In this interview, we sit down with Aleksandra Hristova, Senior Lecturer of our MSc in Psychological Therapies with Psychological Wellbeing.
Academic interests and expertise
Can you tell us about your academic and research background?
My academic and clinical interests lie predominantly in the field of cognitive behavioural therapy and common mental health disorders. Over the past ten years, I have developed expertise in working with a range of difficulties, including depression, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other common mental health conditions. In academia, I am particularly interested in training, developing, and supervising confident and reflective clinicians who are equipped to work effectively with complex presentations, co-morbidities, and long-term health conditions.
How do you see your field evolving over the next decade?
Psychology, as a science, is relatively new; cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) even more so. This makes it a particularly exciting field to work in, with new developments constantly on the horizon. Even current trainees have the opportunity to contribute to the development of new interventions or support research aimed at adapting existing ones for diverse populations. For me, the future of CBT lies in a growing appreciation of each individual's uniqueness, and in advancing how we work in more person-centred ways.
What do you enjoy most about teaching and mentoring students?
I love teaching because it allows me to meet passionate individuals whose primary motivation is to help others. I feel very honoured to support them in channelling this passion towards developing the skills needed to make a real difference to patients’ lives. My favourite aspect of teaching is clinical skills development – although role-play can initially feel overwhelming for students, providing a safe environment for them to build their confidence and competence is always greatly appreciated.
Why this course?
What makes this postgraduate programme unique within its field?
This course is truly unique, offering aspiring clinicians the opportunity to gain both the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner qualification and a Master’s degree. This provides them with a real advantage in an increasingly competitive profession. In addition, the programme offers two training pathways – a research route or a taught route – with the choice of either a dissertation or two specialist modules, allowing students to tailor their experience to complement the core PWP training. Clinical placements are carried out internally at our innovative SHMS Health and Wellbeing Clinic, ensuring high-quality supervision and excellent oversight by the academic team. The programme is genuinely one-of-a-kind.
Are there opportunities for students to tailor the programme based on their specific academic or career interests?
Absolutely – the programme offers two completion pathways: a research route and a taught route. Students who are more interested in research have the opportunity to undertake Master’s-level research under the supervision of an academic from the School of Health & Medical Sciences. Alternatively, for those more clinically inclined and seeking a career within Talking Therapies services, the taught pathway consists of two specialist modules: Working with Long-term Health Conditions and Leadership. Both pathways offer valuable opportunities and allow our students to tailor the programme to suit their individual career ambitions.
Career paths
How does the programme help students develop skills for their future careers, whether in academia or industry?
The career path of a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner is one of the most rewarding in the field of mental health, and the training year plays a significant role in this. Few courses enable students to gain theoretical knowledge, develop clinical skills, and apply them simultaneously within a highly structured, supervised clinical environment. MSc PWP students manage their own clinical caseloads, attend two different types of supervision each week, and have dedicated time for learning and reflection. As a result, they not only graduate with the necessary qualification and are ready for employment, but they also stand out in the job market with their enhanced skills. The programme also works closely with employers, such as NHS Talking Therapies services, to provide networking and employment events, giving our students the best possible chance of securing a role upon completion of the course.
What career paths have graduates from this programme typically followed?
Whilst the obvious answer is ‘Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner’, there are many other career paths that students can pursue following this MSc. The PWP role itself is fulfilling, rewarding, and offers excellent opportunities for clinical skills development. For some of our students, it may be a lifelong career, with progression into leadership roles within Talking Therapies services. For others, it may serve as the first step towards further education, such as a Doctorate in Counselling or Clinical Psychology, or High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training. Some may choose to move into more research-oriented roles, such as Research PWPs or Assistant Psychologists, while others may go on to establish their own private practice.
Tips for offer holders
If you could highlight one thing that students should look forward to in this programme, what would it be?
Many of our students are aspiring clinicians in the field of mental health, keen to become psychological practitioners, psychotherapists, or psychologists. For them, one of the most exciting aspects of this course is often the clinical placement within our SHMS Health and Wellbeing Clinic. I would encourage everyone who has been offered a place on the programme to keep this in mind, particularly when the demands of placement and lectures run alongside each other. It can sometimes be tempting to focus purely on ticking boxes, but this is an incredible opportunity to change lives — an experience that can bring a real sense of purpose and meaning, even on the most challenging days.
What advice would you give offer holders as they prepare to join this course?
One of the most important things to remember on the journey to becoming a clinician is that, just as our patients are all different and unique, we too bring something individual to the role of a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. I would encourage everyone considering this career to reflect carefully on their values and identity — what matters most to them — and to think about how they can bring this into their lectures, their connections with the academic team and fellow students, and, most importantly, their work with patients. We are passionate about developing a strong, reflective community where we can all learn from one another — so use this opportunity to teach us, too!