MSc — 2025 entry Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
This course offers a solid foundation in clinical skills and the principles of psychological health and wellbeing. You’ll engage with pioneering ideas for the future of mental health, and begin your development as an empathic, resourceful and reflective practitioner.
Why choose
this course?
- Develop knowledge and skills that are highly desirable within the mental health and psychological professions, with a focus on inclusive practice frameworks and global models of healthcare.
- Learn how to work across a diverse range of social and cultural contexts, informed by people with lived experience of mental health care for themselves or others (experts by experience).
- Access our state-of-the-art psychology facilities, including a six-room virtual reality suite and two observation laboratories, and use the latest equipment to conduct research experiments.
- Learn from experts who are active researchers and clinicians in clinical psychology and the psychological professions.
- Take advantage of our part-time course offering if you are currently working in the field, for example as an assistant psychologist or support worker, or in a mental health or social care support setting.
Statistics
100%
Of our psychology masters graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA)
12th in the UK
Surrey is ranked 12th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025
What you will study
You will engage with a range of foundational theories and clinical skills for enhancing psychological health and wellbeing. Topics include professional and ethical practice, assessment and formulation, developing a therapeutic relationship, and enhancing engagement.
You will study current and critically relevant topics such as neurodiversity, diversity and inclusion, evidence-based psychological interventions (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy and systemic therapy), and global perspectives on mental ill health and wellbeing.
Several modules focus on your development as a reflective practitioner with input from individuals with lived experience to help you apply your knowledge to clinical settings. This person-centred approach has real-world applicability and will enhance access to further authentic clinical research, professional training, and employability in the field of psychology and mental health.
You’ll choose a research topic of your choice and complete either a theory-driven or problem-driven dissertation (arising from a real-world setting) to build on your research capabilities. We’ll match your interests with the expertise of our academic staff, ensuring you get the best support. Depending on your previous experience, you will have an opportunity to choose between two research modules to best suit your needs.
Research groups
You’ll be invited to join one of our research groups, where you’ll participate in discussions about research topics, findings and publications, and you’ll benefit from our links with renowned research institutions across the world. Our research addresses the mental health needs of those across the life span from children and their families, emerging adults, perinatal mental health transitions in adulthood, and ageing well in later life. We also research the complexity of managing co-morbid conditions and attending to the diversity of need in our communities. We have a host of external speakers that visit us and present their work, and a collection of seminars and workshops, allowing you to network with like-minded individuals.
Facilities
Our exceptional facilities will give you access to the latest equipment, including a virtual reality suite to simulate real-life scenarios and two observation labs. You’ll also have access to an extensive library of psychometric and clinical tests, 20 bookable project rooms, a breakout space, equipment lockers and a computer lab.
Across the course, modules will be delivered in two ways. The research modules and the Global Modals of Mental Health module will consist of lectures, workshops or seminars delivered weekly across the semester.
The four remaining modules will each be delivered over six full days. Each of these days will include the following learning and teaching opportunities: self-directed study and lectures to develop and critique knowledge, followed by workshops and seminars to support the application of this knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios. These teaching days will be delivered over four weeks in semesters one and two.
This condensed teaching structure will help you to make theory-to-practice links and facilitate the development of good and trusting working relationships with your peers. You’ll practise new skills in workshops and receive direct feedback from lecturers to address your learning and development needs.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits, up to a maximum of 120 credits.
Course options
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
This level 7 module introduces students to the principles and practices of qualitative research. It provides students with the requisite knowledge and skills to undertake, critically evaluate, and write up a small qualitative research project. Students will be introduced to a range of methods of qualitative data collection and analytic procedures and gain insight into the application of qualitative methods through practical group work. Students will be encouraged to participate actively and think critically about the principles, methods and procedures that we will discuss. In terms of the students’ learning journey, the module will equip them to undertake a qualitative project for their dissertation should they choose to do so. The module is designed to introduce students who have little or no experience of qualitative research to the principles and practices of this approach. It also meets the needs of those who already have some experience in this area, by enabling these students to build on, refine, and extend their existing knowledge through the provision of advanced material on Surrey Learn in the form of captured content relating to additional methods of analysing qualitative data. These students will also be encouraged to extend their practical knowledge and experience by selecting an analytic procedure that they have not previously used to analyse the data for their group project. Through conducting a small group project students will be given the opportunity to gain experience in conducting qualitative research and in applying the principles and practices covered in the lectures. The module provides students with an opportunity to learn about the interpersonal skills required to conduct a good research interview and those needed to successfully conduct and manage a group project. Students are also encouraged to develop their personal reflective skills to enhance their understanding of how their own cultural background, social identity, gender, previous experiences, and prior knowledge can shape data collection and analysis, as well as individual sense-making.
View full module detailsOptional
This module equips students with the skills to design and undertake academic research in psychology, in preparation for developing their own dissertations. The module will cover key aspects of research design, including literature review, forming hypotheses, ethical conduct, and study design and methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Students will propose a study design in a group presentation; implement the study via small-scale data collection and analysis; and present and discuss the findings in an individual research report.
View full module detailsThis module will provide students with knowledge, skills, and practical experience of advanced research methods and design. It emphasises a critical and creative approach to evaluating research methods and design and applying them to scientific questions. It will support the development of novel, theoretically significant, rigorous, and impactful research proposals.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
This course is a lab-based/practical course intended to get students to use the freely available Jamovi software for data analysis and to understand what they are doing when they use it.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Core
It is a requirement of the University that taught postgraduate programmes include a dissertation and/or major project module. For this module students will conduct their own piece of empirical research in an area relevant to their Masters course, under supervision of a member of academic staff. For the assessment students will subject either a qualitative or mixed-method research report of 10,000 words or a quantitative research report of 8,000 words (maximum).Overall student workload: 600 hoursThis includes 12 hours of tutor supervision. These hours will include development of theoretical framework, aims and hypotheses, recruiting samples, fieldwork and liaison with key personnel as appropriate, data recording and analysis, interpretation and writing up. Specific times for these subsections cannot be given as they vary from project to project.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Year 1
Semester 1
Optional
This module equips students with the skills to design and undertake academic research in psychology, in preparation for developing their own dissertations. The module will cover key aspects of research design, including literature review, forming hypotheses, ethical conduct, and study design and methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Students will propose a study design in a group presentation; implement the study via small-scale data collection and analysis; and present and discuss the findings in an individual research report.
View full module detailsThis module will provide students with knowledge, skills, and practical experience of advanced research methods and design. It emphasises a critical and creative approach to evaluating research methods and design and applying them to scientific questions. It will support the development of novel, theoretically significant, rigorous, and impactful research proposals.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
This course is a lab-based/practical course intended to get students to use the freely available Jamovi software for data analysis and to understand what they are doing when they use it.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Year 2
Semester 1
Compulsory
This level 7 module introduces students to the principles and practices of qualitative research. It provides students with the requisite knowledge and skills to undertake, critically evaluate, and write up a small qualitative research project. Students will be introduced to a range of methods of qualitative data collection and analytic procedures and gain insight into the application of qualitative methods through practical group work. Students will be encouraged to participate actively and think critically about the principles, methods and procedures that we will discuss. In terms of the students’ learning journey, the module will equip them to undertake a qualitative project for their dissertation should they choose to do so. The module is designed to introduce students who have little or no experience of qualitative research to the principles and practices of this approach. It also meets the needs of those who already have some experience in this area, by enabling these students to build on, refine, and extend their existing knowledge through the provision of advanced material on Surrey Learn in the form of captured content relating to additional methods of analysing qualitative data. These students will also be encouraged to extend their practical knowledge and experience by selecting an analytic procedure that they have not previously used to analyse the data for their group project. Through conducting a small group project students will be given the opportunity to gain experience in conducting qualitative research and in applying the principles and practices covered in the lectures. The module provides students with an opportunity to learn about the interpersonal skills required to conduct a good research interview and those needed to successfully conduct and manage a group project. Students are also encouraged to develop their personal reflective skills to enhance their understanding of how their own cultural background, social identity, gender, previous experiences, and prior knowledge can shape data collection and analysis, as well as individual sense-making.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Core
It is a requirement of the University that taught postgraduate programmes include a dissertation and/or major project module. For this module students will conduct their own piece of empirical research in an area relevant to their Masters course, under supervision of a member of academic staff. For the assessment students will subject either a qualitative or mixed-method research report of 10,000 words or a quantitative research report of 8,000 words (maximum).Overall student workload: 600 hoursThis includes 12 hours of tutor supervision. These hours will include development of theoretical framework, aims and hypotheses, recruiting samples, fieldwork and liaison with key personnel as appropriate, data recording and analysis, interpretation and writing up. Specific times for these subsections cannot be given as they vary from project to project.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Teaching and learning
You’ll participate in lectures and seminars, and you’ll complete independent study and practical assignments throughout the course. You'll also participate in group work such as debates and journal clubs.
Teaching will be delivered by lecturers who are accredited clinicians or researchers. Expertise will be drawn from across the School of Psychology and its clinical programmes, with learning enhanced by presentations from individuals with lived experience of mental health problems or their carers.
- Seminars
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Group work
- Project work
- Research work
- Tutorials
- Online learning
- Role play
- Independent study
- Practical sessions
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including coursework, essays, examinations and presentations.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester.
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week, and in subsequent semesters, two weeks prior to the start of semester.
Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from Academic Administration.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
On this course, you’ll gain the transferrable skills and knowledge you need to pursue further research or study towards a rewarding career in clinical psychology, other psychological professions or within the wider mental health or social care sector. This could include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Counselling
- Mental health nursing
- Occupational therapy.
For those who are already working with the mental health or social care sector, this course is an excellent way to expand your knowledge whilst broadening and diversifying your practice and supporting opportunities for career progression.
If you plan to pursue a career in clinical psychology or another psychological profession, you will be required to undertake a doctorate in clinical psychology or a relevant practitioner postgraduate course (including NHS Talking Therapies courses) to be eligible to practise and achieve qualified practitioner status.
100% of our psychology masters graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA).
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:1 UK honours degree in a related subject, such as psychology or an equivalent professional qualification, or a recognised international equivalent.
Applicants who do not meet the standard requirements but have a strong relevant background are encouraged to apply, as the department may consider them on a case-by-case basis.
Students wishing to go on to apply for an applied psychology course after the programme, will require eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Pre-Masters
Prepare for postgraduate study and boost your career prospects. This is an intensive programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language preparation designed to help you succeed.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
September 2025 - Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- £10,900
- Overseas
- £24,900
September 2025 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK
- £5,500
- Overseas
- £12,500
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2025-26 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule (students on an unstructured self-paced part-time course are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan).
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be October/November of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
- Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis: cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices.
Additional costs
- General programme related costs such as study materials
- Potential costs involved in conducting independent learning remotely e.g. internet connection etc.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
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Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyPlease note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyAdmissions information
Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.
Our code of practice for postgraduate admissions policy explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.
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- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2024/25 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
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Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
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