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Applied Clinical Psychology MSc

1 year full-time, starting in September 2025

Gain up-to-date knowledge of clinical psychology theory and practice.

Throughout this degree, you’ll follow a scientist-practitioner model. This means that your clinical practice will be grounded in research and implemented using scientific methods.

This approach will deepen your knowledge of psychological models, scientific principles, and contemporary research in clinical psychology, and allow you to consider its translation and application to real-world problems.

You’ll study different ways of understanding mental health problems in adults and children, and share insights into relevant theories and the latest practice models applicable within the UK. Alongside this, you’ll develop your understanding of evidence-based practice.

You’ll also be introduced to the foundational skills of clinical psychology - these include interviewing, observation, and psychometric assessment.

Studying clinical psychology at Bath means you will be joining our leading Department of Psychology. The research interests of our members span a broad range of clinically relevant topics, including ageing, common mental health problems, psychosis, autism, eating disorders, persistent physical symptoms, child maltreatment and trauma amongst others.

A student's story

Faiza Abdul explores the reasons she chose to study MSc Applied Clinical Psychology at Bath. She talks about her previous experience as an intern with the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences in India, why the course at Bath stood out to her, and her future plans to pursue a PhD within psychology. Watch Faiza's video

Learn from experts in the field

You’ll learn from experts in clinical psychology, as well as staff in the wider Department of Psychology community. Their passion, knowledge, experience and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Use specialist facilities

The Department of Psychology is located in a new £30 million building.

You’ll be able to use this space for your seminars, group meetings and computer work. The building contains advanced psychology research facilities, including:

As an MSc Applied Clinical Psychology student, you’ll have access to an independent workspace in 10 West. This contains PCs and working spaces.

Gain important career skills

This course is intended for psychology graduates interested in careers as practitioners or researchers. It will also appeal to current health service professionals with a degree in psychology or a related discipline, who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge.

We provide comprehensive support for finding and preparing for graduate positions, placements, internships, and varied employment opportunities. This includes CV writing workshops, interview preparation and professional skills training. All of these skills will help to make you more suitable for employers and further postgraduate programmes.

You will leave this course with:

  • excellent research skills that can be applied to primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare settings
  • foundation knowledge of clinical psychology approaches, theories and models
  • a strong foundation for further postgraduate training in clinical psychology or work as an assistant psychologist

Graduate prospects

Studying this course will set you up with the knowledge and professional skills required to move into a range of health service and research careers. It is particularly good preparation for work as an Assistant Psychologist, and a foundation for further postgraduate training or research in clinical psychology.

Recent graduates of this course have gone on to work in a wide variety of roles, including:

  • Assistant Psychologist
  • Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
  • Mental Health Support Worker
  • Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
  • Research Assistant

At organisations, such as:

  • Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Foundation NHS Trust
  • University of the West of England
  • Oxfordshire Mind
  • Tees, Esk, Wear and Valleys NHS Trust
  • Elysium Healthcare

Many graduates have also gone on to become PhD students or to study the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) at different universities, including the University of Bath.

This course is not professionally accredited and will not provide you with a licence to practise.

2025/26 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2026. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Advanced research methods for applied psychology

    15 credits

  • Fundamentals of clinical and health psychology

    20 credits

  • Fundamentals of clinical psychology practice

    20 credits

  • Professional skills development

    5 credits

Semester 2

Compulsory units

  • Advanced research methods for applied psychology

    Continued

  • Fundamentals of clinical and health psychology

    Continued

  • Fundamentals of clinical psychology practice

    Continued

  • Professional skills development

    Continued

Summer

Compulsory units

  • Applied clinical psychology dissertation

    30 credits

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Practical sessions
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials

Assessment

  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Oral presentations
  • Portfolio
  • Report
  • Set exercises

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

You are expected to spend approximately 35-40 hours per week studying, with around 8 hours of this being structured classes.

This will be made up of a combination of lectures, practical sessions, and tutorials. You will work as an individual and as part of small groups

Assessment breakdown

You’ll experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will be made up of coursework, which will include essays, reports, portfolios, oral presentations, set exercises and a dissertation.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘As an aspiring academic, I’m hoping I can make a real difference for autistic people.’
Connor Cameron MSc Applied Clinical Psychology (Graduating year, 2024)

Entry requirements


Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in psychology.

Your degree must be recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC).

If you do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology, we will consider applicants who have successfully completed a BPS accredited Masters conversion degree.

In your application, you will need to provide a max. 500 word personal statement which should explain

(a) why you are interested in studying for an MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology and the interests and skills you particularly hope to develop on the course and

(b) your research experience to date. As part of (b) you could describe key research teaching and assignments you have completed, your undergraduate dissertation project, or any research posts you have held. Please explain the skills and knowledge you have particularly gained from your research experience that you would bring to an MSc programme.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Applied Clinical Psychology MSc full-time


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Extra costs

There is a one off application fee of £60, payable during the online application process through the online store.

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information


  • Course title
    Applied Clinical Psychology
  • Final award
    MSc
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    TDUPS-AC01
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 May 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

Course enquiries