Applied Psychology

You’ll learn how to apply your thinking to examine the theories and practices that make up the professional knowledge in Psychology and build on these skills to become an independent researcher. Rather than just working within the key issues or debates in Psychology, you will be expected to examine the edges and boundaries of Psychology and understand how knowledge is constructed.

The modules will focus on Applied Psychology; using knowledge of psychology to understand real-world problems and create changes in areas such as education, the workplace, mental health and psychological well-being, counselling, physical health and illness, behaviour change, forensic and legal settings, sport and exercise, and social problems such as prejudice and discrimination.

Available Full-time or Part-time

If you work more than 18 hours per week we recommend you apply for the part-time route.

Graduate Stories

Learning Methods

You’ll learn via the University's virtual learning environment CampusMoodle, where you’ll interact with tutors and other students. All classes and activities are delivered online and in your own time with the exception of the weekly online workshops.

There is no requirement to attend on campus as learning will involve online lectures, interactive discussion forums and virtual classroom sessions, as well as one-to-one support from a specialist supervisor when you begin your empirical research project. Assessment methods include online examinations, written coursework in the form of essays and reports, empirical research projects and a range of online activities.

Assessment and exams are all completed and submitted online.

If you remain a part-time student thecourse duration is 36 months but if you convert to full-time for the dissertation (after Year 2) you can complete in 24 months.

Activity Summary

• Online lectures- 4 hours per week.
• Online seminars/activites-4 hours per week
• Onlineworkshop - 40 students per group, 2 hours perweek. These are all streamed live but also recorded and can be viewed later if you are unable to attend the online live event.
• Independent Study - 32 hours per week

Students are given 1 2 hours of lectures per module per week; plus 1-2 hrs online activity.

How long is an Applied Psychology course?

This Applied Psychology course can be successfully completed either full-time or part-time within 12 - 36 months.

Independent Study

A significant portion of this course is underpinned by independent learning, and you will be expected to be responsible for managing your coursework, reading and other learning activities appropriately.

Staff Delivering on this Course

Our school is one of the first to provide a BPS accredited MSc via online learning. We have an expanding psychology teaching and research portfolio. Our team of lecturers have strong practice and research backgrounds, and a passion for helping you to achieve your best whether that’s online, supervising your dissertation, or providing pastoral support. With small class sizes we get to know you as an individual throughout your course. Our teaching staff will provide you with a stimulating and enjoyable education as you gain a range of skills required to add value to society in a wide-range of careers in psychology or working with people.

Job Prospects

On graduation you will be equipped with a broad range of skills including the ability to:

• Solve problems and reason scientifically
• Make critical judgements and evaluations
• Demonstrate ethical awareness and sensitivity to contextual and interpersonal factors
• Communicate and collaborate successfully

Is Applied Psychology a good career choice?

Successful completion of the MSc will enable you to pursue further training as a HCPC-registered and/or Chartered Psychologist in a range of psychology areas such as: clinical, counselling, education, forensic, occupational, health, sport and exercise, teaching and research.

Previous MSc Applied Psychology graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• NHS Mental Wellbeing Worker
• NHS psychological wellbeing practitioner
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapist
• Coaching Psychology
• Counselling Psychology
• Psychology Assistant
• Assistant Educational Psychologist
• Assistant Clinical Psychologist
• Statistician
• Educational Psychology
• Health Psychology
• PhD Student

Given the distance learning nature of the course, you will also be adaptive and responsible in order to be an effective independent learner. Such soft skills are highly valued by employers for jobs across a wide range of occupations which involve work with people, and will prove invaluable if you plan to apply for further training as a HPC-registered and/or Chartered Psychologist.