MSc
Foundations in Clinical Psychology & Health Services
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Why study MSc Foundations in Clinical Psychology & Health Services at Goldsmiths
This innovative MSc provides students with a strong knowledge and experience base for progressing to health service careers, particularly those looking to become clinical psychologists and clinical psychology researchers.
- The Masters will equip you with up-to-date knowledge of relevant theory and practical issues in UK mental health services, and you'll develop the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake research and development in academic and healthcare settings.
- You'll have the opportunity to complete a work placement in an applied setting, providing you with valuable skills and experience that will aid your career development. You will be responsible for securing a placement yourself.
- The programme is intended for graduates in psychology or related disciplines who are interested in progressing to careers in the health professions as practitioners, researchers or managers, and current health service professionals with a degree in psychology or related disciplines who wish to enhance skills and knowledge in the areas covered by the programme as part of their continuing professional development. This programme is also intended for those who may want to pursue a postgraduate research degree in areas related in clinical psychology. Please note, however, that the MSc itself does not lead to a clinical qualification.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Lucy Oldfield.
Pathways
The programme comprises two pathways:
- Applied Clinical Psychology pathway
- Research in Clinical Psychology pathway
All students on both pathways will complete the same compulsory modules, and then take different routes for their remaining modules. This means that you can either specialise in gaining work experience in a setting relevant to clinical psychology, or develop more advanced research knowledge and skills.
What you'll study
You will complete the following compulsory modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Understanding and Treating Psychological Disorders | 30 credits |
| Professional Issues in Psychological Practice | 15 credits |
| Multivariate Statistical Methods | 15 credits |
| Research Design & Analysis | 15 Credits |
| Research Project | 60 credits |
| Professional Practice | 45 credits |
Your Professional Practice Module is a 35-day work placement in a setting relevant to clinical psychology.
This pathway would suit students with limited work experience in areas related to clinical psychology, and who would like to develop a career in a more applied setting.
Please note that the responsibility for securing a professional placement rests with the student, the MSc does not provide placements for students.
How you'll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your pathway. These may include extended essays, research design coursework, unseen written and multiple choice examinations, research proposals, oral and poster presentations, and a dissertation based on a substantive research project
Careers
This Masters is designed to provide a foundation for graduates who are interested in further developing the academic skills and experience needed to apply for UK clinical Doctorate programmes or for PhD programmes in areas related to clinical psychology.
It also helps develop the skills and knowledge for those who seek to pursue careers in the NHS and with private healthcare providers more generally, including careers in various allied health fields and NHS management.
Lastly, the programme is designed to facilitate career progression for those already working in the health sector, by developing new academic skills and experience, particularly in relation to research design and analysis.
Skills
The programme will provide you with knowledge of theory and practical issues relevant to practice in the UK mental health services, with a particular focus on clinical psychology.
It will provide you with the knowledge and skills to undertake research in clinical settings and analyse data.
You will have the opportunity to develop your own research and career interests by conducting a research project under the supervision of a member of staff and relevant external health services staff.
Students on the Applied Clinical Psychology pathway will have the opportunity to complete a work placement where they can gain valuable skills and experience in an applied setting.
Entry requirements
You should normally have (or expect to be awarded) the following qualifications:
- An undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in Psychology or a related subject (eg health studies, neuroscience) with a research component
You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. We consider all aspects of your application when making a decision and may still be able to offer a place even if your qualifications or grades do not meet the published requirements.
International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate study.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
Explore the Goldsmiths scholarships finder to find out what funding you may be eligible for.
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
How to apply
You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system.
To complete your application, you will need to have:
- Details of your academic qualifications
- The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
- A personal statement
You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.
When to apply
We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September. Applications will be considered in two rounds. If you apply after 7 January you will automatically be considered in round two.
Round 1
- Application deadline: 7 January
- Interviews (if applicable): January
- Decisions: Spring term
Round 2
- Application deadline: 26 April
- Interviews (if applicable): May
- Decisions: mid-May
Applicants who are not shortlisted or given an offer after round one may be held until round two applications have been considered.
Late applications will only be considered on a rolling basis if there are spaces available on the programme.
If you are interested in applying for scholarships, you are advised to apply before the round one deadline for the best chance of receiving your offer before scholarship deadlines.
Selection process
Admission to this programme is made on the basis of the application materials you submit via your online application. Your suitability for the programme may also be evaluated via a telephone/Skype interview. In some cases, we will make candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.
Further guidance
Read our guide to applying for a postgraduate degree at Goldsmiths.
