant transferrable skills developed through this programme which will strengthen credentials include research knowledge and practice, critical evaluation, writing reports, independent working. As well as being relevant to the Clinical Psychology Doctorate or studying a PhD, these transferable skills will place students well for careers as assistant Clinical Psychologists, rewarding careers in the area of mental health, as well as research posts and working in academia.
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