Psychology

Psychology with a specialism in clinical and mental health addresses the scientific study of mind and behaviour with a particular focus on psychological difficulties, mental health conditions, and the ways in which understanding of these can inform therapeutic and clinical practice. It draws on cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, social psychology and the full range of approaches to understanding how psychological distress arises and how it can be addressed. The clinical and mental health focus means that alongside the scientific foundations of psychology, you engage with theories of psychopathology, approaches to psychological therapy, and the professional and ethical frameworks within which mental health practice operates.

At Teesside University, this part-time programme offers a flexible route into psychology education for students who need to balance their studies with other commitments. You will develop the core competencies of a psychology graduate: the ability to read and evaluate psychological research critically, to understand the strengths and limitations of different research designs, to identify cognitive biases and errors in reasoning, and to apply psychological theory to real-world questions. The clinical and mental health dimension adds a focus on psychological conditions and the factors that protect or undermine wellbeing, preparing you for roles in mental health contexts or for further clinical training.

Graduates from psychology programmes with a clinical and mental health focus are well positioned for work in mental health services, NHS Talking Therapies, social care, youth work, educational support, drug and alcohol services and the third sector. For those who wish to qualify as clinical, counselling, forensic or educational psychologists, further postgraduate training and supervised practice are required, and this degree provides the Graduate Basis for Chartership that is the entry point for those routes. The analytical and interpersonal skills developed also transfer broadly into human resources, public health, research and any field where understanding people matters.