Clinical Applications of Psychology
Develop an in-depth understanding of clinical psychology and mental health, focusing on the assessment and treatment of psychological disorder.
in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026
Explore the cognitive, psychological and social factors that influence mental health and evaluate evidence-based assessments and treatments.
At ARU in Cambridge, you’ll be supported by a team of world-leading research academics and experienced clinical psychologists.
Learn through a mix of seminars, lectures and research-led teaching – and graduate with the skills to pursue careers in mental health services, clinical psychology or related professions.
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Learn how to support people living with mental health problems
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Prepare for further training in the fields of clinical psychology or mental health
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Learn from research-active staff and guest lecturers
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Use industry-standard facilities on campus in Cambridge
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Get the knowledge, critical thinking and research skills for a range of careers in mental health, wellbeing and related sectors.
While this course does not lead to qualification as a clinical psychologist, it does provide a strong foundation for further professional training or roles across healthcare, social care, charities, education and research.
Teaching and modules
Develop your understanding of adult mental health problems, evidence-based psychological models and research methods.
You’ll consider factors that affect mental health, including psychological and sociocultural risk factors. We’ll explore current debates in clinical psychology, as you learn about formulation and treatment approaches to different mental health problems in adults.
There’s also the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge to develop basic counselling skills.
You’ll also build your research skills, with modules focusing on statistical techniques in psychological research; or research methods and impact. Your Psychology Dissertation is a chance to put your skills into practice.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Mental Health and Distress: Approaches to Assessment and Diagnosis (30 credits)
- Issues in Scientific Research (30 credits)
- Clinical Formulation and Treatment (30 credits)
- Psychology Dissertation (60 credits)
- Into ARU
- Quantitative Research Methods (30 credits) *
- Essential Research Methods (30 credits) *
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
- Mental Health and Distress: Approaches to Assessment and Diagnosis (30 credits)
- Into ARU
- Quantitative Research Methods (30 credits) *
- Essential Research Methods (30 credits) *
- Issues in Scientific Research (30 credits)
- Clinical Formulation and Treatment (30 credits)
- Psychology Dissertation (60 credits)
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Débora Vasconcelos e SáSenior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology
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Dr Jane ScottSenior Lecturer
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Prof David PearsonProfessor of Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
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Dr Sharon GevaSenior Lecturer in Psychology and Neuroscience
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Professor Sharon Morein-ZamirProfessor
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Natasha FellesSenior Lecturer
Facilities
Study at ARU in Cambridge and use our dedicated Science Centre, home to specialist teaching spaces and research facilities.
Here, you'll find psychology labs for EEG, perception, neuroscience, biomarker analysis and social behaviour research. These facilities support practical learning and independent research, helping you develop the scientific skills for careers in psychology and related fields.
You'll also benefit from extensive library and IT resources.
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Study psychology in our state-of-the-art Science Centre in Cambridge.
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Use specialist equipment and learn more about the brain mechanisms involved in perception, attention and inhibition in the EEG lab.
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Examine how the body responds to a variety of stimuli or tasks using equipment such as wearable eye trackers.
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Observe participants’ behaviours through a CCTV monitoring system in the Social Behaviour Lab.
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![Atrium area in the Science Centre at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge]()
Study psychology in our state-of-the-art Science Centre in Cambridge.
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![An EEG procedure being conducted]()
Use specialist equipment and learn more about the brain mechanisms involved in perception, attention and inhibition in the EEG lab.
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![Tobii Pro 300TX eye-tracker equipment]()
Examine how the body responds to a variety of stimuli or tasks using equipment such as wearable eye trackers.
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![Person wearing an EEG cap in a psychology lab]()
Observe participants’ behaviours through a CCTV monitoring system in the Social Behaviour Lab.