University of Central Lancashire(UCLAN)

What you'll study

This programme combines taught modules, practical skills development and an independent research project. Core themes include psychological assessment and formulation, evidence-based interventions for common mental health problems, psychopathology across the lifespan, and research methods and statistics. You will study modules that typically cover:

• Assessment and Formulation: clinical interviewing, risk assessment, formulation models and case conceptualisation.
• Evidence-based Interventions: principles and application of therapies commonly used in clinical practice (for example cognitive behavioural approaches), group and systemic interventions, and adaptations for specific populations.
• Clinical Neurodevelopment and Neuropsychology: understanding developmental disorders, acquired brain injury and cognitive assessment techniques.
• Psychopathology and Clinical Practice Across the Lifespan: presentations of mental health conditions in children, adults and older adults, and service contexts including community, inpatient and forensic settings.
• Research Methods and Statistics: quantitative and qualitative methods, critical appraisal, and applied research design for clinical problems.
• Professional Skills and Ethics: reflective practice, professional boundaries, issues of diversity and safeguarding, and working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Dissertation/Applied Research Project: an independent empirical or applied project supervised by academic staff, allowing you to develop specialist knowledge and research competence.

Programme delivery typically combines lectures, seminars, workshops, simulated and real-world skills practice, and supervised placements or practice-based learning where available. The emphasis is on translating theory into clinically relevant skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an honours degree in psychology that confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS), normally at a 2:1 or equivalent. Applicants with a lower classification or from related disciplines may be considered where they can demonstrate substantial relevant experience working with people with mental health or neurodevelopmental needs.

• Relevant practical experience (for example paid or voluntary roles in health, social care or education) is strongly preferred and will strengthen an application.
• Two academic or professional references supporting your suitability for postgraduate study and clinical work are usually required.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements (e.g. an academic English test with minimum component scores), and professional checks such as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required prior to placement components.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to a range of roles in health, social care and research settings. Common career pathways include:

• Assistant psychologist or research assistant roles within NHS mental health services and university research teams.
• Progression to professional training such as a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or other clinical doctoral programmes, subject to competitive selection.
• Employment in community mental health teams, third-sector organisations, education and specialist services supporting neurodevelopmental conditions or older adults.
• Further academic or research careers, for those pursuing doctoral study or research posts.

The programme aims to enhance employability by developing practical clinical skills, research capability and professional behaviours valued by employers across statutory and non-statutory sectors.

Why study at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

UCLan offers taught programmes with an applied focus and established links with local NHS trusts and community services, providing opportunities for practice-based learning and networking. The university has research-active staff in areas relevant to clinical psychology, and teaching is informed by contemporary clinical and research practice.

• UCLan supports students with facilities for skills training, simulation and research supervision, and provides careers and placement support aimed at clinical and research pathways.
• The programme is designed to balance theoretical rigour with practical competence, preparing graduates for roles in applied settings or competitive further professional training.
• Study at UCLan offers a regional base with access to a diverse range of placement environments and established partnerships across health, social care and voluntary sectors.