Your course during COVID-19

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.

Read our detailed explanation.

About the course

The Foundations in Clinical Psychology MSc is aimed at students who have had little exposure to clinical psychology in their first degree and for intercalating MBBS students. It provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for careers in the clinical psychology sectors.

The course provides you with a sound basis to apply for an assistant psychologist post. It will also provide the necessary academic and research skills for you to apply for further training, if you have the relevant work experience. This might include vocational training eg doctoral training in Clinical Psychology, training as a Forensic Psychologist or Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programmes.

You also benefit from this course if you are a Psychology graduate who is keen to pursue a research career in the clinical aspects of psychology, including clinically-oriented PhDs.

As a student on this course you will gain knowledge and understanding of:

• theories, research methods, history, culture of clinical psychology
• assessing and synthesising information and formulating arguments
• professional contexts in which clinical psychologists work
• ethical issues and legislation
• conditions, aetiology, maintaining factors, interventions and therapies associated with clinical psychology
• the link between stress, health and illness

Quality and Ranking

We rank in the top 100 for Psychology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020

Delivery

This course is normally taught and based on the Newcastle campus and delivered by the School of Psychology. 

Teaching is normally delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there may occasionally be sessions on other days particularly in Semester 2.

The MSc comprises taught modules and a supervised project and dissertation. The academic content of this programme is centred on forensic psychology, wellbeing and psychopathology. The research component is rooted in psychological methodology.

The MSc draws upon existing postgraduate programmes and expertise within the School of Psychology and Faculty of Medical Sciences. Existing programmes include:  Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsychol);  Low Intensity Psychological Therapies, PGCert; Forensic Psychology, MSc, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders, PGCert, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, PGDip and Neuroscience, MRes.

Module changes

Course content changes 

The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability

Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals

For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.

If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.

All students

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

Funding opportunities

English Language Requirements

To study this course you need to meet the following English Language requirements:

Direct Entry: IELTS 7.0 overall (with a minimum of 7.0 in all sub-skills).

10 week Pre-sessional English Language courses are accepted as an alternative entry to this course.

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Applications for 2022/23

You'll be able to apply for 2022/23 entry from September 2021

Start dates

The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:

• pay a deposit of £1,500
• or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.