1 Year On Campus Masters Program
The MSc Applied Psychology (Healthcare) for Children & Young People at the University of Edinburgh combines academic learning with a full-year NHS clinical placement to train applied psychologists for CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services). It suits psychology graduates who want to deliver assessments and evidence-based interventions to children, young people, and families within healthcare settings. Sciences+2
Curriculum Structure:
Students take core modules including Professional Context and Clinical Management, Assessment and Formulation, Child and Adolescent Development, and Early Years & Early Intervention, building a strong theoretical base in development, risk, and early help. They also study Psychological Intervention & Structured Treatment Approaches and Promotion of Mental Health & Emotional Well-being, learning to deliver evidenced interventions across age groups. Meanwhile, Evaluation & Research teaches methods to assess and improve service delivery, culminating in a Master’s Dissertation.
Students spend at least 50% of their time in a supervised clinical placement within a Scottish NHS CAMHS service, translating theory into practice as they participate in Tier 2 psychological assessments and interventions.
Focus areas: “Child & adolescent development; psychological assessment; treatment interventions; early intervention; service evaluation.”
Learning outcomes: “Master developmental theory, perform psychological assessments, deliver evidence-based therapies, evaluate interventions, and complete independent research.”
Professional alignment (accreditation): Graduates are eligible to apply for Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (Children & Young People) roles within the NHS.
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Edinburgh is ranked #30 in psychology by QS.
This programme focuses on developing practical skills in delivering evidence-based psychological interventions through clinical skills workshops and supervised practice. Students learn to apply therapeutic techniques using the University's specialist training facilities and digital health platforms. This applied approach is delivered through:
Clinical Skills Suite: Access to dedicated training facilities with observation rooms and recording equipment for developing and refining therapeutic competencies through simulated practice.
Digital Health Platforms: Training in using NHS-approved digital therapy systems and outcome monitoring tools like Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).
Clinical Placements: Opportunities for supervised practice in NHS Scotland services and partner mental health organisations.
Therapy Manuals and Protocols: Practical training using established treatment manuals for CBT, IPT, and other NICE-recommended interventions.
Graduates of the MSc Applied Psychology (Healthcare) for Children and Young People at the University of Edinburgh are equipped to deliver evidence-based psychological interventions in clinical settings. Typical roles include Clinical Psychologist Trainee, Assistant Psychologist, Mental Health Practitioner, and Family Support Worker.
Key points:
The university provides career support including clinical placements with NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), mentorship, and skills workshops aimed at applied psychology careers.
Graduate employment is strong due to NHS partnerships, with salaries typically from £28,000-£38,000.
The program partners closely with NHS Scotland, offering essential clinical experience and research opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value lies in professional skills development for progressing to clinical doctoral training.
Graduates achieve successful career outcomes aligned with clinical practice and research.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates can progress to doctoral clinical psychology training or research-focused PhD study.



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