MSc Clinical Applications of Psychology

The MSc Clinical Applications of Psychology at Kingston University is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) course that equips students with advanced knowledge of psychopathology, intervention strategies, and professional clinical practice. It’s designed for psychology graduates or practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of clinical and counselling psychology and gain real-world placement experience.

Curriculum Structure

In the first year, students study Psychopathology Across the Life Span, examining mental health disorders from infancy through adulthood, including risk, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments. They also take Research Design & Analysis, where they learn advanced quantitative (e.g., structural equation modelling) and qualitative research methods to plan and interpret clinical studies.

Alongside this, the Clinical Applications of Psychology module explores behavioural science approaches to illness prevention and treatment, and includes a supervised placement in settings like rehabilitation or mental-health services. The Professional Practice module develops their understanding of ethics, diversity, and counselling skills including core CBT techniques like guided discovery, mindfulness, and behavioural change.

Finally, students complete a Psychology Dissertation, designing and conducting an original empirical research project that applies clinical theory to real-world or hypothetical contexts.

Focus areas (string):
“Psychopathology, intervention & behavioural change, placement experience, counselling & CBT skills, research design, professional ethics”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Ability to assess and understand mental health disorders, apply behavioural interventions, conduct advanced clinical research, and engage in ethical and reflective professional practice”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Taught by clinical practitioners and researchers; offers relevant placement experience, though it does not guarantee entry to doctoral-level clinical psychology training. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
Kingston University’s psychology faculty is professionally credible, and graduates often secure roles such as assistant psychologist, IAPT practitioner, or further PhD-level clinical training.