Overview
There are two pathways available. The teaching content is the same on the two pathways. The difference is if the 60-credit module is taken as a research dissertation or a professional skills portfolio. You can be considered for one pathway or both pathways. You must state your preference in your personal statement. The two pathways are:
- Foundations in Clinical Psychology MSc – if you’re interested in developing your research skills, this pathway allows you to complete a 60-credit dissertation
- Foundations in Clinical Psychology with Professional Skills Portfolio MSc – if you have yet to undertake a research project during your undergraduate studies, this pathway offers a 60-credit professional skills module which incorporates simulated placement activities, in place of a dissertation
Please state clearly in your personal statement if you want to be considered for one pathway, or if you prefer to be considered for both.
Our programmes will equip you with several skills. These will help you to enter the fields of clinical and applied psychology and research. You will learn through expert lead teaching and training in topics related to:
- clinical psychology
- health and forensic psychology
- neurobiology and human development
- research skills
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
As part of both Foundations of Clinical Psychology master’s pathways, students will learn how to:
- gather information from a variety of sources and synthesise it in an appropriate way
- evaluate and interpret theoretical concepts in the principal areas
- prepare and articulate arguments against these areas
- critically evaluate the evidence for these ideas
- tolerate and understand different points of view
- understand the issue of cultural and clinical competence
Students on the Foundations in Clinical Psychology MSc (5202f) will:
- gain research skills and experience in conducting research
- interact with professional academic, health, forensic and/or clinical psychologists and related professionals in conducting a piece of research
Students on the Foundations in Clinical Psychology with professional Skills Portfolio MSc (5506f) will:
- participate in online clinical activities and compose a variety of clinical documentation and materials as part of a simulated clinical placement
- develop skills in conducting a systematic review of the literature
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Foundations in Clinical Psychology with professional Skills Portfolio modules
How you’ll learn
Delivery and teaching methods
You’ll learn and develop through various methods, including:
- your relationship with your personal tutor
- your relationship with your course-mates and extended learning community
- workshops
- role-plays
- group work
- personal supervision
- apprenticeships
This course is usually taught and based on the Newcastle campus and delivered by the School of Psychology. Teaching is usually delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with occasional sessions on Wednesdays.
The MSc comprises taught modules and a supervised empirical project. The research component will revolve around psychological methodology.
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral presentation
- Poster
- Portfolio
- Report
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Dr Gavin Clark – Degree Programme Director
Dr Jessi Komes – Deputy Degree Programme Director
Dr Max Stone – Senior Tutor
Dr Kate Swainston – Module Leader
Dr Helen St Clair Thompson – Module Leader
Professor Mark Freeston – Module Leader
Barbara-Anne Robertson – Module Leader
Dr Gareth Richards – Module Leader
Dr Mei Yee Tang – Module Leader
Dr Gary Pankhurst – Module Leader
More information about our psychology staff can be found here.
Your future
This course can provide a sound basis to apply for roles relevant to applied psychology, such as an assistant psychologist post. This may also provide you with a variety of skills and experience to support applications for further training in Clinical Psychology.
Further training includes:
- The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
- Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programmes
Please be aware that within the UK you will typically require relevant work experience and a previous degree that qualifies for graduate registration with the British Psychological Society in order to apply for such training or for an assistant psychologist position within the NHS. The MSc does not qualify you for graduate registration with the British Psychological Society or a clinical qualification which allows you to practice as a mental health practitioner. Consequently, if you do not have a previous degree which confers this and you aspire to undertake the above programmes, you are recommended to undertake a BPS accredited MSc conversion programme.
The course is also suitable if you are considering a research career in psychology. You may also be considering a PhD.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Psychology – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 200 for Psychology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
acilities
The Dame Margaret Barbour Building is home to the School of Psychology at Newcastle University. Taught postgraduate students have two dedicated rooms with computers and ample study space. This bespoke facility is the newest addition to the Faculty of Medical Sciences and offers psychology facilities such as:
- forensic interviewing suite
- nutrition and food preference unit
- media and behaviour lab
- medical consultation rooms
- psychological testing cubicles
EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals – tuition fee status
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.Â
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor’s automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.Â
What you’re paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
- living costs
Deposit
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you’re applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in psychology or a related subject.
Qualifications from outside the UK
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Before you start
Start Dates
The course starts in September.
Closing Dates
There is no application closing date for this course. We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Specialised application information
You should apply using the programme code 5202F. Please state clearly in your personal statement if you want to be considered for one pathway, or if you prefer to be considered for both.
Deposit
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:
- pay a deposit of £1,500
- or submit an official letter of sponsorship
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.
Programme codes
| Qualification: MSc Full time | |
|---|---|
|
Full time: 12 months |
Programme Code:
5202F |
Using the application portal
The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Open days and events
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
Visit our events calendar for the latest events
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Lynne Davison
Programme Administrator
School of Psychology
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 8494
Email:Â masters.director@ncl.ac.uk
Online
For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.
Live chat
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You’ll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.
Keep updated
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