Program Overview

Applied Psychology MSc

Course Overview

This course is for aspiring psychologists and professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of psychology and develop skills through practical workshops. It provides a solid foundation in psychology and helps you explore career paths in public health, media, education, workplaces, research and specialised psychology fields.

Key Features

• Learn about key areas of psychology from a modern perspective, including how psychology is used in media, global politics, research and new technologies.
• Develop key practical skills in psychology through hands-on workshops, case analysis, role-playing, simulations and assessments in clinical, counselling, educational and research psychology.
• You can complete an optional 12-month professional placement to gain real-world experience in clinical, counselling, educational, coaching or research settings.

Why You Should Study This Course

• Learning, teaching and industry connections: learn from subject experts with industry experience, bringing both research and real-world experience into the classroom. Our teaching reflects key industry trends and debates, ensuring a current and relevant learning experience. Staff also maintain strong links with employers, including local schools, prison services, and clinical and counselling services.
• Innovative learning tools and dedicated technicians: get access to specialised psychology software for statistics and research methods to support your studies. Dedicated psychology technicians can help you use these tools, set up experiments and work with equipment in psychology labs.
• Professional experience: opportunities for practical experience are embedded throughout the course to boost your professional psychology skills, including case formulation, simulation, role play and standard assessment.

What You'll Study

• Clinical Psychology (30 credits): This module explores the specialised field of clinical psychology by connecting theories, models, approaches and clinical practice knowledge to various clinical disorders and presentations.
• Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring (30 credits): Develop a comprehensive grounding in counselling psychology, coaching and mentoring through a practical, skills-based approach.
• Developmental and Educational Psychology (30 credits): Explore the key principles, theories and research that form the foundation of developmental and educational psychology, while also considering advances in technology and research that enable practitioners to understand modern development.
• Psychology of Global Politics and Media (30 credits): Critically evaluate the psychological mechanisms and processes that shape political attitudes, behaviours and decision-making, particularly during periods of social and political unrest.
• Master's with Professional Placement: If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master's with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master's course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final 60-credit module.
• Applied Research and Technological Innovations (30 credits): Apply key research skills in developing evidence-based solutions to psychological problems.
• Wellbeing and the Global Workplace (30 credits): Examine individuals and teams within the global workplace and how this dynamic environment impacts wellbeing.

How You'll Learn

• Teaching and learning methods may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, case formulation, simulation and role-play, case studies, and workshops.
• As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study.
• Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Assessment

• This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include presentations, case formulation, case studies, essays, lobby proposals, and reflection.

Entry Requirements

• Typical Entry Requirements:
  • UK: An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline, or relevant professional and educational experience that demonstrates your ability to meet the demands of the programme.
  • International: An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline, or relevant professional and educational experience that demonstrates your ability to meet the demands of the programme.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

Fees and Funding

• Student: Full-time | Part-time
  • UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man: £11,200 | Not available
  • EU: £11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary | Not available
  • International: £18,600 | Not available
• Additional Fees:
  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Facilities

• The Richard Crossman Building is the primary home of psychology, criminology and social science subjects. Facilities include light and dark multisensory labs, prison cells, psychology lab, and Lanchester Library.
• Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and Opportunities

• The Applied Psychology MSc aims to prepare you for a career in applied psychology, from assistant psychologist posts to mental health practitioner roles.
• Examples of potential career opportunities in psychology or applied psychology settings include assistant psychologist, private psychological services, NHS therapy-based roles, mental health practitioners, academia and research, policing, human resources, charities and non-profit organisations, and education and learning advisors.
• Our graduates work in roles ranging from NHS-based therapists to innovators within charitable non-profit organisations and education.