Applied Psychology

Applied psychology with a clinical focus prepares you to understand the scientific foundations of mind and behaviour while also developing the knowledge and skills to apply that understanding in clinical and health contexts. Psychology is the empirical study of how people think, feel, perceive and act, and its clinical applications address how psychological principles can be used to support people experiencing mental health difficulties, physical health challenges and other conditions that affect their functioning and wellbeing. An applied clinical psychology programme bridges academic science and professional practice, preparing graduates for careers at that intersection.

At the University of Exeter, this four-year programme develops your psychological knowledge through rigorous academic study while also providing the applied and clinical context that prepares you for professional careers in the field. You will develop a thorough grounding in core psychological science alongside specific knowledge of clinical assessment, evidence-based psychological interventions and the contexts in which clinical psychology is practised. A sandwich placement year provides extended professional experience in a clinical or health-related environment, and work placement opportunities throughout the programme connect your academic learning to real clinical settings.

Graduates from applied psychology with clinical orientation pursue careers in mental health support, psychological wellbeing services, NHS primary and secondary care, research, social care, education and a range of roles in the health and social care sector where psychological knowledge is applied. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, health psychology or mental health nursing, which are the routes to professional registration as a practitioner psychologist with the British Psychological Society or the Health and Care Professions Council. The applied orientation of the degree and the placement experience provide a strong foundation for these competitive routes.