Applied Psychology MSc

The aim of the module is to provide an intellectual setting within which students can both develop a fuller appreciation of substantive areas of applied psychology and improve their practical and analytical skills. The module will enable you to develop an appreciation of the controversies and issues related to traditional and contemporary research, ethical issues, and up-to-date knowledge in the domain of applied psychology.

This module is designed to equip students with the statistical literacy needed to confidently analyse, interpret, and communicate data in psychological science and beyond. Students will develop a deep understanding of key statistical concepts and learn how to apply them to real-world psychological research. Through engaging with data, students will refine their ability to interpret and evaluate quantitative evidence, making sense of statistical language and understanding its relevance in different contexts. By the end of the module, students will be able to approach data-driven questions with confidence, selecting and applying the right techniques to draw meaningful conclusions. Most importantly, students will gain the skills to communicate complex findings clearly and persuasively, whether in reports, presentations, or professional discussions, ensuring that students can use data not just to analyse, but to inform and inspire.

This module introduces PG students to qualitative research methods. Through a dynamic blend of theory and hands-on practice students will gain the skills to design, generate, analyse and interpret qualitative data with confidence. Students will also develop reflexive practice, sharpening the ability to critically engage with their role as a researcher and the impact of their work. Students will become proficient in their qualitative research knowledge and skills, which will enable them to undertake independent projects that make original contributions to their field.

This module aims to introduce students to and pave the pathway towards the helping professions, namely counselling and psychotherapy, as well as other professions that utilise this same skill set (e.g. coaching). This module aims to provide students with an introduction to some of the main schools of psychological therapy, their theoretical origins and how the theory is applied in practice so that they can make these choices. This module also aims to introduce students to the basic principles of communication skills that form the foundation of all counselling and psychotherapy, and these skills can be applied to and enhance any career.

This module provides students with an opportunity for in-depth, advanced study in a specific area of psychology, pertinent to the degree for which they are registered, guided by, but largely independent of, tutor support. Students will apply appropriate principles of planning and conducting research, and present their research study in the form of a written journal-style article, using appropriate styles and conventions.

This module develops students’ critical understanding of the synergies and connections between criminology and forensic psychology building core knowledge of psychological theories and concepts. The module advances students’ awareness of the criminal justice process and the points at which psychological assessments and interventions are applied, encouraging understandings of the application of psychology justice system responses. The module builds students’ capability to appraise systematic reviews and evaluation research including those focused on behaviour change and preventing recidivism interventions.  An additional aim of the module is to develop students' psychological literacy, ensuring they have the capability to use their disciplinary knowledge and theoretical understandings and insights to respond to the opportunities and challenges that exist within this area of criminal and social justice and psychological health and behavioural treatment.

The module aims to provide a critical understanding of current research evidence and intervention/clinical perspectives on psychological trauma and its effects. The impact of trauma on different groups and at different stages of the lifespan will be reviewed. Models of intervention for psychological trauma will be critically examined and the current debates around ameliorating factors and developmental outcomes will be explored. 

The “reproducibility crisis” in Psychology (and in science more generally) has been vigorously debated in recent years in terms of its existence, nature, causes and possible solutions.  Many changes to research practice have as a result been introduced and proposed, commonly referred to collectively as “Open Science”.  In broad terms these changes aim to promote and support greater openness and transparency at all stages of the research process.  These changes are also evolving and contested as new concerns are identified. This module aims to familiarise students with these debates so that they can navigate their way through these rapidly developing changes.  The module will also introduce students to current tools that support Open Science.

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the developing relationship between human brain and behaviour. It draws on evidence from physiological, cognitive and neuroscientific research to examine the development of key cognitive processes including sensory processing, learning and memory, language, action perception and production, and emotion processing at different stages of life. Typical cognitive functioning is considered alongside atypical functioning in individuals with developmental disorders or acquired pathology.

You'll gain knowledge and understanding through: 
• Attending small group interactive teaching sessions, seminars, workshops and labs 
• Participating in individual and group-based exercises. 

And you will learn cognitive and practical skills through: 
• Small group interactive teaching sessions 
• Group discussions 
• Practical in-class exercises 
• Individual research project. 

You will be based at our north London campus in Hendon.

Whether you are studying full or part-time, your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on campus sessions.

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

Learning terms

FT: Full-time

PT: Part-time

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

You can also study this course part-time.

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Your knowledge and understanding is assessed by: 
• Summative coursework which includes essays, extended essays, visit/workshop reports, presentations, project reports and research dissertation (MSc students only)  
• Formative assessment will also be employed throughout the programme. 
 
You will gain skills through the completion of extended essays, mini projects, lab reports, presentations, visit/ workshop reports, and a research dissertation. 

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll receive constructive feedback on your work and progress from your tutors.