MSc Clinical Psychology

The MSc Clinical Psychology at the University of South Wales provides a rigorous, research-informed foundation in mental health, psychological disorders, and therapeutic interventions. It suits psychology graduates who want to strengthen their applications for assistant psychologist roles, research positions, or future doctoral training.

Curriculum Structure

In Year One, students take Research Methods in Clinical Psychology: Measurement & Professional Issues, learning study design, ethics, and measurement for clinical research. They also study History, Concepts & Controversies in Mental Health, exploring evolving perspectives on mental illness, and Interventions, examining biological, psychological, and behavioural approaches to treatment.

Alongside these, the Perspectives on Psychological Disorders module covers major mental health conditions (e.g., mood disorders, psychosis, personality disorders), and Addiction, Dependence & Deviance explores theories and treatment of addictive behaviours. Students then complete a Dissertation in Clinical Psychology, designing and carrying out an independent research project.

Focus areas (string):
“Mental illness theory, clinical research methods, psychological interventions, addiction and dependency, psychopathology, empirical dissertation”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Design and conduct ethical clinical research; critically evaluate mental health theories; apply intervention models in clinical contexts; understand addictive behaviour; produce a professional-level dissertation”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Taught by active clinical psychologists and researchers; provides strong preparation for assistant psychologist roles or clinical-research career paths, but does not confer qualification to practice as a clinical psychologist without further doctoral training.

Reputation (employability rankings):
South Wales is known for its applied psychology training; graduates often proceed to competitive roles as assistant psychologists or onto research and doctoral-level clinical psychology training.