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Foundations in Clinical Psychology MSc

Understand the principles, methods and broader context of clinical psychology with our Foundations of Clinical Psychology programmes.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:


Start date(s):

  • September 2025
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Overview

There are two pathways available. The teaching content is the same on the two pathways. The difference is if the 60-credit module is taken as a research dissertation or a professional skills portfolio. You can be considered for one pathway or both pathways. You must state your preference in your personal statement. The two pathways are:

  • Foundations in Clinical Psychology MSc - if you’re interested in developing your research skills, this pathway allows you to complete a 60-credit dissertation
  • Foundations in Clinical Psychology with Professional Skills Portfolio MSc - if you have yet to undertake a research project during your undergraduate studies, this pathway offers a 60-credit professional skills module which incorporates simulated placement activities, in place of a dissertation

Please state clearly in your personal statement if you want to be considered for one pathway, or if you prefer to be considered for both.

Our programmes will equip you with several skills. These will help you to enter the fields of clinical and applied psychology and research. You will learn through expert lead teaching and training in topics related to:

  • clinical psychology
  • health and forensic psychology
  • neurobiology and human development
  • research skills

The MSc draws upon existing expertise within the School of Psychology and Faculty of Medical Sciences. Existing programmes include:

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Important information

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What you'll learn

As part of both Foundations of Clinical Psychology master's pathways, students will learn how to:

  • gather information from a variety of sources and synthesise it in an appropriate way
  • evaluate and interpret theoretical concepts in the principal areas
  • prepare and articulate arguments against these areas
  • critically evaluate the evidence for these ideas
  • tolerate and understand different points of view
  • understand the issue of cultural and clinical competence

Students on the Foundations in Clinical Psychology MSc (5202f) will:

  • gain research skills and experience in conducting research
  • interact with professional academic, health, forensic and/or clinical psychologists and related professionals in conducting a piece of research

Students on the Foundations in Clinical Psychology with professional Skills Portfolio MSc (5506f) will:

  • participate in online clinical activities and compose a variety of clinical documentation and materials as part of a simulated clinical placement
  • develop skills in conducting a systematic review of the literature

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

Your future

This course can provide a sound basis to apply for roles relevant to applied psychology, such as an assistant psychologist post. This may also provide you with a variety of skills and experience to support applications for further training in Clinical Psychology.

Further training includes:

Please be aware that within the UK you will typically require relevant work experience and a previous degree that qualifies for graduate registration with the British Psychological Society in order to apply for such training or for an assistant psychologist position within the NHS. The MSc does not qualify you for graduate registration with the British Psychological Society or a clinical qualification which allows you to practice as a mental health practitioner. Consequently, if you do not have a previous degree which confers this and you aspire to undertake the above programmes, you are recommended to undertake a BPS accredited MSc conversion programme.

The course is also suitable if you are considering a research career in psychology. You may also be considering a PhD.

 

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

The Dame Margaret Barbour Building is home to the School of Psychology at Newcastle University. Taught postgraduate students have two dedicated rooms with computers and ample study space. This bespoke facility is the newest addition to the Faculty of Medical Sciences and offers psychology facilities such as:

  • forensic interviewing suite
  • nutrition and food preference unit
  • media and behaviour lab
  • medical consultation rooms
  • psychological testing cubicles

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

Search for funding

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

 

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.


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Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Lynne Davison
Programme Administrator
School of Psychology
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 8494
Email: masters.director@ncl.ac.uk

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