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Course Overview

This course is designed for Psychology graduates who plan to apply for admission to doctoral training programmes in Clinical Psychology, and are in the process of strengthening their credentials for the competitive entry process.

The taught components of the course include modules on research methods tailored to clinical applications, evidence-based practice in adult, older adult, and child/adolescent populations, learning disabilities, and clinical case analysis. Teaching provision is shared between academics with research interests in the relevant topics and practising clinicians with current experience in Psychology services within the NHS.

The practical component of the course is a unique 6-month research placement in a local NHS trust that maintains a training relationship with our doctoral programme. Students are assigned to placements, where they will work with Clinical Psychologists on clinical audit and service evaluation, as applicable to the specific setting of the placement. On-site supervision is provided by a clinical supervisor. Every effort is made to match students' interests with the available placement opportunities. The formal output of the placement is a written dissertation comprising a literature review and a report of the audit or service evaluation work carried out during the placement, to be completed under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

[NOTE: This course will not lead to a license to practice as a Clinical Psychologist. It is a qualification that will significantly strengthen students' academic and work experience credentials required for entry into the professional doctoral training that is required for licensed clinical practice.]

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching consists of lectures and seminars plus additional workshops.

You will have an average of 8 – 10 hours of lectures and 4 hours of seminars per week in Term 1. Assessment is mainly by submission of assignments, take-home examinations and class tests.

In Term 2 you will be out on placement for 3 days a week. This will enable you to gain practical experience of working with Clinical Psychologists within NHS trusts. You will be assigned to 6 month long research placements during which you will complete 2 pieces of academic work.

Key Facts

Duration – 1 year

Format – full time taught course

Degree – Master of Science