Clinical Applications of Psychology MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
| Course length: | 2-4 years part-time Distance/Blended Learning |
| Course type: | Postgraduate Taught Higher Degree |
| Entry requirements: | A minimum of a 2:2 degree in Psychology conferring GBC from the BPS. For those without a degree conferring GBC, see our MSc Applications of Psychology.
|
| Part time course: | Yes |
| Qualification: | MSc PG Cert PG Dip |
| Subject Area: | Psychology and Counselling |
| Apply via: | |
| Fees: | 2013/14: UK/EU £4,800 (£600 per module) 2013/14: International £8,900 (£1,112.50 per module)
|
| Contact: | Dr. Lorna Dodd (Programme Leader in Psychology) Tel: 0121 476 1181 (Ext. 2453) Email: L.Dodd@newman.ac.uk Contact for admissions enquiries: AdmissionsTel: 0121 476 1181 (Ext. 2437) Email: msccap@newman.ac.uk |
The MSc in Clinical Applications of Psychology provides modules in aspects of psychology relevant to clinical practice, for students who are intending to apply to Doctoral programmes in clinical psychology. Whilst there is no guarantee that students will ultimately be successful in gaining entry to Doctoral programmes, this course is intended to strengthen your CV and enable you to get the most out of your relevant experience. It is expected that most students accepted onto the MSc will be currently working in clinically relevant posts, such as psychology assistants, nursing assistants or therapy aides.
"This course occupies a niche in higher education in psychology that does not seem to be filled elsewhere: a grounding in clinical psychology theory and research that can support and provide an additional dimension to the experience of psychology graduates who are aiming to go on in the future to train in clinical or other related areas of applied psychology. The syllabus has been carefully designed to meet the course aims. The outcomes can be demonstrated in the level of performance of the students (and also in their reported success in gaining places on Doctorate courses)."
External Examiner
Attendance
This programme is delivered predominantly on-line, with some Newman-based workshops held at weekends.
Assessment
Throughout the course you will develop the skills to successfully disseminate information to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. You will be assessed using a range of techniques such as on-line quizzes, essays, journal article presentations and examinations.
Research Areas
Research in this area is fundamental to the mission of Newman University. The subject area welcomes applications from suitably qualified students who wish to pursue postgraduate research degrees (MPhil and PhD awarded by the University of Leicester). For more information about the research interests of the Psychology team, please visit the psychology research section of this website.
Progression Routes
Successful completion of this course enables students to apply for Doctorate programmes in clinical psychology.
All information is believed to be accurate at time of publishing, but Government support, fees and bursaries may be subject to change without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the course British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited?
BPS accreditation is only relevant to courses which are part of a recognised professional training route in psychology, e.g. clinical, forensic etc. Therefore, it is not relevant to this MSc, which is intended for graduates wishing to apply to clinical doctorate courses to strengthen their CVs and get more from their relevant experience. In this respect it is like other MSc degrees which people take for similar reasons, for instance, to learn more about mental health studies, research methods etc. However, the course has been carefully prepared to benefit aspiring Doctorate trainees, e.g. the first module includes an assignment preparing a research proposal, which many courses now require as part of their selection process.
2. How many places are available on the MSc?
We try not to accept more than 20 students per academic year.
3. If places are limited how would you decide on successful candidates?
Candidates are selected on first come first served bases, who meet the requirements. Applicants for this course will need to have a first degree in psychology approved by the BPS and conferring eligibility for GBC. In addition, it is envisaged that successful applicants are likely to be working in a clinically relevant context, though not necessarily essential at the outset, applicants should be aware that this is going to be essential if they are to be successful in gaining entry onto clinical training programmes.
4. Are there set times for the modules?
The first module starts in September and the final module will finish in July. Modules do not run over the summer break.
5. How long does each module take?
Each module is ten weeks.
6. What is the contact time?
There are two Saturday workshops, and possibly another six Saturday exams, but some of these are held on the same day, so probably five or six Saturdays across the two years of part time study.
7. Do I have to complete the full MSc?
No, you can leave with a Postgraduate Certificate after three modules or a Postgraduate Diploma after six.
8. Does the dissertation have to be linked to current employment?
No, but students find it easy to carry out a project at their workplace.
9. Can you give some idea as to relevant reading?
Research methods
- Pallant, J. (2007). SPSS Survival Manual. Buckingham: Open University Press.
- Robson, C. (2002). Real World Research. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.
Adult Psychopathology
- American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Text Revision (4th Ed.). Washington D.C.: American Psychological Association.
- Bennett, P. (2003). Abnormal and Clinical Psychology: An Introductory Textbook. London: Open University Press.
- Hersen, M. & Bellack, A. (2000). Psychopathology in Adulthood (2nd Ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Neuropsychological assessment
- Goldstein, L.H., McNeil, J.E., (Eds, 2004). Clinical Neuropsychology, A Practical Guide to Assessment and Management for Clinicians. Wiley, Chichester, UK.
There are six taught modules, taught sequentially over two years:
- Research Methods in Clinical Psychology
- Adult Psychopathology
- Issues in Psychotherapy: A Critical Approach
- Professional Issues, Ethics and Diversity
- Clinical Forensic Psychopathology
- Childhood Psychopathology.
The dissertation can be studied in two ways:
- In year 2, with study alongside the remaining taught modules
- In year 3, after completing the taught modules.
After completing three modules, you will be eligible to receive a Postgraduate Certificate, and after six modules a Postgraduate Diploma. Successful completion of the dissertation leads to the award of the MSc.
The research methods module will further develop your knowledge of the breadth of methods used in psychological research, and the legal and ethical implications of conducting research.
The adult psychopathology aspects of the programme will enable you to conceptualise, describe and differentiate between the various psychological disorders, and develop your awareness and critical understanding of empirically derived treatment systems.
The module in issues in psychotherapy offers students the opportunity to expand their clinical knowledge through exploration and analysis of competing perspectives of some of the major ongoing issues in psychotherapy theory and practice. This module also gives students the opportunity to foster a reflective approach to training and practice.
The MSc will also improve your understanding of professional issues, ethics and diversity, considering the current and developing structure of clinical psychology in the UK. You will engage with current debates in ethics and diversity and learn how to competently apply ethical principles to real and hypothetical case examples. You will also relate these experiences to your own professional development.
In the clinical forensic psychopathology module consideration will be given to perspectives on offending behaviour, approaches to assessment and treatment, particularly examining these issues with specific offender types.
The area of childhood psychopathology will be explored, and you will be expected to apply psychological theories, research and case studies to a range of childhood psychopathologies. You will examine behavioural disorders, emotional disorders and, developmental and learning disorders in childhood and adolescence including assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Finally, the dissertation will provide you with the opportunity to select an area of particular interest relevant to the field of clinical psychology and to design, plan and execute an in-depth research project.
These modules are subject to change.
.jpg)
Pamela Taylor
MSc Clinical Applications of Psychology student
I chose to study at Newman University College as I had heard that it was a friendly university that achieved good grades with one of the top employment rates from universities.
I chose the MSc in Clinical Applications of Psychology as it offers students the opportunity to expand on their knowledge and skills within clinical psychology. The MSc course includes relevant and interesting modules which prepare students for the Clinical Psychology Doctorate. It is a part-time on-line course which enables students to study around work and other life commitments. The course has more than exceeded my expectations. I love the content of the modules and the way they are delivered through the on-line system. Each module has been interesting and enjoyable.
Newman is an excellent University College that really cares about the needs of students. The staff are very friendly and more than happy to help and will respond to any queries as soon as possible. The staff work hard to suit students’ needs and provide extra tutorials to fit around each individual’s work outside of study.
Due to the layout of the MSc programme it has been quite easy to manage studying around the demands of home and work. For parts of the modules we have had the opportunity to decide amongst ourselves when the deadline of an essay should be, or the topic of presentation we wish to choose. Newman has made a great effort to ensure that the course can be managed around students’ daily lives.
I intend to complete the MSc course and then apply for a Clinical Psychology Doctorate. Many students that have studied this MSc course have been accepted onto Clinical Psychology Doctorates’ throughout the country. Since studying this MSc course I was offered and accepted the position of a Psychological Therapist within the NHS. The fact that I was on the MSc programme looked great on my CV and put me at an advantage of getting the position.
The knowledge I continue to gain from the modules improves my professional development and practice. Also the dissertation module has led me to work on a large project within the service alongside a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I encourage anyone with an interest in Clinical Psychology to develop their knowledge within this area to study this course.
