Program Overview

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Clinical Psychotherapy MSc

Key Information

Delivery mode: In person Study mode: Full time, Part time Duration: 1 year full time, 2 years part time Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90 Application status: Closed Start date: September 2025

Course Essentials

This course adopts a multidisciplinary approach with expertise on the most recent findings from a range of clinical and non-clinical disciplines, such as psychiatry, psychology, genetics, neuroscience, epidemiology, and biostatistics. You will benefit from the teaching of world-renowned experts in the field, conduct a research dissertation project, and have the option of a clinical placement within the SLAM NHS Foundation Trust. Students will develop an awareness of self, others, and in the context of social and cultural factors in the modules on psychoanalytic theory and in their relationships in their clinical placements. Experience of applying academic knowledge is embedded in each module. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning.

Course Aims

• Learn the foundations and principles of psychoanalytic theories
• Discover the application of theory to common mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and to the interface between mental and physical health
• Gain a strong understanding of biological and cognitive processes, development, individual differences, and social processes
• Gain experience using a variety of research methods and statistical skills and how to critically evaluate your findings
• Develop clinical experience in placements in clinical services
• You will be actively involved in your learning through oral presentations, research paper reviews, essays, poster presentations, and a dissertation project

Base Campus

• Denmark Hill Campus Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.

Regulating Bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

International Applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view the equivalent qualifications
• English language requirements: English language band B
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Selection Process

• Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
• Personal statement and supporting information:
  • Personal Statement: Yes, answering the two questions detailed on the application form
  • Previous Academic Study: Yes, a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained.
  • References: Yes, one academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
  • Other: Optional, you may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching Methods

• You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
• Compulsory (core) modules are listed first with optional modules from which you make up your preferred programme listed below in italics.

Module Details

Module Name	Lectures (hours)	Seminars / Tutorials / Reflective groups (hours)	Field/lab (hours)	Self-directed study (including project work)(hours)	Total (hours)
Foundations in Clinical Psychotherapy	33	33		234	300
Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychotherapy	33	33		234	300
Biological and Cognitive Processes, Research Design and Methods	33	33		234	300
Developmental, Individual Differences, Social and Cultural Processes	33	33		234	300
Research Dissertation				600	600
Clinical Placement (Optional)				_ _

Assessment

• Coursework
• Presentations

Location

• Our course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Denmark Hill Campus.
• The location of optional clinical observerships is variable but may include:
  • The Maudsley Hospital
  • The MAP CAP Treatment Service in Lewisham
  • The Assessment, Liaison and Treatment Service in Southwark and Croydon
  • King’s College Hospital
  • National Affective Disorders Service
  • Self-Harm Outpatient Service, 10 Windsor Walk

Structure

• Required modules:
  • Foundations in Clinical Psychotherapy (30 credits)
  • Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychotherapy (30 credits)
  • Biological and Cognitive Processes, Research Design and Methods (30 credits)
  • Developmental, Individual Differences, Social and Cultural Processes (30 credits)
  • Research Dissertation (60 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Clinical Placement (Optional)

Employability

• We have created the course to appeal to different levels of experience or learning.
• You may already be working with vulnerable people in a mental health or social care capacity (including psychiatry, psychology, social care, nursing) and looking for further training in psychoanalysis.
• You could be a psychology graduate looking for a Master’s course with a clinical component as a stepping-stone to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or Professional Doctorate in Counselling and Psychology.
• Upon completion, you will have a solid understanding of the concepts, theories, and practice relevant to clinical psychotherapy. You may go on to enhanced careers in mental health as clinicians and/or policy makers, conduct further full-time study in an academic research environment (e.g. PhD) or in taught clinical courses (e.g. Doctorate in Clinical Psychology) or, gain employment in an academic, clinical or pharmaceutical organisation.

Tuition Fees

• UK:
  • Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
  • Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
• International:
  • Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
  • Part time: £20,000 per year (2025/26)

Deposit

• If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place.
• The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

Additional Costs

• In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
  • DBS checks although you can apply to the course to have the cost reimbursed once enrolled.
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
  • Library fees and fines.
  • Personal photocopies.
  • Printing course handouts.
  • Society membership fees.
  • Stationery.
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
  • Graduation costs.

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.