Discover the MSc Clinical and Health Psychology programme, designed to provide an advanced understanding of mental and physical health and wellbeing. Located in vibrant Liverpool City Centre, this course uniquely blends cutting edge academic expertise with the latest clinical insights from experienced practitioners, enabling you to pursue a career in clinical or health psychology.
The MSc Clinical and Health Psychology course offers a unique curriculum, combining expert academics with cutting edge research, practitioner guest speakers, and those with lived experience to provide advanced knowledge in the research, theory and practice of Clinical and Health psychology. Build your understanding of the psychology of mental and physical health and wellbeing, psychological distress, and behavioural issues alongside receiving training in professional practice and research methods.
This course has been designed to prepare you with the academic knowledge and skills to prepare students to apply for further postgraduate study or careers in Clinical and Health Psychology. In particular, the course has been designed with input from the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Team to help prepare students who wish to pursue a DClinPsy following graduation. The Department of Psychology also works closely with the University’s Careers and Employability Service to ensure students are provided with opportunities to undertake training to enhance their employability skills, as well as support students seeking to find either research or clinical volunteering or paid opportunities.
This programme is designed for Psychology graduates looking to gain advanced knowledge in Clinical and Health psychology, prepare for a PhD in a clinical or health-related area, or pursue a career as a Practitioner Psychologist.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Each of the first two semesters include 2 x 20 credit discipline specific modules which focus on the key principles, theories, interventions, and debates within Clinical and Health psychology and how they are applied in practice. There are also 2 x 20 credit modules in Research Methods and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Techniques in Semester 1 and Semester 2. The 60 credit Empirical Research Project module runs across all three semesters.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Each of the first two semesters include 2 x 20 credit discipline specific modules which focus on the key principles, theories, interventions, and debates within Clinical and Health psychology and how they are applied in practice. There are also 2 x 20 credit modules in Research Methods and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Techniques in Semester 1 and Semester 2. The 60 credit Empirical Research Project module runs across all three semesters.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Each of the first two semesters include 2 x 20 credit discipline specific modules which focus on the key principles, theories, interventions, and debates within Clinical and Health psychology and how they are applied in practice. There are also 2 x 20 credit modules in Research Methods and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Techniques in Semester 1 and Semester 2. The 60 credit Empirical Research Project module runs across all three semesters.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| EMPIRICAL RESEARCH PROJECT (PSYC700) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Each of the first two semesters include 2 x 20 credit discipline specific modules. In Semester 1, students are provided with foundational knowledge of the key principles, theories, and interventions used within clinical and health psychology and how they are applied in practice. They will be also introduced to professional skills and career development issues for working in clinical and health psychology. These modules scaffold learning for Semester 2 where they are then introduced to introduced to current, topical controversies in clinical and health psychology, which require students to debate, utilise evidence, and to form positions based on their teaching and learning. Discipline-specific modules involve lectures and research seminars delivered to the full cohort. Lectures cover important theory and research across the whole module syllabus to provide students with a solid understanding on which to base detailed investigation of specific subjects. Seminars involve independent learning where students work in small groups to answer lecture generated core questions. Seminar sessions are student-led and facilitated by staff. All teaching will be delivered by core teaching staff and where possible by guest practitioner speakers working in Clinical and Health Psychology, including D-Clin trainees.
There are 2 x 20 credit modules in Research Methods and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Techniques. Research Methods and Analysis modules will involve lectures and practical laboratory sessions delivered to the full cohort. Lectures will introduce a specific research method or analysis technique and will be delivered by core teaching staff. Practical laboratory sessions are student-led and facilitated by staff. They aim to deepen students learning about various research methods and provide them with practical skills to apply quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to clinical and health psychology research data.
There is also a 60 credit empirical research project module which runs across all three semesters. Students will complete an empirical project in which they will work largely independently, still under the guidance of an experienced member of staff in exploring their own interests by designing and carrying out an independent research project in an area of Clinical and Health Psychology. In addition, as part of this module there will be taught components including assessment workshops for research proposals, posters, and report writing. Students will also undertake a Personal Development Portfolio, which will address skill development, self-reflection and employability.
The programme adopts a range of assessments, which enable students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired and ensure that module and programme outcomes have been achieved. Particular emphasis is placed on the introduction of ‘authentic’ assessments, which allow students to practise tasks more closely aligned to future employment and study demands. Authentic assessment means that we assess students using tasks that mirror those they might undertake as professionals through choice of purpose, format, intended audience, resources and collaborative or student designed elements. Authentic assessments require students to undertake tasks which demonstrate meaningful and integrated application of relevant academic knowledge, skills and understanding. There are many benefits to authentic assessment in Psychology. We expect that our assessments will have a positive impact on the students learning by mirroring real life contexts of Clinical and Health psychologists’ working environments. They contribute to the development of students as self-managing professionals who can self-direct their learning.
Assessments undertaken on the MSc aim to equip students for future study or professional work in Clinical and Health psychology. All summative assessments are coursework based. Students will be expected to write post-interview reports, policy briefs, position papers, and presentations in the discipline-specific modules. In the Research Methods modules students will write methodological protocols, critique published papers, and write systematic review protocols and reports. In the empirical research project module, they will complete a research proposal, an academic poster, and a year-long research report. These assessments encourage the development of skills, which are utilised in the real world of Clinical and Health Psychology and in other careers. These assessments promote and evaluate among others the ability to critically appraise research and evidence, appraise published work and research methodologies and report on Clinical and Health interventions. Assessment support sessions and formative assessments will prepare students to complete the summative assessments effectively.
The need to provide extensive, constructive and timely feedback for all assessments to students has been a major drive in the development of the curriculum. This is achieved by engaging all members of the theme teams in both the delivery and assessment of each module, providing clear guidance to assessors and establishing comprehensive monitoring and moderating mechanisms to ensure reliability and validity. All interim assessments are submitted and marked online. Five types of feedback are provided throughout the programme: in text, rubric, general ‘what worked well, even better if’, generic and individual feedback.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
A typical day for an MSc Clinical and Health Psychology student would involve a blend of lectures, seminars, practicals, online learning, and independent study.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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The MSc Clinical and Health Psychology is ideal for students wishing to pursue a career in clinical or health psychology either as practitioners (following further postgraduate study) or as researchers.
A high proportion of students will wish to pursue further postgraduate studies in Clinical and Health Psychology (including Stage 1 Health Psychology or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology) or progress to a PhD in Clinical or Health Psychology or in other areas of the Social Sciences in the UK or overseas. A further proportion will wish to pursue research careers in health or clinical psychology or cognate discipline. Students with this degree will be in a more advantageous position, than those students with a BSc in Psychology with respect to further postgraduate study.
In addition, there are a variety of careers that are open to graduates with an MSc in Clinical and Health Psychology, including those in the health service, civil service, local government and the third sector, as well as in private industry and commerce. Employers are frequently wishing to employ students with Masters degrees in psychology.
The Programme provides students with key employability skills which include written, oral and visual communication skills, numeracy and data analysis skills. They include the ability to find, evaluate and synthesise information which is essential in many careers. They will also develop personal and professional skills and ethical awareness important for their working lives. They will acquire information technology skills which are also important for their careers. Further, students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of their course.
Employability is embedded in all of the modules, through the use of practitioner guest speakers, authentic assessments and reflective skills mapping. The programme leader has worked closely with the Academic Director of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology when designing the course to ensure that our teaching, learning, and assessment methods provide the academic knowledge and skills to prepare students to apply for doctoral study in Clinical Psychology. Furthermore, D-Clin Psy trainees will be also be utilised as guest speakers to provide students with experience of the D-Clin Psy application process and curriculum.
The Department of Psychology also works closely with the University’s Careers and Employability Service to ensure students are provided with opportunities to undertake training to enhance their employability skills as part of our Academic advisor system, as well as support students seeking to find either work placements or volunteer opportunities. There are activities specifically designed to prepare students from their future, for example Psychology careers week, which brings together practitioners and recruiting organisations.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Full-time place, per year - £28,300
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:1 Psychology honours degree from a UK university (or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution) with at least 65% in all research methods modules and all statistics modules. This degree should confer Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) status with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Prior clinical and health psychology experience is not essential. However, it is viewed as giving applicants an advantage at the application stage. |
| International qualifications |
Applications from international students wishing to undertake the programme will be evaluated to ensure that their qualifications have been gained from a recognised institution, and to ensure that the applicant has achieved the required academic level. The following criteria will be used to decide whether an international qualification is comparable to a British Bachelor’s degree:
|
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | A score of at least 570 on the paper-based test; or a score of at least 230 on the computer-based test with a score of at least 4.5 on the essay section of the test; or a score of at least 88 on the internet-based test with a minimum of 22 in the reading and 24 in the writing components. . TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 135 overall, with writing not less than 140, speaking and reading not less than 125, and listening not below 120 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
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Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Dr Vicky Fallon
Last updated 7 February 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions