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Psychological Therapies and Interventions MSc / PGDip

Offering valuable work placements which will boost your skills and confidence, this course will develop you for a rewarding career in psychological therapies or mental health.
Code
PGC845
Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£10,500 (UK) *
£16,800 (INT) *
Course leader
Deborah Bailey-Rodriguez

Why choose Psychological Therapies and Interventions MSc/PGDip at Middlesex?

This course will provide you with the academic, practical and research skills you need for further professional training in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, psychotherapy, clinical research, and health management.

You will be introduced to a range of approaches to psychological therapy and intervention, and will be supported to develop a range of therapeutic communication and intervention skills both in workshops and through work experience.

As part of the master's degree, you will also acquire the knowledge and skills required to critically assess research in therapeutic psychology and to carry out your own research on a topic that is relevant to psychological therapies or interventions. You'll be taught by staff who are therapy practitioners and researchers in mental health, psychological wellbeing and trauma.

There is also the option of undertaking a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Therapies and Interventions (which involves completing all modules except the dissertation module, and gaining 120 credits), or undertaking a PG Certificate in Psychological Interventions (gaining 60 credits through completion of two modules; the Counselling and Psychotherapy, and Trauma Impact and Interventions modules).

Please note that this course does not result in a therapy practitioner qualification.

What you will gain

You will gain a range of skills in therapeutic communication, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural intervention, and you'll develop a reflective approach to the development of these skills.

You'll also develop the knowledge and skills required to critically assess research in therapeutic psychology, and be able to undertake novel research in an area relating to psychological therapies or interventions.

In addition, you'll be introduced to a wide range of approaches to psychological therapies, you'll focus on the effects of trauma and trauma interventions, and you'll have the chance to undertake a clinically relevant psychology placement.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Valuable psychology placements
    Kick-start your career with a psychology placement: you'll have the chance to undertake a clinically relevant psychology placement of your choice
  • Learn from experts
    You'll be taught by staff who are therapy practitioners and researchers in mental health, psychological wellbeing and trauma, and qualitative research
  • Specialist facilities and equipment
    The Psychology Department has a variety of state-of-the-art facilities and specialist equipment for teaching, learning and research.

Find out more

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

During the course, you'll focus on developing in-depth knowledge, understanding, skills and experience for progressing within therapy-related careers. These careers may include clinical psychology, counselling psychology, psychotherapy, clinical research, and health management.

You'll also explore the main approaches to psychological therapy and interventions and develop an understanding of lifespan trauma experience and its impacts on psychological disorders. You'll also learn how it's assessed and identified, and experienced cross-culturally.

  • Modules - Compulsory

    • Quantitative Research Methods (15 credits)

      This module aims to provide your with core skills and knowledge in quantitative research methods in Psychology. The focus is on understanding how research questions relate to design and appropriate analyses. Across the suite of MSc programmes in Psychology, it provides you with advanced skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enables you to conduct psychological research at master’s level. The module enables you to understand and critically evaluate published quantitative psychological research. It prepares you for your dissertation and enables you to choose appropriate methodologies and analyses for research.

    • Research: Practice and Reporting (60 credits)

      This module aim to provide you with an opportunity for an in-depth, advanced study in a specific area of applied psychology, pertinent to the degree for which you are registered, guided by, but largely independent of, tutor support. You will apply appropriate principles of empirical research, and present your research study in the form of a written journal article, using appropriate styles and conventions.

    • Trauma Impacts and Interventions (30 credits)

      On this module, you will develop a critical understanding of current research evidence and perspectives on psychological trauma and its effects. The impact of trauma on different groups and at different stages of the lifespan will be reviewed. Models of intervention for psychological trauma will be critically examined and the current debates around ameliorating factors and developmental outcomes will be explored.

    • Counselling and Psychotherapy in Applied Psychology (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to the main schools of psychological therapy, their theoretical origins and how the theory is applied in practice. The module will also introduce you to the basic principles of communication skills that form the foundation of all counselling and therapy. Finally, the module will familiarise you with the role of counselling and therapy within all areas of applied psychology.

    • Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)

      This module aims to introduce you to qualitative research methods, and to provide you with knowledge and practice by equipping you with a combination of practical and theoretical skills. You will be introduced to and familiarised with a range of qualitative methodologies and methods of generating and analysing data in-depth. The module allows the time and space necessary for sustained immersion. The module aims to enable you to become proficient in your qualitative research knowledge and skills. You will also develop reflexive practice, which is an essential aspect of qualitative research.

      This module also aims to prepare you to conduct qualitative research in the future, such as in your MSc dissertation projects – it will enable you to choose suitable methodologies and analyses for your research. Therefore, this module is both ideal for, and provides a rich learning opportunity for, students who are undertaking a qualitatively-based or mixed methods dissertation project; those who want to study Psychology at a doctoral level; and for those planning a career in research.

  • Modules - Optional (one of the following)

    • Psychology Placement (30 credits)

      This module will provide you with practical skills relevant to therapeutic applications of psychology and experience in an organisation that is concerned with mental health and/or well-being. You will spend a minimum of 140 hours in a placement of your choosing and will develop your ability to apply psychological knowledge and/or therapeutic communication skills in a workplace context. Examples of placement settings include mental health rehabilitation services, university wellbeing services, and charitable organisations concerned with mental health, well-being and social support. It is expected that you will arrange your own work placement, the suitability of which will be discussed and agreed upon with the module leaders.

    • Psychology Work Based Project (30 credits)

      This module is for students who are currently employed in an organisation that is concerned with mental health and/or well-being. The module will provide you with practical skills relevant to professional development within your job role and the therapeutic applications of psychology. You will conduct a work-based project in order to develop your ability to apply psychological knowledge and/or therapeutic communication skills in a workplace context.

To find out more about this course, please download the Psychological Therapies and Interventions MSc / PGDip specification (PDF).

How we'll teach you

You'll be taught through interactive lectures, participative workshops and lab classes which encourage discussion and debate as well as critical thinking and a deep approach to learning. You'll also develop the skills and ability to apply theory to practice through a psychology placement or through the implementation of a work-based project.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

Where will you study?

You will be based at our north London campus.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Timetable

Whether you are studying full or part-time, your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to you at least two weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week (full-time) looks like this:

Learning

Hours per week

On-campus

11

Independent study

30-35

For the psychology placement, there will be additional hours.

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as lectures, seminars, lab sessions, and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups and workshops.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time, including reading and research. You will also undertake the psychology placement or work-based project required hours.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time.

Academic support

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Students on the programme are supported by the Course Leader, and mentored by module leaders.

Coursework and assessments

You'll be assessed through case study reports, research reports, a reflective diary, critical essays, a reflective essay or a work-based project report, and the applied research dissertation.

Feedback

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.

Hatchcroft Building

The building is the home of world-class science research and teaching at Middlesex, and includes:

  • Specialist psychology research labs
  • Rooms for practising counselling skills
  • Computer lab classrooms

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term, and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the Psychological Therapies and Interventions MSc/PGDip support your career?

Around one in four people will seek professional support for a mental health problem during their lifetime, which means there is consistently high demand for psychological therapies and interventions.

This is designed to help you create a career in psychological therapy or mental health by building on your knowledge, practical skills, experience and confidence. This will help you when applying for highly competitive roles such as Assistant Psychologist or clinical psychology Research Assistant.

Our university's postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career.

95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study – Graduate Outcomes, 2022.

Career paths

Upon graduation, you could go on to work in the areas of mental health, psychological and social wellbeing, overseas development work, and clinical research. You could also pursue a career in clinical psychology such as psychotherapy and counselling training. Or you could choose to continue your academic studies and undertake a PhD in psychology.

We also aim to attract professionals working with deprived client groups in the field of interventions, treatments and social policy, and this qualification will enhance your career path.

Some of the roles our graduates have gone on to work in include Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Mental Health Worker, Assistant Psychologists, and previous students have worked for the NHS and Place2Be.

Other students have gone onto practitioner courses having gained key knowledge and experience on this course, such as Counselling Psychology doctorates and Psychotherapy and Counselling postgraduate courses.

Please note, this course does not provide BPS or BACP accreditation.

MDXworks

MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

  • The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023 
  • A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

Global alumni network

You’ll be studying with students from 122 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.

UK students*

Full-time students: £10,500
Part-time students: £70 per credit
Part-time students: £35 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.

International students*

Full-time students: £16,800
Part-time students:£112 per credit
Part-time students: £56 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.

Additional costs

We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.

  • Free – laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you will need to budget for these:

  • Transport costs to your psychology placement. This will depend where you're travelling to, and where from.
  • Additional printing over and above the £50 annual allowance.
  • The cost of books that you might wish to purchase.

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.

Postgraduate scholarships

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

  • The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
  • The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
  • The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
  • The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
  • Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Dr Deborah Bailey-Rodriguez
Programme leader

Dr Bailey-Rodriguez is a Lecturer in Psychology, with key interests in attachment theory and qualitative research methods. She completed her PhD exploring the transition to second-time parenthood in couple relationships, using qualitative mixed methods at Middlesex University.

Her doctoral research drew and built upon her undergraduate qualitative exploration of the transition to second-time motherhood, where the second child has a disability. During this time, she worked as a voluntary bereavement counsellor.

Dr Bailey-Rodriguez is an Executive Committee member of the International Attachment Netwok (IAN-UK) as well as a member of the Network for Pluralistic Qualitative Researchers (N-PQR), and the Centre for Abuse and Trauma Studies (CATS) at Middlesex University.

Professor Antonia Bifulco
Professor of Lifespan Psychology, Research Director for the Centre for Abuse and Trauma Studies

Professor Bifulco has spent her career investigating trauma at different life-stages and intergenerationally. She is well published and has worked internationally with health and social care agencies undertaking vulnerability assessments and evaluating interventions.

Dr Fiona Starr
Associate Professor, Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Dr Starr works with young people, children and families in clinical practice. She is integrative in her clinical approach and draws on evidence-based CBT, systemic and psychodynamic approaches to psychological distress.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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