Clinical Psychology

The MSc in Clinical Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire offers an in-depth academic and practical training in the field of mental health and psychological well-being. Designed for students aspiring to become qualified clinical psychologists, this programme provides a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories, assessment techniques, and therapeutic interventions used to treat a wide range of clinical conditions. Throughout the course, students engage with evidence-based practices and develop critical skills through practical placements, research projects, and theoretical studies. The curriculum emphasizes a biopsychosocial approach, integrating biological, psychological, and social factors influencing mental health. Students have opportunities to work alongside experienced clinical psychologists in diverse settings, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that prepares them for professional registration and practice. The programme combines academic coursework, research methods, and supervised placements, fostering a rigorous learning environment that balances theory with application. Graduates of the MSc in Clinical Psychology are well-equipped to pursue careers in health services, research institutions, or to continue their training toward doctoral qualifications. With a strong focus on ethical practice, cultural competence, and lifelong learning, this programme aims to develop proficient practitioners capable of making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities affected by psychological disorders. The University of Central Lancashire supports students through dedicated academic advisors, well-equipped training facilities, and a vibrant learning community committed to advancing mental health care.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

A 3 year degree qualification typically comprises 360 credits and each 20 credit (a standard module) equates to 200 hours of study, which comprises of a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and independent study. Independent study is an important aspect of your degree course. The exact combination of study time will be detailed within your module descriptors, and will depend on your option choices.

The three year degree programme involves a mixture of lectures, seminars/workshops and laboratory classes (all of which can be experienced at one of our Applicant Days) and is delivered by staff who are often Chartered Members (C. Psychol) of the British Psychological Society meaning that they have developed the highest, recognised understanding of their area and continue to practice within their Chartered field.

Where possible the assignments that you complete have been designed to replicate the tasks that you might undertake after graduation when working within Clinical Psychology or applying your psychological knowledge in a range of other employment situations.  We assess your skills and knowledge through a range of coursework and some examinations designed to permit you to demonstrate the understanding you have gained from the course.

Year 1

The first year of the course provides a broad understanding of the core elements of psychology alongside optional modules that permit you to explore not only Clinical Psychology but to study other areas from our wide range of courses.  This permits you to explore new interests, or consolidate existing ones.

Compulsory Modules

• Methods and Practice of Psychological Inquiry
• Introduction to Developmental and Social Psychology
• Introduction to Psychobiology and Cognition
• Current Topics in Psychology I
• Current Topics in Psychology I

Plus two from the following options

• Clinical Perspectives on Psychological Disorders
• Brain and Behaviour
• Baby Minds: Psychology of Infant Development
• Topics in Forensic & Criminological Psychology
• Psychology of the Media

Year 2

Year 2 provides you with the core curriculum of the British Psychological Society through the compulsory modules and develops your understanding of Clinical Psychology alongside this core material.  The Clinical module provides you with a breadth of content related to clinical psychology and is the basis for the final year, where two thirds of your degree will be within Clinical Psychology.  Alongside your compulsory modules in the second year you choose a specialist module from one of our other routes to provide not only flexibility in your final year degree route but also to ensure a wider appreciated of psychology

Compulsory Modules

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychological Research 1: Design and Quantitative Methods
• Psychological Research 2: Qualitative Methods
• Social & Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive and Physiological Psychology
• Individual Differences

Plus one from the following options

• Neurocognitive Development & Disorders
• Topics and Techniques in Neuroscience
• Forensic Psychology
• Applying Psychology

Placement Year

At the end of Year 2 you may choose to spend a year on placement to develop your work place skills and enhance your employment prospects.  Alternatively you may take a placement over the summer between Year 2 and 3 as one of your final year modules.

Year 3

For your final year your study two compulsory modules in Clinical Psychology developing both your theoretical understanding of the area and the application of clinical skills across a range of settings.  Alongside these modules you complete an independent piece of research: your final year project.  Additionally you chose two further options from our range of courses that enable you to develop the further skills and interests that meet your own career aspirations and requirements.

Compulsory Modules

• Application of Clinical Psychology: Practice, Clinical Research & Service Delivery
• Cognitive Behaviour Assessment and Treatment Planning in Clinical Psychology
• Clinical Psychology Project

Optional Modules (students take two of the following)

• Neuropsychological Disorders & Techniques OR Brain Treatments & Behaviours
• Advanced Developmental Psychopathology OR Applying Psychology in an Educational Setting
• Violent & Sexual Offending OR Crime, Impacts and Consequences
• Contemporary Issues in Social Psychology OR Interpersonal & Organisational Psychology

Our typical offer is 112-128 UCAS points.  We do, however, operate a flexible admissions policy and treat each applicant as an individual so we will consider your educational achievements, predicted (or achieved) grades, alongside relevant work experience and your personal statement.  We welcome applications not only from applicants with traditional backgrounds, but also those returning to education or looking for a career change.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit
BTEC Diploma: Distinction*, Distinction*
Pass Access Course: 112-128 UCAS Points
International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 112-128 UCAS points from Higher Level Subjects
IELTS: 6.0 with no sub score lower than 5.5
GCSE: 5 at Grade 4 (C) including Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications to GCSE)

The University of Central Lancashire offers various financing options to support students enrolled in the Clinical Psychology postgraduate programmes. Students can explore several funding avenues, including government-funded loans, bursaries, scholarships, and early payment discounts. For domestic students, Tuition Fee Loan schemes provided by the UK's Student Finance Authority are available, enabling students to defer the cost of their tuition until after graduation. This financial assistance is designed to make postgraduate education more accessible and affordable, reducing immediate financial burdens. Additionally, students may qualify for bursaries or scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific eligibility criteria such as being a resident of certain regions or belonging to underrepresented groups. The university also provides information on external funding options, including professional grants and research funding opportunities from various psychological associations and charities. International students should investigate specific scholarships and funding programs available for international applicants, which can significantly reduce the overall costs. Payment plans are often available, allowing students to spread the cost of tuition over several installments throughout the academic year. Moreover, some students may seek part-time employment opportunities on campus or within the local community to supplement their income and cover living expenses. The university offers career services and employment advice to assist students in finding suitable part-time work. Students are encouraged to consult the university’s financial aid office early in their studies to explore all available funding options comprehensively. Overall, the financial support infrastructure at the University of Central Lancashire aims to enable students to focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial stress, making postgraduate Clinical Psychology studies a more achievable goal for a diverse range of applicants.

Opportunities

UCLan offers one of the largest paid, Undergraduate Research Intern Scheme (URIS) in UK universities.  This permits you to work, on cutting edge research projects, with staff over the summer.  This competitive scheme develops not only your understanding of material from your course, but will frequently lead to conference papers, peer-reviewed journal articles and in some cases trips to present the work overseas.

Our International Travel Bursary scheme has been utilised by many students to visit locations overseas either for personal development or to enhance their learning.  In recent years students have visited the Dementia Village in Holland, climbed Kilimanjaro, assessed the Cognitive abilities of climbers at the Mount Everest basecamp, or visited Kenya, Italy, and the USA.

Eramus+ and visiting the Department of Psychology (part of the School of Sciences) at our campus in Cyprus are also options for students on this course.

Progression routes

Whilst most students will continue to study Clinical Psychology for the three years of the course, inherent in our course design is a flexibility that enables you to, should you wish, transfer to our other Psychology courses (Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Neuropsychology, The Psychology of Child Development).  This ensures that as your goals, aspirations and interests develop that you graduate with the degree you need upon graduation which may not necessarily be the one you thought you needed when you first applied for the course.

Upon graduation many students are expected to progress to either our MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology or to work within the field to enhance their application for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClin) to pursue Chartered Psychology status  The job prospects, however, for psychology graduates in general are excellent with people entering a wide range of careers either directly or indirectly related to psychology: education, business, industry, NHS and related health providers.