Forensic and Investigative Psychology
MSc
Postgraduate
September 2026
Overview
|
Applications for this course will open shortly. Please check back here for updates. If you have any questions, please contact our Course Enquiries Team via email, WhatsApp, or phone on 01227 928000. Our course teams will also be available to answer your questions at our upcoming open days. |
Gain an in-depth understanding of clinical psychology with this evidence-based Master’s degree in Applied Clinical Psychology. Suitable for graduates with a relevant degree, this MSc will prepare you to train in various mental health disciplines and can be a stepping stone to doctoral training.
Taught in collaboration with the Salomons Institute of Applied Psychology, which is a part of CCCU, our MSc Applied Clinical Psychology will enable you to apply scientific theory and principles of psychology to help in the understanding and alleviation of psychological distress whilst promoting wellbeing.
With a strong emphasis on research, you will gain a sound understanding of clinical psychology assessment, formulation, intervention, and evaluations across a range of theoretical models and client groups.
What’s more, you will develop a reflective and critical understanding of developmental, social, cultural, and organisational contexts, and their impact on individuals and the delivery of psychological services. With our course taking a person-centred approach, you will appreciate the importance and nature of service-user perspectives.
Why study MSc Applied Clinical Psychology at CCCU?
- Learn from a range of qualified clinical psychologists, active researchers, and mental health experts.
- Prioritise a person-centred and evidence-based approach to your practice as you gain a well-rounded understanding of clinical psychology.
- Choose to study on a full or part-time basis to suit your circumstances.
The experienced experts in the field bridging theory and practice helped me discover my authentic path in clinical psychology. Being encouraged to conduct my own research on a topic close to my heart has affirmed my goals and prepared me for doctoral training with confidence and purpose.Danielle, student
Why study at CCCU?
Entry requirements
Entry requirement: 2:2 minimum in an undergraduate course with Psychology major, including successful completion of research methods modules (covering quantitative and qualitative approaches) and a dissertation (independent research project) module.
Note: prior completion of a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degree is not required for this course; however for those considering progression towards a future application for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, completion of a BPS accredited psychology undergraduate programme, or a conversion course to a level which confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS (GBC), would normally be required. Please check qualification entry requirements for individual institutions if you may be considering the Doctoral route at a later stage.
International students will be considered on a ‘case by case’ basis and may be required to attend an interview. However, it is expected they will have completed at least an undergraduate degree with a major in psychology or a postgraduate degree with a focus in psychology.
IELTS: If your native language is not English we will require you to obtain IELTS (or equivalent) 7.0 overall, with no less than 7.0 in writing and no less than 6.5 in all other bands.
For more information on the IELTS (International English language Testing System) requirements for this course, please click here to visit our dedicated IELTS web page.
2:2
in Psychology major
Module information
Core/optional modules
*Modules subject to approval
How you’ll learn
Building an inclusive learning community is a key priority on this course. We have inclusivity, accessibility, and the student experience at the heart of our course design and have designed the curriculum to ensure it is relevant, engaging, and reflects the interests and background of our students.
A main priority is for students to feel engaged in teaching, therefore you will experience a variety of learning and teaching techniques, which will vary from module to module. These may include lectures, seminars, online sessions, group work, practical-based workshops, role-plays, and research projects, as well as guided and independent study.
Lectures use real-life case studies to help you explore key areas of clinical psychology and understand the challenges people face at different stages of life. You’ll learn how to look at these issues from different psychological perspectives and think about them in a clear, thoughtful, and critical way. Through tutor-led discussions and group activities, you’ll dive into current debates about clinical psychology and gain a better understanding of how social and personal factors shape human behaviour and interaction.
Full-time students will normally attend teaching two days per week.
The majority of teaching will take place in Canterbury. However, teaching may occasionally take place at the Salomons Institute in Tunbridge Wells.
Independent study will help you build important skills like finding, understanding, and organising information from different sources (like books, journals, or the internet). It also gives you the chance to take charge of your own learning and develop useful study skills.
As a guide, we recommend you dedicate around 35 to 40 hours per week to your studies for full-time students. This includes all independent and directed study (including on campus sessions) as well as assessment planning and preparation.
You’ll be given helpful materials and extra resources to support your independent study. These might include things like articles to read, videos to watch, podcasts to listen to, or reflective activities to try. They’re designed to help you explore the topic before the session and to build a deeper understanding during your own study time.
The course is taught by experienced professionals, including university researchers, qualified clinical psychologists, and mental health practitioners who work in the NHS, voluntary services, and at the Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology. This means you will learn from experts with real-world experience and have the chance to talk with clinicians about their work and what it is like to work in clinical settings.
In terms of support, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will also double as your mentor. This person will be your first port of call and will be available throughout your time with us. We also have dedicated psychology technicians, Learning Skills Hub, Careers and Enterprise Hub, Student Support Advisers, Student Disability Team, Mental Wellbeing Team, and Prayer and faith support.
When you start your independent research project, you will get one-to-one support from an experienced supervisor who will guide you through the process, help you shape your ideas, and support you every step of the way. It is a great chance to research a topic you are passionate about with expert advice by your side.
You will benefit from specialised teaching from qualified clinical practitioners and researchers, providing an in-depth knowledge of the field that will serve as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in clinical psychology or mental health.Dr Elizabeth RoxburghCourse Director
How you’ll be assessed
The programme will comprise 6 modules of 20 credits, and a research project of 60 credits, making a total of 180 credits.
Assessment is on an ongoing basis, using a number of formats designed to tap into the different skills you are expected to develop during your time with us, and may include written assignments, practical assignments and reports, presentations, and a final research project.
Our assessments are designed to give you different ways to show what you have learned and to build your skills along the way. You will have the chance to apply both theory and practical knowledge from different modules, helping you gain experience that's relevant to real-world practice. This approach not only supports your learning but also helps you develop the transferable skills you will need for your future career.
Each module offers plenty of opportunities for you to get helpful feedback and support as you learn, such as tutorials, assessment workshops, in-class discussions, drop-in sessions, and online discussion boards. These activities are designed to guide you through your studies, build your confidence, and help you improve your assessments.
Your future career
The aim of the programme is to provide you with a detailed understanding and knowledge of the theory and practice of clinical psychology, in preparation for potentially undertaking doctoral training in clinical psychology*, or training in other mental health-related disciplines. It therefore serves as a potential stepping stone towards a career in clinical psychology or mental health.
The course prepares students for roles, including:
- Digital Mental Health Content Developer
- School Mental Health Coordinator
- Mental Health Research Manager
- Volunteer Coordinator for crisis services
- Mental Health Campaign Coordinator
- Workplace Mental Health Advisor
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
- Research Assistant
- Assistant Psychologist
- Patient Experience Officer
- NHS Clinical Quality Audit Officer
* It should be noted that this MSc does not form part of a doctoral qualification in clinical psychology or form part of a professional qualification as a clinical psychologist, and does not guarantee students entry onto a clinical psychology doctorate course. Furthermore, completion of this MSc is not a requirement for entry onto a clinical psychology doctorate course. However, clinical psychology is a highly sought after career, and it is intended that this course will provide valuable learning in preparation for seeking clinical psychology training.
If you are wanting to continue your studies, you can do so with the Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology.
We also have a Careers and Enterprise Team. They can help you achieve your future goals with lots of free online resources and support, plus advice on CV writing and job applications, interviews and assessments, skills building and personal development.
The MSc Applied Clinical Psychology at CCCU offers excellent teaching from experienced professionals who are experts in their field. Since completing the course, I have secured a role as an Honorary Assistant Psychologist in a private clinic, assessing for Autism, ADHD, and tics. The knowledge and skills I gained have been directly relevant to my work, giving me the confidence to apply what I learned in a real-world setting.AnnnettGraduate
Related courses
Fees
Government loans are available for some postgraduate Master’s courses. Loans are subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.
The rules around course eligibility mean that in some cases it may depend on how you are studying (full-time or part-time) as to whether you can apply for a postgraduate loan. To check whether your course is eligible, you can email the Student Fees Team or call 01227 923 456.
Tuition Fees for 2026/27 have not yet been finalised. These course web pages will be updated with Tuition Fee information once they have been agreed.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for postgraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Industry links
Teaching is conducted by a range of mental health practitioners and qualified clinical psychologists working in the NHS or based at the Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology. We also have an expert by experience visit and discuss service user involvement.
We offer a field trip to the Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology to learn about applying for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and meet with trainees.
There are opportunities to become an ambassador or student course representative and have access to bespoke training delivered by the Students' Union. Students can log the hours that they spend on student rep business on their Christ Church Volunteering Profile. This enables them to work towards one of four Certificates in Volunteering, helping their CV or LinkedIn profile stand out from the crowd.
Apply now
I would like to start
I would like to study
Duration:
1 yearLocation(s):
CanterburyPostgraduate student links
Any questions?
