Applied Psychology (Healthcare) for Children and Young People MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Clinical Psychology

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: February 2028

Key facts

School

School of Health in Social Science

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study location

Central Area

17 to 19 November 2026: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

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About the degree programme

This taught masters programme trains psychology graduates to become competent practitioners in psychological assessment and interventions with children, young people and families presenting with mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

Developed in partnership with the NHS, this programme combines academic teaching with clinical practice training in applied psychology for children and young people.

Designed to respond to innovations in the training structure for applied psychologists. It also aims to meet a need within Scotland to enhance the workforce in psychological health care, especially within an early intervention framework for children and young people.

It allows you to develop knowledge and competence in the delivery of evidence-based psychological interventions for this group, and skills and competencies for the delivery of Tier 2 psychological assessments and interventions in services for children, young people and their families.

The programme offers a combination of academic and clinical skills teaching, enabling you to gain valuable experience applying psychological theory to practice under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist (or equivalent) through a full-year clinical placement in an NHS Scotland Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Trainees will be involved in delivering services immediately.

Successful applicants will be employed as a trainee Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology for a fixed term of one year by a Scottish NHS board.

Alongside essential elements for applied psychologists in health (such as assessment and formulation, and evaluation) and child and adolescent mental health professionals (such as safeguarding children, child and adolescent development and health promotion), the programme has a particular focus on:

  • psychological interventions
  • early years
  • early intervention

There is also a strong emphasis on parenting and supporting parents through evidence-based models of parent-focused intervention.

The distinguishing feature of the MSc is its collaboration between:

  • the University of Edinburgh
  • NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
  • key NHS stakeholders and clinical psychologists working within several NHS Health Board areas
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health services. 

Several of the territorial Health Boards in Scotland provide training placements and supervisors for the trainees.

Tuition fees

The programme is currently fully funded by Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland, formerly NHS Education for Scotland).

Tuition fees and travel expenses are paid by PSD Scotland and trainees on the programme receive a salary as an employee of the NHS. Those accepted on these funded places are currently employed by the NHS as a trainee Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology while they study, through one of the Scottish health boards.

For 2025/2026, this salary was Agenda for Change Band 6 (entry at first point of scale, £41,608). This applies to all trainees, regardless of previous experience. For all trainees, there will be a move to the next pay point on Band 6 after two years.

There are currently no self-funded places on the programme.

Eligibility for Funding

The MSc Applied Psychology (Healthcare) for Children and Young People has been designed as an innovation in the training structure for Applied Psychologists and provides MSc graduates to NHS workforce roles.

There are restrictions on funding if you have previously received, or are currently receiving funding for certain Public Services Delivery Scotland-funded programmes (PSD Scotland, formerly NHS Education for Scotland).

If you have previously received, or are currently in receipt of funding for any of the following programmes, you will not normally be eligible to receive funding for this programme until either:

  • a minimum of 18 months after the award for the previous PSD (or NHS Education for Scotland) funded training is recommended by a qualifying examination board or by chair’s action after the qualifying exam board (or achieved by other recognised route)
  • a period of 24 months after exiting from a programme where you enrolled but did not complete the award

The 18 or 24 month period is from the date of award/exit from the previous training to the date of commencing the subsequent training.

PSD Scotland funded training programmes:

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (University of Edinburgh/NHS Scotland and University of Glasgow/NHS Scotland)
  • MSc Applied Psychology for Children and Young People (University of Edinburgh/NHS Scotland)
  • MSc Psychological Therapies in Primary Care (Universities of Dundee and Stirling/NHS Scotland)
  • Stage 2 Health Psychology Training (NHS Scotland/British Psychological Society)
    • For Stage 2 Health Psychology Training the date of award is taken as end of the 2 year NES funded contract, rather than award of the qualification by the BPS.
  • Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Training (Human Development Scotland/NHS Scotland)
  • Postgraduate certificates and diplomas in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) training to Accredited Practitioner or Supervisor level
  • Family Based Treatment (FBT) training to Accredited Practitioner or Supervisor level
  • Family Therapy (FT) Masters level Training
  • Enhanced Psychological Practice Programme, with Adults (EPP-A) or with Children, Young People and their Families (EPP-CYP), (Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and PSD Scotland)

As an example, this means if you are successful and accept a place on the MSc Applied Psychology (Healthcare) for Children and Young People for 2028 entry, you would not be eligible to apply to the Clinical Psychology Doctorate at Glasgow or Edinburgh in the September to November/December 2028 application window for entry in 2029.

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Living costs: estimates explained 

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent. 

We will also consider applicants with successful completion of a BPS accredited MSc Psychology conversion programme and where the applicant achieved an average mark of 60% or above (this reflects BPS guidance), or a higher diploma conversion qualification with 240 credit equivalent (120 ECTS) and confers GBC, where the overall number of research credits is at least 80 (40 ECTS) and the higher diploma is at 2.1 equivalent level or above.

You must be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (you may be eligible for GBC either through your undergraduate degree or through a GBC masters conversion course).

A genuine interest in working with Children and Young People is essential as is a commitment to evidence based practice.

You will be required to attend an interview as part of our selection process. If you are invited to interview, you must provide proof of eligibility for the British Psychological Society Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Please contact the British Psychological Society if you need advice on whether your qualification gives you eligibility for GBC.

Visa Requirements

You must meet the visa requirements to be employed in the UK. Successful applicants to the programme are currently employed by the NHS while they study.  By applying for this programme you would be applying for a job with the NHS and therefore need to have the right to work in the UK without restriction.  A student visa is not applicable for this programme as, if you were accepted, you would be classed as an employee, not a student.  We are currently not employee-sponsoring any trainees.  We are not qualified to tell you whether you have the right to work in the UK or not. If you are unsure of your status, please:

Relevant Experience

Essential Experience and Skills:

  • Evidence of reflection on experience, clinical or non-clinical and academic, in relation to the role of trainee Clinical Associate.
  • Demonstrable knowledge and interest in relevant psychological theories and models for working with children, young people or families and/or developmental psychology and / or common mental health difficulties experienced by children and young people.
  • Knowledge of early childhood experience and the impact of this on child and family development.
  • Awareness of early intervention approaches as applied to working with children, young people and families.
  • Knowledge of policy and legislation in relation to children.
  • Knowledge of research design and methodology and evidence of research skills in relation to the critical appraisal of literature, data analysis, data interpretation and research ethicst.
  • Evidence of appropriate skills necessary to communicate complex information effectively (orally and in writing).
  • Evidence of the ability to interact effectively and build rapport with children, young people and their families.
  • Awareness of need for professionalism at all times, in behaviour, maintaining confidentiality, appropriate dress, punctuality and reliability.
  • Ability to communicate empathically and sensitively when required, particularly in emotive situations.
  • An understanding of professional guidelines as defined by the Health and Care Professions Council and British Psychological Society.
  • A strong commitment to evidence-based practice.
  • An interest in working with children and young people and their families.

Desirable Experience and Skills:

  • Paid or voluntary work in relevant areas such as education, social care, research and health care settings or supervised psychological work.
  • Evidence of a critical understanding of the relevance of early childhood experience to child and family mental health and wellbeing.
  • Good analytical skills in judging and formulating an interpersonal situation and in imparting or reporting to key people such as clients, professional colleagues or senior personnel).
  • Clear commitment to working within the NHS Health board area.
  • Driving licence may be desirable in some health board areas.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test (restrictions apply)
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The programme is a one year, full-time course with teaching delivered at both the University of Edinburgh and NHS partnership sites in Glasgow.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Placements

Clinical placements will be with one of the NHS Health Boards in Scotland. Not all Health Boards offer placements in any given year and participating Health Boards will be confirmed later in the selection process.

Applicants will be asked to state which boards they would accept placements in as part of the application process. You will be required to meet the requirements of your employing board with regards to attending placement setting, and in relation to hybrid or remote working patterns.

Placements may require the trainee to reside within the Health Board for the duration of their training. Trainees will also be expected to attend teaching with the University of Edinburgh and NHS partnership sites in Glasgow during their programme. 

As part of the education programme and their NHS placement requirements, trainees will be required to attend all scheduled teaching workshops.

NHS Health Boards in Scotland

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Trainees will attend the University of Edinburgh and NHS partnership sites in Glasgow for taught course teaching blocks and days throughout the year.

Teaching and learning methods include:

  • lectures
  • clinical skills workshops
  • independent study
  • individual reading. 

A substantial proportion of teaching is workshop-based and trainees are encouraged to develop clinical decision-making skills as well as skills necessary for carrying out psychological interventions with children, young people and families.

Assessment of academic work is through a small scale research proposal, case conceptualisation, health promotion essay, and a Masters Dissertation of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 words in length. 

You will receive feedback throughout the year. Assessment of clinical competence is continuous and monitored via placement visits carried out by the MSc Clinical Tutor team.

Learning outcomes

The MSc in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People aims to train psychology graduates in the range of skills and competencies essential for the delivery of tier two psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions in services for children, young people and their families.

On completion of training, trainees will be able to demonstrate a range of skills and competences, which include the ability to:

  • Understand the relevant contemporary psychological and developmental theories and the application of the knowledge base in applied psychology to underpin clinical practice.
  • Integrate prior knowledge in novel situations, enhancing their professional ability to think critically, creatively, and reflectively; and to evaluate the impact of planned psychological interventions.
  • Apply appropriate assessment procedures, develop appropriate formulations, and implement appropriate interventions with clients, recognising and observing professional boundaries and standards of competence, and conducting appropriate appraisal of the impact of such procedures in service delivery systems within CAMHS, using highly developed self-reflective skills.
  • Understand the importance of fostering productive and therapeutic working alliances with clients, while maintaining awareness of the wider social setting of interventions, and balancing the needs of clients and service delivery systems.
  • Understand the range of service delivery models in CAMHS available for interventions at individual, group and systemic levels.
  • Work in collaboration with others to conduct and report evaluation and audit models to evaluate interventions and service delivery.
  • Demonstrate competence in the selection and implementation of appropriate methodological designs for the evaluation of efficacious and effective interventions in practice.
Personal and Professional Skills
  • Understand their responsibilities towards clients they come in contact with. Trainees will understand the need to remain cognisant of the ethical demands in practice and remain bound by the BPS code of conduct.
  • Develop an awareness of the inherent power imbalance between practitioners and recipients of their care and minimise the potential for the abuse of this power imbalance.
  • Know the professional responsibilities of working within the limits of one’s competence and the duty to seek supervision as appropriate.
  • Know they have a duty and responsibility to maintain collaborative working arrangements with colleagues and service users.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Accreditation

The MSc in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Successful completion of this programme will enable graduates to apply for Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (Children and Young People) posts.

Career opportunities

The clinical experience gained on placement links theory to practice and fosters the development of professional skills necessary for post-qualification practice.

This programme will qualify you to apply for Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (Children and Young People) posts or equivalent in a number of settings, both within the NHS and in other organisations such as the voluntary sector.

You will also gain highly transferable skills, such as communication and project management.

Graduates from this programme will have a wide range of competences that will enable them to work in a number of different settings both within the NHS and in the voluntary sector. 

Graduates will be competent to work clinically with children, young people and their families in a variety of mental health and primary care settings.

Previous graduates have gone on to a number of roles, including:

  • Clinical Associate
  • Child and Adolescent Therapists
  • Primary Mental Health Worker
  • Mental Health Worker in Schools
  • Community Mental Health Worker

Within the NHS further career development is available and encouraged through continuing professional development and progression, according to the competences acquired, as outlined in Agenda for Change.

Trainees are not automatically offered employment following graduation. Although we expect there to be adequate employment opportunities for graduates in any given year, these are advertised through the usual recruitment channels for NHS and other similar employment opportunities. 

Graduates are not required to work in their NHS placement areas following graduation and can apply for positions in any area of Scotland or beyond.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

The selection process for the MSc Applied Psychology (Healthcare) for Children and Young People is conducted in three stages.

Stage 1

  • Complete and submit the application before the specified deadline.
  • You must also complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. This is included in the online application form.

Stage 2

  • Your submitted application is distributed to the academic programme team for an initial screening.
  • Applications that fulfil the essential criteria are then passed on to representatives of the relevant Health Boards and the academic programme team for short-listing.
  • Candidates selected at this stage will be invited for interview. You will be notified by email if you have been shortlisted for interview.

Stage 3

  • Two joint interview panels (of NHS and academic representatives) select applicants for admission onto the programme.
  • Interviews will be conducted remotely.

The University does not permit students to be registered on more than one programme of study at any one time.

Consequently, you must advise us if you are currently on a programme at this or any other university or institution and you must ensure that you exit any current programme of study before the start of this programme.

When to apply

Applications open in June for intake the following February.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

After you apply

Selection Procedure 

The selection and appointment procedure reflects the partnership of NHS Scotland employers, PSD Scotland, and the universities in the commitment to attract excellent candidates. 

Successful candidates will be employees of the individual NHS Health Boards. Applicants will be asked to state which boards they would accept placements in as part of the application process. You will be required to meet the requirements of your employing board with regards to attending placement setting, and in relation to hybrid or remote working patterns.

Members of the MSc Programme Team and representatives from employing health boards will undertake a shortlisting process of the applications submitted. All decisions through screening, shortlisting and invitation to interview stages are made with the applicant’s identity concealed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview where the panels will comprise representatives from employing NHS Health Boards and the MSc Programme Team.

Following interviews, each NHS Board area will appoint the appropriate number of successful candidates to places available within their health board.  

After interview candidates will receive a conditional offer or reserve listing or will be informed that they have been unsuccessful. Feedback after interview is not given routinely but is available to unsuccessful applicants on request.  

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our Programme Administrator about your eligibility or how to apply.

applied.psych.cyp@ed.ac.uk

Academic contact

Dr Angus Macbeth

Programme Director

  • School of Health in Social Science
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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