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Course information

Department

Psychology

Length

1 year full-time, or 2 years part-time

Course overview

For 2020–21, we have made some changes to how the teaching and assessment of this programme are delivered. Find out more

This innovative MSc programme aims to provide 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 an up to date knowledge of relevant theory and practical issues in UK mental health services, and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake research and development in academic and healthcare settings. Students will also have the opportunity to complete a work placement in an applied setting, providing valuable skills and experience that will aid career development. 

This 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 Val West.

What you'll study

The programme comprises two pathways: an Applied Clinical Psychology and a Research in Clinical Psychology pathway undertaken over one year of full-time study, or two years equivalent part-time study. All students on both pathways will complete the following compulsory modules:

Compulsory modules

  • Understanding and Treating Psychological Disorders
  • Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology
  • Statistical Methods
  • Research Design and Analysis
  • Research Project

 

For the remaining modules, students will need to choose between the two pathways on the programme.

Students on the Applied Clinical Psychology pathway complete the following module:

• Professional Practice

The key feature of this 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.

Students on the Research in Clinical Psychology pathway complete the following modules:

• Advanced Quantitative Methods

• Applied Research Design in Clinical Psychology

• Statistical Data Analysis Project

These modules are designed to provide students with more advanced research knowledge and skills. This pathway would suit students who would like to progress to further postgraduate study, particularly a PhD or DClinPsy, where research skills are key, and/or those students who already have substantial work experience in areas related to clinical psychology.

Assessment

Written and multiple-choice examinations, essay coursework, oral presentation, research dissertation.

Download the programme specification  for this degree to find out more about what you'll learn and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year. 

Download the programme specification. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

What our students say

Aparna
I was truly impressed with the faculty profile and the course curriculum as it works exceptionally well with what I am seeking for in a program.

I decided to attend Goldsmith‘s University of London primarily because of the academic reputation for my course, as it had a strong emphasis on clinical practice and research methods. I learned about the university while searching on the​ internet and then visited the official website to look at more information. I was truly impressed with the faculty profile and the course curriculum as it works exceptionally well with what I am seeking for in a program. Before coming to Goldsmiths, I had completed my Masters in Applied Psychology from St Agnes College, Mangalore, and was working as an Assistant Counselling Psychologist at Dhanya Doctor’s Chamber, Kochi, where I counselled patients and their families and had learned to administer and record several psychological tests used in clinical assessment. I found the course to be remarkably interesting as it deals with a vast variety of subjects such as Multivariate Statistical Methods, Research Design and Analysis, Professional Issues in Psychological Practice and Understanding and Treating Psychological Disorders. I am also looking forward to the clinical placement as its direct experience of working within clinical psychology and health service settings.  I also liked the whole framework of the course and how everything that is taught is immediately uploaded on the VLE page. The college atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. I liked the diverse community that make up the student body on campus as there are so many people from various cities, states, and even countries. I also liked that there is a dynamic range of clubs and societies to take part in.

My initial days when I arrived in London were quite lonely as it was a new place and I was extremely nervous about the course and college. But soon after a few weeks, I made a lot of friends, learned the course structure and curriculum and also explored the city and realised how remarkable it is. Upon completion of this master’s program, I intend to pursue a Doctoral program in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) and practice as a clinical psychologist where I can be a positive influence in the lives of people struggling with psychiatric disorders.

Entry requirements

You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in Psychology or a related subject (eg health studies, neuroscience) with a research component. Applications from international students are welcome. International students will be required to have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in Psychology or a health-related subject.

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-level study.

Fees, funding & scholarships

Annual tuition fees

The fees for 2021 will be made available soon, but for reference these were the fees for 2020.

  • Home - full-time: £9320
  • Home - part-time: £4660
  • EU - full-time: £9320
  • EU - part-time: £4660
  • International - full-time: £17070

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 if you require a Tier 4 student visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. 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.

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.

Funding opportunities

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

How to apply

Apply now

You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system. 

Before submitting your application you'll need to have: 

  • Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments
  • The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
  • A personal statement – This can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online

          Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement

  • If available, an electronic copy of your educational transcript (this is particularly important if you have studied outside of the UK, but isn’t mandatory)

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.

Application deadline: 12 March 2021
Interviews (if applicable): early April 2021
Decisions: by mid/late-April 2021

Please note we have a closing date for applications of 12 March 2021. Applications after this date may not be considered and availability of places is likely to be significantly reduced for applicants after this date. Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available and will be considered on a rolling basis.

We strongly recommend you submit your application by 12 March 2021. Applicants who are successfully short-listed may be invited for a telephone or Skype interview around early April 2021.

If you're applying for external funding or scholarships, make sure you submit your application by the deadline they've specified.

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.

Find out more about applying.

Find out more about applying.

Careers

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.

Careers

The programme 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 programs or for PhD programs in areas related to clinical psychology.

It would also help develop skills and knowledge for those who seek to develop 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

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths. 

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