MSc Clinical Associate in Psychology

Our programme provides high-quality clinical training for Clinical Associates
Students or young people sat around a table covered in books, talking in a social or study situation

MSc Clinical Associate in Psychology

Our programme provides high-quality clinical training for Clinical Associates
As of 1 January 2026, government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships is restricted to learners aged 16-21, and under 25 for care leavers and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at the start of their apprenticeship in England.
NHS England has announced a mitigation fund to support training for this programme. 
Organisations should submit expressions of interest to NHS England. For more information on this new funding route, please contact your local NHS England contact.
Applications for September 2027 will open Monday 8 February 2027. 
If you have an enquiry about any of the apprenticeships at the University of Plymouth, please complete the below form.
Enquiry form
The total course cost for the MSc Clinical Associate in Psychology is £16,000. 
PSYC7990: Assessment, formulation and therapeutic skills
PSYC7991: Psychological interventions: Cognitive behavioural therapies and beyond
PSYC7992: Accredited clinical practice
PSYC7993: Professional, ethical and evidence-based practice
PSYC7994: Advanced professional practice: Leadership, consultation and service improvement
PSYC7995: Building Clinical Competency

Assessment Methods

A variety of assessment methods will be used including:
  • reflective statements
  • clinical case reports
  • observed clinical assessments
  • supervisor evaluation of clinical competence
  • CPD log
  • clinical portfolio
  • service evaluation
  • observed clinical practice
  • complex clinical case discussion.
Our programme, developed in partnership with service-providers and users, builds on the University’s distinguished track record in doctoral training in Clinical Psychology, providing high quality clinical training for Clinical Associates (BPS accreditation pending). 
The Clinical Associate programme reflects Plymouth’s recognised expertise in community psychology, social inclusion and systemic approaches to assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation/research. 
We support trainees as they develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to be able to integrate different psychotherapeutic models, and to work effectively where individuals have complex needs. 
The School of Psychology draws on the expertise of an extensive network of local clinicians, trainers, and service users, all of whom contribute to scheduled teaching activities. This diverse expertise provides trainees with a broad range of clinical perspectives and insights.
Recruitment and selection is led by employers, in collaboration with the University. Posts will be advertised on jobs.nhs.uk.
Alongside their qualifications, all applicants for the CAP programme must submit a personal statement demonstrating the necessary academic and professional skills, knowledge and experience for this intensive programme. Applicants should describe why they are interested in pursuing applied psychology training and what their hopes are for their future clinical career. 

Who is the course for?

Our CAP training programme is designed for people who have a background in psychology. This might be in physical or mental health contexts.
The British Psychological Society accredited logo

Areas of specialisms

  • @Adult mental health

  • @Early intervention in psychosis

  • @Learning disability

  • @Neuropsychology

  • @Paediatrics

  • @Forensic psychology

Course facts

Duration: 12 months, plus apprenticeship assessment.
Hours of study per week: Varies across the programme, but equivalent to 7.5 hours per week.
Delivery type: Mixed. Online, face-to-face and clinically based on placement.
Entry requirements: 
  • GCSE English Grade C/4 or accepted equivalent*
  • GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or accepted equivalent*
  • First degree at 2:2 or above in psychology, giving Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership within the British Psychological Society
  • Graduate Basis of Eligibility (GBE) membership of the British Psychological Society
  • Must be older than 15 years and have legally left school on the start date of the apprenticeship
  • Must have lived in the UK/EEA for the last three years
  • Must spend at least 50% of the working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship
*Other alternative qualifications may be considered. Please contact us for more information.
table lamp learning abbie ball
 

Core skills

  • ?Psychological therapy

  • ?Assessment and formulation

  • ?Leadership

  • ?Training and teaching

  • ?Consultation

  • ?Service evaluation

  • ?Reflective and ethical practice

  • ?Therapeutic alliance

psychology phd supervision

Benefits to the employer

CAPs offer employers a number of significant benefits. Firstly, they allow a much needed additional option for increasing the psychological workforce in both mental and physical health contexts. They also offer the opportunity to manage their workforce more effectively and provide development options for members of staff.

Benefits to the apprentice

Training as a CAP will allow clinical career progression within the field of clinical psychology and mental health while also being in paid employment. You'll be trained in cutting-edge clinical models while at the same time become competent at applying systemic and critical thinking, through to your clinical work. 
The programme puts a significant emphasis on supporting trainees, supervisors and employers to maximise your professional and personal development.
Through the University, you'll have access to engaging and practically-based teaching methods and a meaningful and vibrant research environment. We have also developed innovative teaching methods to actively link the academic teaching to your clinical practice.
A significant proportion of your training will be spent within your clinical placement under the direct supervision of a qualified clinical or counselling psychologist.
We caught up with Victoria Partington-Smith, Trainee Clinical Associate Psychologist. She shares her experience of the Clinical Associate Psychology Degree Apprenticeship so far.

CAP degree apprenticeship staff