Program Overview

Applied Psychology (Mental Health and Psychological Therapies) - MSc

Overview

The MSc Applied Psychology programme provides an opportunity for students to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas of applied psychology related to mental health practice and research. It trains and equips students wishing to:

• Enter further professional training in Clinical, Counselling, Educational or Forensic Psychology;
• Become more employable for positions in the public and private sector (such as Assistant/ Associate Psychologist posts, Research Assistant/Analyst post);
• Pursue PhD research in the area of mental health.

About this course

The comprehensive syllabus of this MSc programme provides an opportunity for students to enhance their skills and competencies in areas required by all professional psychologists. This includes an exploration of the professional issues encountered in practice, the advanced research methods employed by scientist practitioners, and the techniques and theory associated with psychological assessment, formulation and intervention.

Structure & content

To complete the Masters programme, students are required to successfully complete 180 university credits. The programme offers a breadth of experience in theory and skills training, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Family Therapy & Systemic Practice skills modules, Advanced Research Methods, and practice-relevant Mental Health and Professional Issues modules.

Modules

• Assessment, Formulation and Intervention (CBT model)
  • Year: 1
  • This module aims to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding and the skill of psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for common mental health problems using a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) model framework.
• Developmental & MH Considerations across the Lifespan (Assessment, Formulation and Intervention)
  • Year: 1
  • This module considers multiple theoretical perspectives around mental health and considers some of debates which are current within applied psychology practice, with a particular focus on children and young people, but also reflects on long term impacts into adulthood.
• Psychological Interventions for Children and Families
  • Year: 2
  • This module introduces students to a range of psychological interventions that are typically used to support children, young people, and their families.
• Professional and Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice
  • Year: 2
  • This module focuses on the major professional issues that impact upon applied psychologists working across the lifespan.
• Advanced Research Methods in Applied Psychology
  • Year: 2
  • This module is designed to give students training in the advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods that are required for contemporary research in applied psychology.
• Research Dissertation
  • Year: 2
  • The 'Research Dissertation' module prepares MSc Applied Psychology students for identifying and completing a research project that is a core component of the Master's degree.

Attendance

• Duration: 2 years part-time
• Mode of Attendance: Students will attend on Wednesdays throughout Year 1 and Thursdays in Year 2.
• Skills Block: All students must attend an initial skills block in the first week of the programme, lasting 4 days.
• Start time and finish time on taught days: Each taught day will commence at 9:15am and run until 5:00pm.

Start dates

• September 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The modules on the programme are delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, practical skills training, and student-led seminars. There is a strong emphasis on experiential learning and skills analysis. Assessment methods vary across the modules, dependent on their focus - students will undertake a selection of written assignments (essays, reflective commentaries, research reports, online timed assessments), presentations, and assessed role-plays of clinical skills.

Academic profile

Four members of staff are BPS Chartered/HCPC Registered as a Counselling Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Health Psychologist, or Forensic Psychologist. Three members are fully qualified and experienced Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners.

Standard entry conditions

• Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold at least a 2:1 degree in Psychology, which confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
• English Language Requirements: The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5.

Careers & opportunities

• Career options: Currently, our graduating students are successful in acquiring Assistant Psychologist positions, which with experience is allowing people to apply for Associate Psychologist positions. Others are successful in gaining entry onto Professional Doctorate programmes in Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychology.
• Work placement / study abroad: The MSc is sometimes able to offer a placement opportunity for students who have completed the programme.

Professional Recognition

• British Psychological Society (BPS): Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) against the requirements for qualification as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.

Fees and funding

• Tuition Fee Loans Available: Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).
• 2026/27 Fees: Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.