MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology | University of Southampton

About this course

Start your psychologist career path and study the foundations of clinical psychology at the University of Southampton. Learn the key therapy skills required of a clinical psychologist such as counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and how these apply to different cultures.

The leadership, management, and advanced research skills you'll gain on this MSc will also create career opportunities in many different sectors.

This course is subject to revalidation.

This clinical psychology MSc combines core clinical psychology knowledge, relevant research and application of clinical psychology all over the world. You'll learn about the service provision of clinical psychology in the UK and internationally which gives you the unique chance to adapt your practice to suit the needs of the country you'll work in. We welcome students from all over the world.

This intensive clinical psychology master's will ensure you graduate with the transferable skills and confidence stepping into the real world to pursue a career in psychology. You’ll develop your professional practice to reach the high standards expected from the field. Our MSc is also recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as counting towards continued professional development.

Through this course you'll:

learn core therapeutic skills including counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
apply ethical and professional practice principles of clinical psychology
learn advanced data analytical skills
develop and apply leadership skills
look at the global challenges and management of mental health

Our vibrant learning environment actively encourages knowledge-sharing between students and academics. You'll listen, learn and share at regular psychology seminars from the Centre for Innovation in Mental Health (CIMH). You'll also get the unique opportunity to learn from NHS clinicians whose teaching will bring the latest case studies from UK healthcare.

We actively support you in setting up a work placement during your time. Previous students have set up placements at NHS Trusts, schools and charities across Hampshire.

Course lead

Dr Thérèse Allan is a Principal Teaching Fellow in the Department of Psychology and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She is an HCPC (Health and Care Professionals Council) registered Clinical Psychologist and a chartered member of the British Psychological Society.

Dr Allan has worked with people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. She has a great interest in community development work and using different media to promote the understanding of mental health, well-being and resilience.

She is also a member of the Centre for Innovation in Mental Health (CiMH) research group.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the programme specification

The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.

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Download 2021-22 programme specification

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Entry requirements

You'll need:

a 2:1 degree in psychology
a 2:1 in all statistics modules
relevant experience in a mental health setting

Other degrees are considered in conjunction with an approved British Psychological Society conversion course.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 7.0
reading: 6.5
writing: 6.5
speaking: 6.5
listening: 6.5

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

This is a 1-year full time course split into 2 semesters. You'll be taught between November and mid-June when you'll complete your dissertation.

Teaching is scheduled on a Monday and Tuesday during term time to allow you to complete relevant placements or work experience necessary for the course. There is also usually a one week teaching block in November. If there are any additional teaching sessions we'll give you enough time to plan around your studies.

You'll study 5 clinical modules 4 main research modules throughout both semesters.

You'll be supported in finding a placement where you'll be expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of placement time ideally before the end of May. You can also work in a job which is relevant to your masters and this will count as a placement.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2021-22

You must study the following modules:

Applied Research Methods (ARM): Correlational Methods

Topics to be covered will include: • the strengths and weaknesses of correlational designs, • how to construct a questionnaire, • psychometrics in classical test theory (including reliability, validity, sensitivity, specificity, principal componen...

Applied Research Methods (ARM): Planning & Designing Research

The Applied Research Methods Modules cover the common needs for training in research methods and statistics of all students in their first year of postgraduate study in psychology. As one of a series of research units, it provides trainees with knowledge ...

Applied Research Methods: Qualitative Methods

The module progresses through the key phases of qualitative research design and implementation, emphasising the (often iterative) links between these activities: epistemological concerns, research questions, data collection and analysis techniques, and th...

Applied Research Methods: Statistical Analysis of Comparisons & Group Differences

One of the pre-requisites for PSYC8042

CBT for Anxiety and Depression

This module builds on the skills and knowledge developed in PSYC6104 Introduction to CBT Theory and Skills. The module provides an introduction to the theoretical models and clinical skills involved in CBT for adults with anxiety disorders and depression....

Fundamentals of Clinical Psychology

This module provides an introduction to the National Health Service (NHS) and an overview of mental health service provision for adults within the UK. Many of the lecturers on the Programme are practicing clinicians in the NHS and this will help you to un...

Fundamentals of Therapeutic Skills

This module teaches you the fundamental clinical skills needed to engage with adult clients, to help you assess their readiness to change, and to plan appropriate behavioural interventions. You will make use of these skills in workshop based teaching for ...

Introduction to CBT Theory & Skills

The aim of this module is to give you a basic understanding of the principles of CBT assessment, formulation and change methods. The module focuses on generic therapeutic and basic competencies, as well as specific behavioural and cognitive therapy techni...

Leadership and Management

This module takes place in Semester 2 and builds on the skills you have acquired in engaging people with change. Taking on leadership responsibilities is a key requirement of clinical psychologists and this module covers the leadership and management skil...

MSc Dissertation

The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to work with a member of the academic unit to develop a research question and implement a project that generates new knowledge in the field of psychology and that serves to extend the disc...

Learning and assessment

Learning

During your studies, you'll gain a strong understanding of the National Health Service (NHS) and get an overview of mental health service provision for adults within the UK. You'll also find out about the development of mental health provision for adults in low and middle-income countries, and the role and responsibilities of clinical psychologists.

Focus on ethical practice and requirements for registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) will form a key part of your learning.

You'll also learn about cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and carry out exercises to put your theoretical knowledge into practice. This will prepare you for working with adults with anxiety and depression in a number of different areas.

Our leadership and management module will teach you to apply your understanding of psychological models to change management and working in teams.

You’ll participate in lectures, seminars and you’ll complete independent study and practical assignments throughout the course.

There are a variety of different activities to help you learn, including:

group tasks
peer assessment
workshops and seminars
roleplay exercises
small group presentations

Assessment

The course is mainly assessed by coursework and assignments, rather than exams. You’ll be assessed by a combination of the following methods:

reports
video
essays
feedback on role play exercises

Explore course modules for full details of learning and assessment.

Dissertation

You’ll complete a research-based dissertation in the style of a journal article reporting original data. Your research question will generate new knowledge for the field. The target is to write a clear and concise dissertation which is no more than 10,000 words. Researching and writing your dissertation will require around 600 hours.

Academic Support

You'll be given a personal tutor and you'll be able to choose a researcher supervisor. You'll also receive support from the Enabling Services and the Psychology Student Support Services.

Careers

Use this course as a step towards a psychologist career path in applied psychological therapy skills. Our students have found work in a variety of different types of psychology careers both within the UK and worldwide - with UK students going on to become assistant psychologists or psychological wellbeing practitioners.

Other students have pursued a career in research by studying a PhD in the field, others have used this course to successfully supplement their applications to the Doctoral Programmes in Clinical Psychology.

Graduates from this course are working in the following roles:

Cognitive Psychologist for the Ministry of Defence, graduated in 2018
Assistant Psychologist in health psychology, graduated in 2018
Trainee on the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology, graduated in 2016
Support worker for people with trauma, graduated in 2016

Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology

If you're hoping to become a clinical psychologist, you'll need to study a doctoral programme in clinical psychology. Although this MSc won't guarantee you an offer, it should help your application.

Tier 4 visa holders

If you're a Tier 4 visa holder, you have the option to work in the UK for 6 months after completing the Masters.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV/resume and interview skills workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £24,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
Search for the course you want to apply for.
Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
Submit your application.

Application deadlines

UK students

Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.

International students

We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.

We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

your knowledge of the subject area
why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide: