Course summary
Understand how the human mind works and how we can support people with mental health difficulties. You’ll study how different areas of psychology connect to help us explain, assess, and treat conditions like anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addiction.
You’ll explore all the core areas of psychology, including developmental, biological, cognitive, and evolutionary approaches, while learning how they relate to mental health. You’ll also focus on key clinical skills such as patient assessment, professional ethics, and case formulation, which are essential tools for working in mental health settings.
The BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology course puts a strong emphasis on practical learning and reflection. You’ll gain experience in thinking like a clinical psychologist and may take part in clinical or therapy based placements, or work with students from other health courses. You’ll be taught by experts with real-world clinical experience, who bring current practice and research into the classroom to help you apply theory to real-life situations.
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). If you graduate with at least a 2:2 degree, you’ll gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership which is the first step to becoming a clinical psychologist.
Many of our graduates go on to work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, mental health teams, and therapy services. Some pursue further study to become chartered clinical psychologists or take on assistant psychologist roles. You’ll also develop valuable skills that open doors beyond psychology. Our graduates have gone into social work, education, HR, public services, coaching, and therapy related careers in both the public and private sectors.
Why Sunderland for PsychologyIntegrated Foundation Year
This course is available with an Integrated Foundation Year, an extra year of your degree. This route offers a supportive way of transitioning into university study. It may be suitable for you if you:
- Have valuable work or life experience but no formal qualifications
- Are returning to education after a break
- Want to change direction or explore a new career path
- Have just missed the entry requirements for the three-year course.
We’re enhancing our Integrated Foundation Year to give you an even stronger start to your degree. The updated modules will align more with your chosen subject area. This will help you build the knowledge, confidence, and skills you need for your studies. We'll share full details soon and can't wait to tell you more.
Please note, this route isn’t available to international students.

