Lecturer (MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care) in Stirling

The Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a Lecturer (Teaching & Scholarship) position to join the teaching and development team supporting the MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care. Applications are invited for this employed position at Stirling University, from psychologists with a specific interest in clinical research methodology and expertise in cognitive-behaviour therapy for common mental health disorders in adults.

This taught postgraduate degree was developed in partnership with the University of Dundee, NHS Education Scotland (NES) and local NHS Scotland Health Boards. The course is jointly co-ordinated by Dr Stephanie Chan and Dr Leeanne Nicklas and there are five other part-time academic staff who contribute to the formal teaching programme, complemented by a number of visiting lecturers. It also has a part-time course administrator with support from the wider Psychology Department team.

The MSc was developed around a number of Scottish Government priorities, including the need to improve access to evidence-based psychological interventions for adults, including elderly people, presenting with common mental health disorders of mild to moderate severity in primary care. In response to emerging pressures faced by health boards, a new focus of the programme is providing training in psychological therapy for people with long-term physical conditions.

The strengths of the Masters programme include particularly close links with the commissioners, NES, NHS clinical psychology services, and related applied psychology training programmes in Scotland. The core purpose and philosophy for the Universities of Dundee and Stirling/ NHS (Scotland) MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care is to train psychology graduates to Masters level and to impart the range of competencies essential for the graduates from this programme to deliver cognitive behavioural treatments as part of a stepped or matched-care delivery of psychological therapy services for patients with anxiety, depression, interpersonal and behavioural disorders of mild to moderate severity across the adult age spectrum, in tandem with clinical psychology services.

Description of Duties

• Teaching responsibilities will be to the MSc in Psychological Therapy in Primary Care and the successful candidate will be a practising Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with experience of supervising trainees undergoing CBT based training.
• Design, deliver, assess and evaluate clinical research methodology teaching and learning, supervision and assessment activities on the Research, Evaluation and Outcome module.
• Clinical supervision after being given appropriate training.
• Contribute to curriculum review and enhancement, in a manner that supports student learning and is underpinned by evidence based scholarly activity.
• Enhance the quality of teaching provision and programme development, drawing on leading practices from the Higher Education sector.
• Develop and apply new, effective and appropriate teaching and learning techniques and material, which create interest, understanding and enthusiasm amongst students.
• Contribute to enhancement of the student experience and employability.
• Mentor students and staff as required, providing direction, support and guidance.
• Engage in individual and collaborative pedagogical research and scholarly activity, which aligns to the strategic direction of the University, and disseminate results through regular publication in a manner appropriate to the work.
• Work to influence the higher education agenda in this specific disciplinary area.
• Lead, participate and develop networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/Faculty/University.
• Participate in the administrative processes for this course including quality assurance procedures and attending relevant meetings.
• Evaluate own practice, continue to maintain professional practice and undertake continuous professional development appropriate to the role.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Essential Criteria

• HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist or Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP) (Graduate of the adult MSc PTPC programme).
• Demonstrable track record in cognitive-behaviour therapy for common mental health disorders in adults (with relevant experience in teaching, practice and research).
• Have (or a commitment to obtain and maintain) BABCP CBT therapist accreditation and BPS registration.
• Experience and competence in training and supervising others in CBT.
• Experience of designing and delivering excellent learning activities and assessment at Higher Education level or in equivalent professional or commercial settings, including use of e-learning technology and platforms.
• Experience in developing and implementing evidence-based curriculum, ensuring content is current and appropriate to funders needs.
• Evidence of developing effective learning environments and approaches to student support and guidance.
• Experience or knowledge of approaches to enhance the student experience.
• Evidence of engaging in networks, locally, nationally and internationally.
• Ability to comply fully with all relevant professional and ethical guidelines and policies.
• Satisfactory Disclosure Scotland check.

Desirable Criteria

• Doctoral qualification in clinical psychology and currently registered with HCPC.
• BABCP accredited or eligible for and in process of seeking BABCP accreditation.
• Experience of different forms of CBT delivery.
• Evidence of successful incorporation of subject and pedagogic research and/or scholarship within design and delivery of learning activities and programme development as part of an integrated approach to academic practice.
• Evidence of programme innovation and development.
• Evidence of good knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework.

Additional Information

• Part time (60% FTE).
• Open ended.
• Grade 8: £47,389 - £56,535 p.a. pro-rata.
• The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 18 January 2026.
• Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 05 February 2026.
• There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
• This role will require a Level 1 Disclosure check. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.
• This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2311.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

For a full description of duties and essential/desirable criteria please click the apply button, which will take you directly to the University Website.