University of Reading MSc Placements

Each year at AnDY, we are able to offer a number of clinically relevant research placements for outstanding MSc students. These are offered to University of Reading students taking the Placement module (PYM0PL 20c) as part of their MSc course with PCLS. We highly value our MSc placement students and the AnDY Clinic benefits greatly from their input, as well as being able to offer unique clinically relevant experiences to a large number of students each year. A high number of our students go on to pursue further clinical or research training as a direct consequence of their placement experience with us.

What's on offer?

We have a variety of different placement opportunities in the AnDY Clinic, which can vary depending on current research and clinic demands and other ongoing projects. All of our placements provide the opportunity for contact with Clinical Psychologists, Professors/Clinical research fellows, health professionals, Postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, undergraduate students and volunteers, all working within a thriving clinical research environment. The exact nature of placements vary, but all students will work as honorary research assistants and be actively involved in a range of clinically relevant activities, participating in regular meetings and events where they will learn about current advances in treatment and research. Many students will have the opportunity to receive training in a structured diagnostic assessments for young people (e.g. our new AIDA assessments), safeguarding children, data management and security, and how to conduct clinically relevant research in an efficient and effective manner.

What is required?

We are looking for outstanding MSc students in terms of motivation, commitment and enthusiasm to get involved in all aspects of the clinic. We expect students to have achieved a First Class or high 2:1 Psychology undergraduate degree (or international equivalent), and be fully fluent in both verbal and written English. Previous experience of working with young people is highly desirable, as is prior experience in a research setting. All students must be able to prove Right to Work in the UK, and complete an enhanced DBS check (see below).

How much time do I need to commit?

Most of our placements require a significant time commitment across the whole MSc academic year, in order for students to get the most out of the experience. We find this works well for students who are prepared to be present in the clinic for 1-2 days each week, and be open to being involved in additional activities (e.g. Mental Health Awareness events held on evenings throughout the year).

 

See below for some examples of previously undertaken placements.

Becca Watson:

My main MSc placement role was to conduct semi-structured diagnostic interviews with teenagers, and their parents, to assess and understand their current mood problems. This role helped me to develop my clinical skills, giving me the opportunity to talk to young people and their parents about a range of difficulties, and to consider the impact these challenges were having on the young person’s life... Read More

Hannah Rogers:

As part of my MSc course I was given the opportunity to undertake a yearlong placement within the AnDY Research Clinic.  The main aspect of this role was to conduct semi-structured diagnostic interviews with adolescents, and their parents, to assess and understand current mood difficulties. This role allowed me to develop a range of clinical skills such as building rapport with the young people... Read More