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Applied Psychology (Full-time) (MSc)

Swansea
18 Months Full-time

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.

Course details

Start date:
Study modes:
  • Full-time
  • Distance Learning
Language:
  • English
Course length:
18 Months Full-time

Why choose this course?

01
Taught by research-active staff with expertise in applied psychology, with the opportunity to get involved in current research projects.
02
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.
03
The unique groupwork-based Professional Research Skills module enables development and reflection on practical research and core employability skills including teamwork and self-reflection.
04
Strong Personal Development Planning and mentoring throughout the degree to maximise your future career opportunities.
05
Opportunity to tailor assessments and research dissertation to your own specific interests
06
Small cohorts ensure a personalised and supportive learning experience with the opportunity to also mix with students on other Masters programmes for some modules.

What you will learn

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.

Compulsory

Applied Research Design & Analysis

(30 credits)

Professional Research Skills

(30 credits)

Behaviour change in context

(30 credits)

Ethical and professional challenges

(30 credits)

Applied Research Dissertation

(60 credits)

Course Disclaimer

  • We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals. 

    For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.

Ratings and Rankings

Staff

Our People

You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for assessments and feedback (NSS 2023) meaning the comments you get back from your work will help you learn. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as Top 10 in the UK for Lecturers and Teaching Quality. Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Accommodation

example of student bedroom

Swansea Accommodation

Swansea has a huge student population, and the variety of accommodation available will leave you feeling spoilt for choice. Various purpose-built student accommodation providers provide accommodation in Swansea, and the accommodation team can guide you through your options. It will offer ongoing support throughout your time as a UWTSD student.

Further information

  • 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.

  • 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)
  • You may be offered the opportunity to attend a relevant conference or external event and if so you may be expected to contribute to the costs involved.

  • You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.

  • 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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