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Introduction
This MSc programme will encourage students to develop a greater awareness of the role that Psychology can play in understanding and tackling a range of real world issues.
Taught by research-active staff with expertise in applied health and social psychology, the programme will explore how we can understand cutting edge issues such as health promotion, mental health, behaviour change, prejudice, and intergroup conflict. The applied focus will encourage you to critically consider how we can intervene to improve individual, organisational and societal health and social functioning.
The programme is focused on developing a range of research and professional skills which can be applied to a broad range of specialisms within and beyond Psychology. It will also develop your ability to critically reflect on your own professional challenges and development needs for working in the field of applied psychology.
Why choose this course?
1. Taught by research-active staff with expertise in applied psychology, with the opportunity to get involved in current research projects.
2. Blended learning approach of evening based online seminars and occasional on-campus days creates a flexible programme for those already in employment, with full-time and part-time routes offered.
3. The unique groupwork-based Professional Research Skills module enables development and reflection on practical research and core employability skills including teamwork and self-reflection.
4. Strong Personal Development Planning and mentoring throughout the degree to maximise your future career opportunities.
5. Opportunity to tailor assessments and research dissertation to your own specific interests
6. Small cohorts ensure a personalised and supportive learning experience with the opportunity to also mix with students on other Masters programmes for some modules.
Overview
This course explores how psychology can be applied to a range of exciting and topical real-world issues, with specific course content reflecting current cutting edge issues. Part One of the MSc consists of taught modules, leading then to the Part Two independent research project for the Applied Research Dissertation, where students will engage in an in-depth research project with supervision from an academic staff member with expertise in that area.
The programme is focused on developing a range of research and professional skills which can be applied to a broad range of specialisms within and beyond Psychology. You will be challenged to become critical thinkers, developing the skillset and knowledge to be able to understand how to influence policy, work with community groups, and engage with individuals. A strong focus is on the development of a range of interpersonal and communication skills to enable you to confidently engage with professionals, colleagues and the general population in areas relating to the application of psychology to everyday life. You will be supported through the programme by a structured Personal Development Planning and mentoring process.
Modules
Level 7
PG Dip
Applied Research Design & Analysis (30 credits; compulsory)
This module develops your understanding of applied research design and associated analytical techniques (both qualitative and quantitative).
Professional Research Skills (30 credits; compulsory)
This innovative module will develop your team working and practical research skills by providing the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in planning and delivering a topical research project.
Behaviour Change in Context (30 credits; compulsory)
This module will provide you with an in-depth critical understanding of the individual, societal, and global factors that influence a range of human behaviours and inform behaviour change interventions.
Ethical and Professional Challenges (30 credits; compulsory)
This module will challenge you to develop a critical understanding of a range of moral, ethical and professional challenges when applying psychology in real-world settings.
MSc
In addition to the modules above, students will be required to undertake:
Applied Research Dissertation (60 credits; compulsory).
Full-time students study 60-credits worth of modules per term during afternoon/evening classes across two evenings a week with modules running in parallel with each other.
Part-time students study 60-credits worth of modules per year during afternoon/evening classes one night per week with modules running sequentially.
Entry Criteria
This programme is open to individuals with a background in Psychology. Entry criteria is a 2.1 honours degree, or a good 2.2 honours degree (including research dissertation). Whilst we may consider applications from those with a background in a closely related area, due to the nature of this programme this would depend upon an assessment of academic writing and psychological research skills.
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment
The assessments within this programme have been specifically designed to enable you to demonstrate a range of skills and knowledge directly relevant to a broad range of psychological professions and beyond. These include:
• Professional presentations
• Portfolio of research competencies
• Systematic literature reviews
• Practical skills assessments
• Reflective reports
• Research proposals
• Research papers (Part II dissertation)
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this programme have gone on to work in the NHS, gain PhD funding, and to work in a range of academic settings. This programme does not lead to a BPS stage I qualification for those seeking chartered status but is an excellent platform for those considering this as a future option.
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