Foundations of Clinical Psychology (MSc)

You'll need:

• a 2:1 degree in psychology
• a 2:1 in all statistics modules
• 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:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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.

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.

Use this course as a step towards a psychologist career path in applied psychological therapy skills. Our students have found work in a variety of different types of psychology careers both within the UK and worldwide - with UK students going on to become assistant psychologists or psychological wellbeing practitioners.

Other students have pursued a career in research by studying a PhD in the field, others have used this course to successfully supplement their applications to the Doctoral Programmes in Clinical Psychology. 

Graduates from this course are working in the following roles:

• Cognitive Psychologist for the Ministry of Defence, graduated in 2018
• Assistant Psychologist in health psychology, graduated in 2018
• Trainee on the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology, graduated in 2016
• Support worker for people with trauma, graduated in 2016

Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology

If you're hoping to become a clinical psychologist, you'll need to study a doctoral programme in clinical psychology. Although this MSc won't guarantee you an offer, it should help your application.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

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

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £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.

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

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, 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.

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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000