MSc Research in Clinical Psychology

University of Hertfordshire

This module is all about doing research – robustly, ethically and competently. This module helps you to experience how research informs practice and vice versa.

In this module, you will deepen your understanding of advanced statistical techniques such as MANOVA, ANCOVA, and regression modelling, building on your foundation from Evidence-Based Practice. You will apply these methods to real-world data challenges, gaining hands-on experience with statistical software. Through practical exercises, you will develop skills in data management, statistical analysis, interpretation and professional reporting. This module aims to equip you with the tools to apply quantitative methods in psychological research while critically assessing their strengths and limitations.

This module will guide you through key approaches to psychopathology, exploring how mental disorders and behavioural challenges develop, are classified, diagnosed and researched. You will examine leading models like developmental psychopathology and the bio-psycho-social approach, alongside alternative perspectives such as the social constructionist view. Particular attention will be given to the dimensional and diagnostic approaches to psychopathology. By critically engaging with these, you will gain a well-rounded understanding, preparing you for research and practice.

The module will introduce you to the fundamentals of psychological assessment in clinical psychology, including key psychiatric classification systems. You will learn how to understand and critically evaluate various assessment procedures, from interviews and psychometric tests to formulation as an alternative approach. The module will dive into the strengths and limitations of these methods, while also addressing the professional and ethical considerations involved in clinical psychology assessments.

In this module, you will be guided through the major therapeutic models used in clinical psychology, helping you understand both their unique and shared features. You will learn how these techniques are applied in individual, couple, family and group therapy, with clients displaying varying issues. We will explore the evidence behind these interventions, discussing their real-world impact and how to use evidence-based practice effectively in clinical settings.

This module will introduce you to key qualitative research approaches used in psychology, such as phenomenology, conversational analysis, and theory development. We will explore different epistemological positions and the non-linear process of qualitative research, focusing on the concept of an 'emergent research design'. You will gain hands-on experience in developing interview guides, and coding and interpreting data. By analysing published research, you will also learn to critically evaluate rigour, validity and strategies such as triangulation.

In this Research Internship module, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your core research knowledge and skills through completion of online sessions curated to cover essential psychological research concepts and methods, such as , 'What is a systematic review?' , ' How to write a research question'. Following these sessions, you will work alongside a staff member, applying this knowledge to real-world research tasks. This is a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills in a supportive, real-world setting.

This skills-based module aims to equip you with professional knowledge and practical abilities for clinical settings. You will gain a critical understanding of ethical principles and their real-world applications, while enhancing your verbal and non-verbal communication skills with service users, research participants and colleagues. With a focus on clinical problem-solving, the module includes a hand-on simulation assessment, ensuring you develop transferable skills for clinical work.

In this module, you will apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme to conduct a comprehensive research project in Clinical Psychology. Under supervision, you will design and carry out a quantitative or qualitative study, develop a research proposal for pre-registration, obtain ethical approval (if required), analyse data and present your findings. This hands-on experience allows you to put theory into practice, refine your research abilities, and demonstrate your growth as an independent researcher, preparing you for future academic or clinical roles.