Program Overview

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Foundations of Clinical Psychology (MSc)

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 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

Course lead

Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper is a Lecturer in the School of Psychology, Charted Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Dr. Palmer-Cooper has worked with people of different ages, backgrounds, and cultures. She is interested in mental health, particularly cognitive neuropsychology of the psychosis spectrum, as well as student wellbeing and the relationship between crafting and wellbeing.

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 Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

• Download Course Description Document

Entry requirements

You'll need:

• a 2:1 degree in psychology
• relevant experience in a mental health setting

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

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
• statistical techniques and software you’ve used
• research experience to date, including details of data collection, data analysis, and key knowledge/skills you have learned. This can relate to specific assignments (e.g. dissertations completed) or equivalent experience, for example, through work.

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:

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

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

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

Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0)

Course structure

This is a 1-year full time course split into 2 semesters. You'll be taught between October 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

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

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.

Designing Research for Psychology

This applied research methods module aims to cover common research training needs for all students in their first year of postgraduate study in psychology. You will develop the knowledge and skills you need to begin to design your own research project, an...

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 disci...

Professional Skills Training for MSc Clinical Psychology

Zero Credit module to develop transferrable academic and practical skills for professional psychological practice.

Qualitative Research Methods for Psychology

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...

Quantitative Analysis for Psychology

The purpose of this module is to refresh and build upon statistics knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate psychology quantitative research methods training. It is divided into 11 sessions that cover a range of quantitative methodological conce...

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 and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• EDI leadership
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Health and social work
• Education
• Professional
• Scientific and Technical
• Research
• Local government

Careers directly related to this course:

• Clinical psychologist
• Assistant psychologist
• Psychological wellbeing practitioner
• Neuropsychologist
• Research assistant
• Behavioural therapist
• Drug and alcohol worker
• Crisis therapist
• Health programme advisor
• Mental health wellbeing worker

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Research officer
• Project manager
• Data analyst
• Data scientist
• Social researcher
• Operations manager
• Business intelligence analyst
• Behavioural change officer
• Counsellor
• Therapist
• Business consultant

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology graduates*:

• Clinical psychologist
• Assistant psychologist
• Psychological wellbeing practitioner
• Neuropsychologist
• Research assistant
• Behavioural therapist
• Drug and alcohol worker
• Crisis therapist
• Health programme advisor
• Mental health wellbeing worker

See more

Job prospects for MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology graduates

• £27.5k: Average professional salary
• 96%: In a skilled profession or further study
• 100%: Graduate employment rate

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

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

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students: £9,250
• EU and international students: £30,300

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.

Southampton Psychology Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Psychology.

Find out more about Southampton Psychology Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

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

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

There are different application deadlines for this course. Applications are expected to close:

• International students: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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 certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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
• statistical techniques and software you’ve used
• your research dissertations or projects, including topic, methods, analysis techniques and findings

You'll also need to submit two 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:

• a degree transcript
• a degree certificate
• an English language qualification

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

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

Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0)