Master of Science - Clinical Psychology

University of South Wales - Treforest

The Clinical Psychology masters offers a comprehensive grounding in the understanding of mental health problems. As well as modules that develop students' knowledge of the aetiology and treatment of a range of psychological disorders and behavioural problems, the course has a substantial research element.

This master's programme draws on the research and applied expertise of psychologists in the fields of clinical, health, sports, and forensic psychology. Students will learn about a wide range of psychological disorders, dependence issues such as alcohol addiction and gambling addiction, and the interventions employed to help people. Besides, students will receive extensive training in research methods via a postgraduate statistics module and will complete a postgraduate dissertation in a related topic.

The MSc Clinical Psychology is delivered through a variety of lectures, seminars, workshops, individual study, and one-to-one or small group dissertation supervision. Most of the teaching will be delivered by members of the teaching team and some by external experts in clinical practice. There will also be student-led sessions and some elements will be delivered online. Academic staff teaching on this award are research active, so students will be taught by academics at the forefront of their specialist fields.

Facilities include observation and interview rooms equipped with a two-way mirror, CCTV and audio, which allows research and interview practice sessions to be conducted and recorded. The Cognitive Neuropsychology Suite houses specialist psychology equipment such as eye tracking equipment, EEG (electroencephalogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram) facilities for recording electrical activity in the heart and scalp and a driving simulator.

USW have strong links with local NHS trusts and suitable students can benefit from dissertation and/or voluntary placement opportunities, when these are available. The University has a Behaviour Analysis Clinic, where learners can participate in in-house supervised voluntary experience. Also, through USW's Psychology Plus scheme, students will have the unique opportunity to gain clinical experience on campus. 

The skills that students develop will enhance applications for professional training programmes, Assistant Psychologist and Research Assistant posts in clinical settings and set graduates apart from applicants who have only an undergraduate Psychology degree.