MSc Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology

Our MSc Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology programme provides you with a sound scientific understanding of the nature of modern clinical psychology, and can prepare you for clinical, educational, health and research careers.

You will be equipped with clinical skills through an extended placement either in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, or one of our clinical partners. Supervision and training will be given to support this placement. Develop your knowledge and understanding of clinical topics, including evidence-based treatments and common mental health problems across the lifespan. You will learn valuable research skills and conduct your own clinically-relevant research. It is intended that graduates of this course will greatly enhance their employability in clinical settings, either in the UK or internationally.

The clinical placement gives experience in one of our working clinics (e.g. Anxiety and Depression in Young People; Centre for Autism; Speech and Language Therapy) or with local NHS and private partners. The clinical placement programme is for students who wish to develop their skills and knowledge of working with clients further.

The research placement gives experiences within a broad range of research placements relevant to clinical psychology which often involve clinical populations. The research placement programme is aimed at students who wish to study applied psychology and undertake a placement to develop their research skills.

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.

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

Overview

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

Entry requirements

IELTS: 7.0 overall with no element less than 6.5

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, experience in a clinical setting or direct work with clinical psychologists is not required. However, it is important for you to have relevant hands-on voluntary or paid work in a community, clinical, or clinical-academic setting prior to applying. Such experience might be with older adults in a care setting, children with special educational needs in a school, or with 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 as part of an application and in particular that the required course-specific questions are answered in the personal statement. Please do ensure that you have read the questions on the form thoroughly, and have followed 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.

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 global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, 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 University of Reading.

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 the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

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 further training in a variety of branches of applied psychology. The structure and content of the course is particularly suitable for those seeking a place on a clinical doctoral training course in the UK (or its international equivalent). The programme is also highly suitable for those wishing to progress directly into jobs in psychological clinics or clinical research in the UK or worldwide.

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects U-Z

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects Q-Z

Overview

Entry requirements

Structure

Compulsory modules

Introduction to CBT

Evidence-Based Treatments across the Lifespan

Empirical Project

Clinical Placement

Gathering Data for Applied Psychology

Optional modules

Theories and Models about the Brain

Gathering Data for Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience

Analysing Data Using R

Fees

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Careers

MSc Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology (with clinical or research placement)

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

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