MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology and Mental Health

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology & Mental Health at University of Sussex offers rigorous graduate-level training in clinical psychology theory, mental-health practice and research methods. It is suited for psychology graduates or those with strong research skills who aim to progress into clinical, health-care or doctoral training pathways.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1 (Full-time):
In the Autumn term students focus on modules such as Clinical Skills: Practitioner and Lived Experience Perspectives and Contemporary Issues in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, where they explore therapeutic techniques (including CBT, systemic, mindfulness) and understand the real-world landscape of mental-health services.
In the Spring term they advance to modules like Big Data in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health and Treatment Models and Their Evaluation, developing proficiency in advanced research methods, data analysis, and critical assessment of psychological interventions across the lifespan.
In the final phase of the year students undertake the Research Dissertation or Systematic Literature Review Dissertation, applying learned skills to independent empirical work under supervision and integrating clinical theory with rigorous methods.

Focus areas: "clinical psychology, mental health interventions, advanced research methods, treatment-model evaluation"
Learning outcomes: "Graduates will acquire depth in psychological theory and clinical practice, develop advanced research and data-analysis skills, and be prepared for further training or roles in mental-health services."
Professional alignment (accreditation): While not a route to chartered clinical psychologist status, the programme is explicitly aligned with advanced research and clinical-practice training standards in psychology.
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Sussex’s Psychology department is ranked 11th in the UK for Psychology (THE 2025) and =15th (QS 2025)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through clinical research projects and engagement with mental health services. They utilise the School of Psychology's specialist research facilities and have links with local NHS trusts. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A dissertation in clinical psychology or mental health
Clinical Insights: Teaching from clinical practitioners and service users
Software: Training in qualitative and quantitative data analysis software
Facilities: Access to psychology research labs and specialist equipment
Service Engagement: Opportunities for voluntary work in mental health settings

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology and Mental Health at the University of Sussex typically find employment in clinical psychology, mental health services, and research roles, equipped with advanced knowledge of psychological therapies and mental health provision. This program is designed to prepare students for doctoral clinical psychology training or related mental health professional pathways, supporting career progression in both clinical and academic settings.

Progression and Future Opportunities:

University of Sussex’s Careers and Employability Service offers tailored support to MSc students, including work experience placements, career counseling, and employment workshops specifically for psychology and mental health graduates.
Around 91% of Sussex postgraduates have completed relevant work experience by course end, enhancing employability prospects.
The program is delivered in collaboration with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, providing strong industry links, practical placement opportunities, and engagement with leading mental health specialists.
The MSc holds long-term accreditation significance, facilitating progression into clinical psychology doctorates and other professional mental health qualifications.
Graduates benefit from networks within research groups like Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Social Psychology, supporting strong research careers or NHS clinical roles.
Typical job roles: Clinical Psychologist (post-doctorate training), Mental Health Researcher, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Mental Health Support Worker.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can pursue doctoral training in Clinical Psychology, PhD research in mental health or clinical psychology topics, or other advanced professional mental health qualifications post-graduation, leveraging the program’s research and clinical training foundations.