MSc Clinical Psychology
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time 2 years part time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | 2:1 Honours degree |
|---|---|
Why study MSc Clinical Psychology at Exeter?
- Explore cutting-edge research in clinical psychology and clinical neuroscience
- Apply your learning with a research apprenticeship during which you will work closely with an experienced researcher and be part of an established research group
- Hear about current research issues from visiting speakers and develop your ability to discuss research critically and present ideas to a range of audiences in our optional research module
- Participate in an optional work placement and apply your knowledge and skills in the workplace
- Graduate with key transferable skills along with practical training in research methods and statistics opening up opportunities in data science and public sector roles or progress to PhD or research posts in universities
Top 100 in the world for Psychology
Ranked 87th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2026 and 82nd in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2026.
11th in the UK for internationally excellent research in Psychology
REF 2021 based on 4* and 3* research, submitted to UoA4 Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience
Top 10 for Psychology in 3 major UK league tables
6th in the Guardian University Guide 2026; 9th in the Complete University Guide 2026; 10th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Internationally-respected social, environmental and organisational psychology research group, and a major centre for cognitive, clinical and neuroscience research
Entry requirements
Normally a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in Psychology. A degree in another discipline may be accepted if it included substantial content in Psychology, research methodology and statistics. Due to the nature of the programme we require applicants to have studied and achieved a 2:1 or equivalent in at least two statistics/research methods modules previously. BA Psychology will also be considered if at least two statistics/research methods modules have been studied.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
You will explore cutting-edge research in clinical psychology and neuroscience and use both traditional and contemporary approaches to gain a thorough understanding of key issues. We will encourage you think critically in order to solve problems and how to learn through team work.
Compulsory modules will develop your knowledge of advances in the psychology of addiction including how on how psychopharmacology-based interventions (e.g., psychedelics) can be used to facilitate recovery. You will also study advanced statistics and complete a research apprenticeship.
You’ll also choose an optional module enabling you to shape your degree to meet your career aspirations whether these lie in research or in the workplace.
Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYM201 | Advanced Statistics | 30 |
| PSYM240 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology Practice | 15 |
| PSYM210 | Research Apprenticeship | 90 |
| PSYM230 | Advances in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience | 15 |
| PSYM231 | Critical Perspectives in Addiction Psychology | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYM232 | Current Research Issues in Clinical Psychology | 15 |
| PSYM233 | Clinical Psychology Placement | 15 |
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£15,000 full-time; £7,500 part-time
International fees per year:
£31,200 full-time; £15,600 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships *. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees. Full details can be found here.
*Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details..
Teaching and research
How you'll learn
- Lectures
- Practical classes
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Research project
- Convenor-led discussions
- Talks from external speaker
- Student presentations
- Group discussions
Learning from experts
Our staff are recognised internationally for their academic excellence, high-quality research and applied output. They actively research the areas of psychology they teach, so their expertise feeds directly into our research-led courses.
Contact hours
10 -12 hours per week on average.
Tutorial support
You will be allocated a personal tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. You will also have access to specialist helpdesks for statistics and assessment feedback which are run by postgraduate tutors.
Assessment
Assessments will comprise examinations, essays, critical reviews, reports, posters and oral presentations.
Facilities
Throughout your study you will use a range of innovative teaching facilities, such as an online learning platform, various 24/7 computer pools and audio-visual suite, 24/7 library, study spaces and specialised equipment. There are also extensive research facilities including eye tracking, EEG/ERP, tDCS, TMS laboratories, audio-visual recording suite and an MRI scanner.
Research inspired learning
All the modules you take will be underpinned by research-led learning. You will learn about classic studies as well as cutting-edge research in the core areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive, biological, social, developmental psychology, personality and individual differences, as well as potentially clinical and educational psychology). During the course you will learn to critically evaluate this research, identifying its strengths and weaknesses. The course will culminate with your undertaking a large-scale research project, making a novel contribution to the field of Psychology, under a supervisor who is an expert in that area.
Members of staff have strong research links with universities in other countries and there is a flourishing international community. We work in partnership with a variety of public and private sector organisations to ensure our research is relevant to policymakers.
Careers
Employer-valued skills this course develops
You will acquire a number of transferrable skills including critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork. We will support you to become an engaged and participative leader whilst the diversity of assignments will help you to develop your adaptability and resilience.
Careers
The emphasis placed on research and the opportunities to work with an established research group will leave you well-placed to apply for PhD programmes or research posts in universities. You will also receive strong training in research methods and statistics opening opportunities in data sciences and public sector roles.
Careers services
Our careers teams at the Career Zone can help guide you through a wealth of information to match your skills and interests to a career that will suit you. Our staff work with regional, national and international employers to develop new work placement, project and graduate opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about MSc Clinical Psychology
The MSc Clinical Psychology at the University of Exeter is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). It does not give the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
If your undergraduate degree is in a subject other than Psychology, you can gain GBC by completing a BPS-accredited Psychology Conversion course. The University of Exeter offers two options, on campus and online.
If you have a Psychology degree that is not BPS-accredited, you can request a degree review by the BPS. There is usually a fee for this service. The review is managed entirely by the BPS. The University cannot guarantee the outcome or advise on your application.
If you want to gain GBC through a BPS review, do this before applying to the MSc Clinical Psychology programme.
No. This MSc is not professionally accredited and does not provide the qualifications needed to practise as a clinical psychologist in the UK. The title “clinical psychologist” is protected in the UK and requires meeting specific professional standards. However, the MSc is a valuable step towards this career. It develops your understanding of clinical psychology practice and research in clinical psychology.
If you want to work as a clinical psychologist outside the UK, requirements vary by country. You should check whether this MSc meets the rules in the country where you plan to work.
There are several routes to working clinically. A good resource is the Psychological Professions Network (PPN).
In the UK, students who want to become clinical psychologists usually continue with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) or a similar programme approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Completing a DClinPsy allows you to use the title “clinical psychologist” and register with the HCPC. You can find details of the DClinPsy programme at the University of Exeter.
We also recommend checking the HCPC website for full details on registration eligibility.
Completing this MSc gives you the knowledge and skills needed for a range of careers and further training. Many of our alumni go on to postgraduate courses, such as a PhD, or take on professional roles that provide valuable clinical experience, including:
- Research Assistant
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
- Clinical Psychology Intern
- Childline Counsellor
- Youth Support Worker
- Learning Support Practitioner
- Behavioural Change Coach
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapist
- Children's Support Worker
- Neurodiversity Navigator
The course also prepares you to continue your studies and career in clinical psychology, for example by applying to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). DClinPsy programmes are highly competitive, so many applicants gain relevant experience alongside their studies to strengthen their applications. This experience can include roles such as research assistant, Assistant Psychologist, working for charities, volunteering on helplines, or working as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP).
You can find information on the University of Exeter DClinPsy course on our website. If you have further questions regarding our DClinPsy, please do contact the Programme Team on dclinpsy@exeter.ac.uk.
Yes, the MSc Clinical Psychology programme offers a part-time pathway over two years. On this pathway, you will complete most modules in Year 1. Your dissertation (a major clinically-relevant research project) and the PSYM240 module: Introduction to Clinical Psychology Practice are completed in Year 2.
It is important to note that both years are busy. You will have scheduled teaching and learning sessions as well as significant independent study time. We do not recommend working full-time while completing the programme. The course is demanding, and balancing full-time work with study is likely to be very challenging.
Yes. The optional PSYM233 Clinical Psychology Placement module gives students the chance to undertake a mini placement as part of their studies. This provides practical experience, and the module’s lectures and workshops help develop your skills and competencies.
If you are an international student, we recommend applying for a Criminal Record check in your home country before starting the course. This can help speed up securing a UK placement if you choose this module.
In PSYM233, students are usually responsible for finding and organising their own placement. However, the University of Exeter has partnerships with local, national and international organisations that you can consider for placements.
The Department provides support with placement applications. Students are encouraged to use the University’s Career Zone, which offers advice on applications, CVs, and interview skills to support this process.
Whilst our MSc Clinical Psychology course provides a strong foundation for a career in clinical roles, such as becoming a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP), it does not automatically qualify graduates for the PWP role. Students interested in PWP positions will need additional postgraduate training or a certificate to meet the requirements for this role.
The MSc also gives graduates a solid knowledge of clinical psychology, which is valuable for other patient-facing roles, including Mental Health Worker, Healthcare Assistant, Assistant Psychologist, and other entry-level positions.
There are many helpful resources that may support your research of a PWP role, such as the NHS webpages; If you were specifically interested in roles within the NHS, we would advise getting in touch with NHS South West directly or looking at their jobs listing page.
