Applied Psychology MSc

The aim of the module is to provide an intellectual setting within which you can both develop a fuller appreciation of substantive areas of applied psychology and improve their practical and analytical skills. The main aim is to direct 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 such as neuropsychology, infertility, sports and exercise and literacy acquisition.

This module aims to introduce you to qualitative research methods, and to provide them with knowledge and practice by equipping them with a combination of practical and theoretical skills. You will be introduced to qualitative methodologies and methods of generating and analysing data in-depth. The module allows the time and space necessary for sustained immersion. The module enables you to become proficient in qualitative research knowledge and skills. You will also develop reflexive practice, which is an essential aspect of qualitative research.  

This module provides you with core skills and knowledge in quantitative research methods in Psychology. The focus is on understanding how research questions relate to design and appropriate analyses. Across the suite of MSc programmes in Psychology, it provides students with advanced skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enables them to conduct psychological research at master’s level. The module enables you to understand & critically evaluate published quantitative psychological research. It prepares you for your dissertation and enables you to choose appropriate methodologies and analyses for research. 

This module provides you with an opportunity for an in-depth, advanced study in a specific area of applied psychology, related to the degree you are studying, guided by, but largely independent of, tutor support. You will apply appropriate principles of empirical research, and present your research study as a written journal article, using appropriate styles and conventions.   

A series of regular research development sessions in the form of interactive lectures and online sessions throughout the academic year will provide a meeting ground across the cohort to encourage a diversity of interests, knowledge and strengths to thrive. You will also make a poster presentation to other masters students and staff, on which you will obtain formative feedback. Self-guided learning will require the use of a full range of learning resources.    

This module provides you with an introduction to the main schools of psychological therapy, their theoretical origins and how the theory is applied in practice. The module will also introduce you to the basic principles of communication skills that form the foundation of all counselling and therapy. Finally, the module will familiarise you with the role of counselling and therapy within all areas of applied psychology.

On this module, you will develop a critical understanding of current research evidence and 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 familiarises you with these debates so that you can navigate your way through these rapidly developing changes.  The module will also introduce you to current tools that support Open Science.   

This module will provide you with an understanding of the developing relationship between human brain and behaviour. It will draw 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 will be 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.

A typical week looks like this:

Learning terms

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 Skype or 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.