MSc Clinical Health Psychology
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time
24 months part-time Scholarships: EU Engagement Scholarships worth £10,000 available to applicants from EU countries
Study with us
- prepare yourself for an application to an applied psychology training programme (for example: Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, PhD in an applied area, Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology training, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist training)
- applications may be subject to prior achievement of Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society. Please check the relevant application requirements
- uniquely combines clinical, health and neuropsychology teaching with professional practice and research methods training
- offers a series of practitioner-led workshops covering key psychological interventions
- links with external partners who provide volunteering opportunities (subject to availability)
Why this course?
The course has been developed to offer theory, knowledge and practical skills development across the areas of clinical, health and neuropsychology. In addition, you'll receive training in professional practice and research methods.
The knowledge and skills you'll develop will help prepare you for a PhD in a clinical or health-related area, or a career as a Practitioner Psychologist.
You can study full-time over one year or part-time over two years.
Note: This course does not confer eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society. This course does not provide the stage 1 qualification in Health Psychology that is a pre-requisite for stage 2/doctorate training in Health Psychology. Find further information from the British Psychological Society website.
Interested in postgraduate study?
At the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be available to provide you with all the information you need to kick-start your postgraduate journey at the University of Strathclyde. Register for upcoming events below:
What you’ll study
Applied Psychology Topics
Three modules covering key theoretical and applied issues relevant to the clinical, health and neuropsychology disciplines.
Professional Practice
This class provides an evidenced-based introduction to core professional issues and ethical standards specified by key professional guidelines from the British Psychological Society, The Health Care and Professions Council, Scottish Government, NHS, SIGN and NICE.
Research Methods in Clinical Health Psychology
This class introduces the key epidemiological concepts and study designs as well as qualitative research methods, mixed methods, and evidence synthesis.
Introduction to Psychological Therapies
This class provides you with an introduction to evidence based therapeutic modalities offered in contemporary applied psychology, providing the opportunity to develop and practice clinical skills through role-play with supervised feedback from practitioner psychologists.
Dissertation
You'll undertake a supervised research dissertation on a topic related to the course themes of clinical, health or neuropsychology. Your dissertation can take the form of a primary research study, a secondary data analysis or a formal systematic review/meta-analysis.
Facilities
Our purpose-built experimental labs and facilities include:
How to become a psychologist
Find out all you need to know including what a psychologist does, the different types of psychologist and the steps you need to take to become one.
How to become a psychologistClinical Psychology
This class will provide you with a rigorous theoretical and evidenced-based introduction to the field of mental health and chronic disease. We will explore the psychological impact of living with a chronic illness, with a particular focus on the most commonly reported mental health complaints. Students will learn about the clinical characteristics of a range of psychological disorders, the evidence base for their etiology and the factors that modulate their chronicity.
Health Psychology
This class will use health psychology theory to examine the relationship between behaviour, health and illness. We will cover key health behaviours such as screening and adherence and students will learn how to identify the behaviour change content of complex interventions. The class will also examine the role of health psychology in health conditions of significant public health importance, e.g. sleep disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Neuropsychology
This class offers knowledge and training in neuropsychology. It will focus on identifying impairment using neuropsychological assessment and on the diagnosis of neurological disorders. You will gain knowledge and skills relating to neuropsychological assessment across a range of medical conditions. Students will learn about neuropathology, neuroanatomical and functional variation, cognitive and behavioural symptoms of a variety of medical conditions and advanced neuroimaging techniques, which help further our understanding of neurological / psychiatric disorders.
Professional Practice
This class will provide you with an evidenced-based introduction to core professional issues and ethical standards specified by key professional guidelines from the British Psychological Society, The Health Care and Professions Council, Scottish Government, NHS, SIGN and NICE. The development of self-reflection as a core skill of a practitioner psychologist will be encouraged throughout. Working as an Applied Psychologist means that professional behaviour and ethical practice is of the utmost importance. Registered practitioner psychologists are required by law to follow a code of ethics and display professional behaviour at all times. In addition, much litigation occurs as a result of poor communication or exceeding professional competence so teaching students about this early on in their professional careers is important. This class thus provides an understanding of core professional skills which are the linchpin of working as an applied psychologist.
Introduction to Psychological Therapies
The class will provide you with an introduction to evidence based therapeutic modalities offered in contemporary applied psychology, providing the opportunity to develop and practice clinical skills through role-play with supervised feedback from practitioner psychologists. This type of interactive learning is unique for a non-clinical programme. A series of workshops will introduce you to evidence based therapeutic modalities employed by practitioner psychologists in clinical practice. The development of self-reflection as a core competency and skill of a practitioner psychologist will be encouraged throughout. You will be able to reflect on your experiences of engaging in the practitioner-led, experiential workshops to begin to develop your reflective thinking and writing skills.
Research Methods in Clinical Health Psychology
This class serves as an introduction to research methods in Clinical Health Psychology. It will introduce the key epidemiological concepts and study designs as well as qualitative research methods, mixed methods, and evidence synthesis. This will take place in the context of evaluation which is a key aspect of applied psychological research, and enables a rounded appreciation of the types of data collection and analysis undertaken within the field of clinical health psychology.
Dissertation
The dissertation is designed to enable you to apply your knowledge and skills to the development and implementation of a research project. The class will offer a portfolio of dissertation formats and you will undertake an academic research project in one of the three core topic areas (i.e. clinical, health or neuropsychology). The dissertation can involve any method, relevant to the aims of the project, which is suitable for publication in an appropriate journal.
What our students think
Vedika Sukhatme
Strathclyde gave me the opportunity to explore different aspects within psychology including health, clinical and neuropsychology. This was important for me as I didn't want to have tunnel vision and was keen to keep my options open.
Dhanshri Shinde
The teaching staff have always been very supportive which is why I would encourage upcoming students to get in touch with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences if they have any issues or questions at all. Other than that the student union is there for any additional support.
Declan McTague
I loved my time studying Clinical Health Psychology at Strathclyde. I was already interested in neuropsychology, which is why I chose the course, and I was able to complete my dissertation in dementia research. Not only did I develop my research skills, but I got to do so whilst analysing MRI images of brains, which was very exciting!
Niharika Mehta
The course at Strathclyde offered not only clinical psychology but also health and neuropsychology. As well as the applied modules, it also included research methodologies and a dissertation. This balance of research and applied psychology is what impressed me.
Samantha Smith
This degree has given me skills in professional practice that I have not been able to develop before and has expanded my knowledge greatly on research methods. It has also given me the courage to pursue my passion while testing me in every way as an intellectual and a human being. My advice for prospective students would be to join the Strathclyde family as soon as possible!
Chat to a student ambassador
If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Humanities & Social Sciences student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Chat to a student ambassadorEntry requirements
| Academic requirements/experience | First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in Psychology from a UK University, or overseas equivalent. Applicants with a non UK degree must be able to evidence that they've undertaken a statistics class/module and also a research methods class/module and completed a research project/dissertation in their undergraduate degree. If they've no previous statistics or research experience then they'll struggle with the content of this programme. Please note: this is a very popular programme of study and we receive more applications each year than we have places to offer. Places are offered on a first-come first-served basis, so you're advised to apply as early as possible. Once we've reached capacity, any applications that are received will be held on a waiting list. |
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| English language requirements | You're required to have a suitable minimum level of competency in the English language if your first language is not English or if you have not been educated wholly or mainly in the medium of English. The MSc Clinical Health Psychology requires a minimum overall score of IELTS 7.0 (no individual components below 6.5 and a writing component of 7 or above) or equivalent. Test must be valid for two years. Pre-sessional courses in English are available. If you’re a national of an English speaking country recognised by UK Visa and Immigration (please check most up-to-date list on the Home Office website) or you've successfully completed an academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree) in any of these countries, then you don't need to present any additional evidence. If you're from a country not recognised as an English speaking country by the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI), please check our English requirements before making your application. |
| Eligibility for volunteering opportunities | Students who opt to pursue a volunteering opportunity may require membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVGS) or update of an existing membership. This will require applicants to provide a verified criminal records check from their home country. |
Pre-Masters preparation course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
Please note: Previous Maths & English qualifications and your undergraduate degree must meet GTCS minimum entry requirements as well as the pre-Masters course and an interview will be conducted before an offer can be made.
Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Scholarships
- EU Engagement Scholarships are available to EU applicants who would have previously been eligible for Home (Scottish/EU) fee status.
- International Postgraduate Taught Scholarships worth between £4,000 and £5,000 are open to applications from non-EU international applicants beginning full-time, face-to-face programmes.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Life in Glasgow
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| Scotland, England, Wales & Northern Ireland | Full time - £9,450 *Please note, Year 2 fee will be subject to an increase |
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| International | £22,400 |
| Additional costs | International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
| Available scholarships |
Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Careers
This course will be of interest to students who wish to pursue a career as an applied psychologist, either as a researcher progressing to a PhD, or to support progression to further clinical training such as clinical psychology.
The course also provides postgraduate specialisation in health for graduates to equip them with the knowledge and skills in mental and physical health and well-being to work in NGOs or in a professional position at global organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The range of professional and research skills that our graduates develop on the course means that they are highly employable for the next stage of research or clinical training.
Many have been successful in moving to a funded PhD following completion of the course while others have gone onto psychology assistant or community mental health organisations positions.
Clinical Psychologist
Please note that completion of this MSc does not provide a qualification for clinical practice in the UK. For a career as a Clinical Psychologist, a three-year doctorate in Clinical Psychology is required. The MSc in Clinical Health Psychology will provide foundational knowledge and skills that will be relevant for the doctorate, or for a job that will support career progression (for example, as an assistant psychologist).
Apply
Start date: Sep 2024
Clinical Health Psychology
Start date: Sep 2024
Clinical Health Psychology
Contact us
Prospective student enquiries
Contact a member of our team on LiveChat between 10am and 4pm (GMT)
Telephone: +44 (0) 141 444 8600
Have you considered?
We've a range of postgraduate taught and Masters courses similar to this one which may also be of interest.