The MSc Applied Clinical Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University trains students in clinical theory, assessment, and intervention while preparing them for further professional psychology training. It suits psychology graduates aiming for mental-health careers and offers grounding in lifespan psychopathology, clinical skills, and applied research.
Curriculum Structure:
In the first year, students study Models of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Problems, Psychological Problems Through the Lifespan, and Assessment, Treatment and Clinical Skills, gaining insight into theoretical frameworks and developing practical abilities in formulation, evaluation, and intervention. They also complete Professional, Ethical & Service-Related Issues and Applied Research Methods & Statistics, which strengthen ethical decision-making and research competence. The final stage consists of a supervised Research Project, allowing students to investigate a clinical topic in depth.
Focus areas: “Clinical assessment; lifespan psychopathology; intervention skills; ethics; applied research.”
Learning outcomes: “Ability to understand, assess, and conceptualise psychological problems and conduct evidence-based clinical research.”
Professional alignment: Supports progression toward clinical psychology training pathways and mental-health practitioner roles.
Reputation: Strong outcomes in applied psychology, with competitive graduate employability in UK mental-health services.
Students develop practical research skills through hands-on laboratory work and a major research project. They have access to the Department of Psychology's specialist facilities including EEG and eye-tracking equipment. The programme's experiential components include:
Research Project: A substantial independent empirical project
Laboratory Access: Use of EEG, eye-tracking and other research equipment
Software: Training in SPSS and other statistical packages
Technical Skills: Development of research design and data analysis capabilities
Practical Training: Hands-on experience with psychological research methods
Graduates of the MSc Applied Clinical Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University develop solid research skills and practical knowledge to support training and work in mental health disciplines. Typical job roles include Clinical Psychologist Trainee, Mental Health Practitioner, Psychological Wellbeing Worker, and Research Assistant.
Key points:
The university’s careers service provides tailored employability support including mentoring, placement assistance, CV and interview workshops, plus connections to local NHS and mental health providers.
Graduate employment rates are high with many progressing into clinical and health psychology roles; starting salaries typically range from £25,000 to £33,000 depending on sector and experience.
The program collaborates closely with the Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology and NHS partners, offering rich placement and research opportunities.
The course equips graduates for further professional training and is recognized as a key stepping stone to doctoral clinical psychology programs.
Graduates show strong outcomes in gaining professional clinical roles and doctoral training places.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates can progress to Doctorate-level clinical psychology training (DClinPsy) or pursue PhD research in clinical psychology and related fields.



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