Foundations of Clinical Psychology (MSc)

Award
Master of Science
Typical Offer
2:1 degree View full entry requirements
Duration
1 year
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Highfield
Next course starts
September 2025

About this course

Start your psychologist career path and study the foundations of clinical psychology at the University of Southampton. Learn the key therapy skills required of a clinical psychologist such as counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and how these apply to different cultures.

The leadership, management, and advanced research skills you'll gain on this MSc will also create career opportunities in many different sectors.

This clinical psychology MSc combines core clinical psychology knowledge, relevant research and application of clinical psychology all over the world. You'll learn about the service provision of clinical psychology in the UK and internationally which gives you the unique chance to adapt your practice to suit the needs of the country you'll work in. We welcome students from all over the world.

This intensive clinical psychology master's will ensure you graduate with the transferable skills and confidence stepping into the real world to pursue a career in psychology. You’ll develop your professional practice to reach the high standards expected from the field. Our MSc is also recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as counting towards continued professional development.

Through this course you'll:

  • learn core therapeutic skills including counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • apply ethical and professional practice principles of clinical psychology
  • learn advanced data analytical skills
  • develop and apply leadership skills
  • look at the global challenges and management of mental health  

Our vibrant learning environment actively encourages knowledge-sharing between students and academics. You'll listen, learn and share at regular psychology seminars from the Centre for Innovation in Mental Health (CIMH). You'll also get the unique opportunity to learn from NHS clinicians whose teaching will bring the latest case studies from UK healthcare. 

We actively support you in setting up a work placement during your time. Previous students have set up placements at NHS Trusts, schools and charities across Hampshire.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper is a Lecturer in the School of Psychology, Charted Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Dr. Palmer-Cooper has worked with people of different ages, backgrounds, and cultures. She is interested in mental health, particularly cognitive neuropsychology of the psychosis spectrum, as well as student wellbeing and the relationship between crafting and wellbeing.

She is also a member of the Centre for Innovation in Mental Health (CiMH) research group.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.