Clinical and Health Psychology MSc

Entry requirements

UK applicants should normally have a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree or a conversion degree in Psychology, with at least 2(ii) or equivalent. Applicants with degrees of an equivalent standard in a closely-related discipline, including qualified health professionals (e.g. clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists) who have relevant clinical experience, will also be considered.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Clinical psychology involves applying psychological understanding to difficulties connected with mental or physical health problems. Using this understanding, clinical psychologists assess and treat people of all ages and ability levels who are experiencing psychological distress, behavioural problems or related issues. Students taking the MSc in Clinical and Health Psychology will be introduced to the theory and knowledge that underpins effective practice in clinical psychology, will explore this in relation to a range of conditions, will gain an understanding of the range of research methods used by clinical psychologists, and will conduct their own research project in a relevant area.

How the course can further your career progression

This course will be of particular interest to:

• graduates in psychology who are aiming for a career in clinical psychology and who do not yet have relevant work experience. Completing the MSc provides a sound basis for obtaining employment as an assistant psychologist and later gaining entry to clinical training.
• graduates in psychology who are aiming for a career in clinical psychology and who have already gained relevant work experience. Completing the MSc course provides evidence of academic and research skills, which is valuable when making applications for clinical training.
• graduates in psychology or closely related disciplines who are keen to pursue research in the area of clinical psychology. The MSc course is accredited as providing an appropriate research training for those wishing to progress to a PhD or to employment in a research post.
• qualified health professionals with an appropriate academic background who wish to extend their understanding of clinical psychology.

As a postgraduate at one of the UK's leading Psychology departments you’ll have an exceptional student experience working alongside internationally renowned researchers using cutting edge techniques and equipment. We’re ranked top 20 for Research in the most recent Research Excellence Framework and offer a modern teaching, learning and research environment, including brain-imaging (MRI) technology, ERP, ECG, TMS, Eye Tracking and Sound Booth laboratories. We regularly rank in the top 10 for student satisfaction in the NSS and offer Scholarships to Home/EU & Overseas students. We’re also top 10 for overall student numbers and overseas student numbers making us one of the largest, most cosmopolitan psychology depts. in the UK.

What will you study on this course?

The course includes three components: content modules, research methods modules, and a research thesis. Content and methods modules are all 20 credit modules and the research thesis is worth 60 credits. Students achieving 120 credits on the taught modules, but not completing a research thesis, may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma.

The content modules are designed to provide an in-depth look at theory, evidence and practice in clinical psychology.

The course lasts one full calendar year if taken full-time and is also available part-time. During Semester 1 and Semester 2 you will combine taught modules with work on your research project. During the summer period all your time is devoted to completing and writing up the research project.

A variety of teaching approaches are used including lectures, case presentations, small-group sessions and seminars, and individual or group supervision. Assessment will include coursework and examinations, and the research thesis.

The School of Psychology at Bangor brings together a large group of outstanding scientists with international research reputations in clinical psychology, neuropsychology and clinical and cognitive neuroscience. A number of staff also hold appointments as consultant psychologists or medical consultants with the NHS and contribute to clinical practice as well as to the training of clinical psychologists, medical students and NHS staff. The School runs its own clinical psychology training programme, leading to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Key research strengths within the clinical psychology domain include dementia, neuropsychology and rehabilitation, learning disability, developmental disorders, addictions, and cognitive-behavioural approaches. Close links with other departments and with NHS services produce tremendous opportunities for collaborative clinical psychology research. The School supports the practical implementation of research findings to improve patient care with close links to groups such as the Dementia Services Development Centre Wales.

The School has an extensive library of psychological tests and measures. Participant recruitment is facilitated through the availability of research panels for neurological patients and people with dementia, as well as student and community participation panels, supported by a full-time patient co-ordinator. The School has a range of specialist laboratories and researchers and uses a wide range of the latest techniques for understanding brain-behaviour relationships, including functional brain mapping with event related potentials (ERP), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

We have a vibrant, diverse postgraduate community with students on our MSc programmes drawn from a range of backgrounds and nationalities. We’re known for our friendly and informal atmosphere, which combined with excellent facilities helps to ensure that studying here is a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

The course is organised and taught by staff within the School of Psychology.

Course director:

Laura Jastrzab

You can view the course director's details here.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Clinical and Health Psychology MSc Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

Information for international students

IELTS: 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is required.

Fees and funding

There are school funded achievement scholarships for first class students, international scholarships and information on other funding sources on our scholarships School page.

Assessment