MSci Applied Psychology (Clinical)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The MSci Applied Psychology (Clinical) at the University of Reading is an integrated master’s degree that blends core psychology with advanced clinical training and real NHS-based experience. It is designed for students who want to understand human behaviour scientifically while building the practical skills needed for work in mental health and clinical psychology pathways.

You will study how psychological theory explains behaviour and how evidence-based treatments are used to support people with mental health difficulties in real clinical settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build a strong foundation in core psychological science that supports later clinical training. You study areas such as cognition, brain and behaviour, development, personality, and social psychology through modules like The Person and the Brain, Learning about Learning, and Introduction to Psychological Research, helping you understand how psychology explains human behaviour.

Year 2

The second year develops your understanding of psychological research and applied science in more depth. You study Cognitive and Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences, Development Across the Lifespan, and Research Methods in Psychology, strengthening your ability to analyse behaviour and interpret psychological evidence.

Year 3

In your third year, you begin focusing more directly on clinical psychology and mental health applications. You study modules such as Clinical Neuroscience, Introduction to CBT, Behaviour Change, and Psychology of Health and Wellbeing, alongside an independent research project that allows you to explore a clinical topic in depth.

Year 4

The final year is focused on advanced clinical training and real-world practice. You complete specialist modules including Engagement and Assessment of Common Mental Health Problems, Evidence-Based Low-Intensity Treatment of Common Mental Health Problems, and Values, Employment and Context, alongside a full-year NHS placement in Talking Therapies services where you gain supervised clinical experience.

Focus Areas

Clinical psychology, mental health treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy, neuroscience, psychological assessment, behavioural science, research methods, applied clinical practice

Learning Outcomes

You will develop advanced clinical skills, strong research and analytical ability, knowledge of evidence-based psychological treatments, and hands-on experience working in NHS mental health services. You will also gain the ability to assess, understand, and support individuals with common mental health problems

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is aligned with British Psychological Society standards and includes NHS-recognised clinical training through the Charlie Waller Institute, supporting progression into professional roles such as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner and further clinical training pathways

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Reading is known for its strong clinical psychology training, close NHS partnerships, and research-led teaching in mental health and behavioural science. Graduates typically progress into NHS clinical roles, postgraduate training in clinical psychology, research positions, and further professional study in mental health fields

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSci Applied Psychology (Clinical) at the University of Reading is highly practice-focused, helping you build real clinical and research skills throughout the degree. From early psychological training to advanced NHS-based experience, you learn in environments that mirror real mental health services, combining laboratory-based research with direct clinical practice. A key feature of the course is its strong connection to NHS Talking Therapies services and specialist psychology clinics, where students gain supervised, hands-on experience with real clients.

This practical training is delivered through specialist facilities, professional tools, and real clinical placements:

Access to psychology research laboratories for studying cognition, behaviour, neuroscience, and mental health
Training in clinical neuroscience and psychological assessment using evidence-based research methods and tools
Use of professional psychological research software for data collection, analysis, and clinical evaluation (including statistical analysis tools such as SPSS)
Structured NHS placement in Talking Therapies services, where students work under supervision with real patients experiencing common mental health problems
Training in evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and low-intensity psychological interventions
Experience working within university-linked clinical services, including mental health and wellbeing-focused research and treatment environments
Opportunities to engage in real participant-based research and clinical studies throughout the degree
Independent final-year research project focused on a clinical psychology topic, supported by academic and research supervision
Learning within specialist institutes such as the Charlie Waller Institute, which focuses on evidence-based psychological treatments
Access to university libraries, clinical psychology resources, and digital research databases supporting both academic and applied learning

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSci Applied Psychology (Clinical) at the University of Reading are well prepared to enter mental health services and structured clinical training pathways. Because the degree combines academic psychology with real NHS placement experience, students develop strong applied skills that are highly valued in healthcare and psychological services. Many graduates move directly into NHS roles or continue into further specialist clinical training.

Progression after the degree is supported through professional training routes, clinical partnerships, and dedicated employability support:

University career services: Support with securing NHS placements, preparing clinical CVs, interview coaching, and guidance for applying to psychology and healthcare roles
Employment outcomes: Graduates commonly enter NHS Talking Therapies services, mental health support roles, research positions, or continue into further clinical psychology training
University–industry partnerships: Strong collaboration with NHS Talking Therapies services and the Charlie Waller Institute provides direct clinical training experience and pathways into healthcare employment
Long-term accreditation value: The programme includes clinically relevant training aligned with British Psychological Society standards and NHS frameworks, supporting progression into professional psychology and healthcare roles
Graduation outcomes: Typical career routes include Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, assistant psychologist, mental health practitioner, NHS support roles, or postgraduate clinical psychology study
Salary progression: Entry-level NHS roles generally start at Band 4–5 salary levels, with significant progression possible after further clinical training and qualification as a chartered psychologist

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can progress to Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), postgraduate training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Master’s in Clinical Psychology or Mental Health, or other specialist psychology qualifications leading to chartered psychologist status.