Â鶹´«Ã½

STUDY

Postgraduate

MSc Applications of Psychology

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Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: September 2025
Duration: One year full-time, two or three years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: Qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: September 2025
Duration: One year full-time, two or three years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: Qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Overview

For those who are eager to expand their knowledge of psychology further, this course is ideal. With a number of roles in vocational psychology now requiring doctorate training, this course provides the opportunity for students to gain experience and knowledge that will make them more appealing candidates for professional training programmes.

You’ll have access to excellent facilities and equipment. We have recently invested £320k in new hardware and software for our psychology laboratories and we also have a laboratory in the new £13m state-of-the-art Health and Wellbeing Building officially opened in June 2023.

Studying psychology enables you to develop a diverse range of transferable skills which are valued highly by employers. We are proud to be ranked 1st in the UK for graduates in career 15 months after graduation for Psychology (Guardian University Guide, 2023).

On this course, you will explore different areas of professional practice including Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology and Educational Psychology. You will undertake a placement and have access to a research method learning hub. You will also have to undertake a self-directed piece of research which you can choose to report in a dissertation or article prepared for publication.

Further information about the University's relationship with the British Psychological Society (BPS) is available in the PSRB register.

The Â鶹´«Ã½ is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

1st

in the UK for graduates in career 15 months after graduation for Psychology

Guardian University Guide 2023

9th

in the UK for Graduate Prospects for Psychology

The Complete University Guide 2024

3rd

in the UK for Postgraduate Study

WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023

Course Modules

Downloadable information regarding all Â鶹´«Ã½ courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

Lecturer teaching in seminar

This module will begin to guide students through what it is that clinical psychologists are able to contribute to the mental health of service users. Led by specialists in the field, students will acquire valuable knowledge and core skills related to a clinical psychology career including assessment, formulation and diagnosis, evidence-based interventions, and evaluation of clinical work.

Students will learn the importance of working in multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary teams within the healthcare settings and challenges facing mental health professionals in the NHS.

Using practitioner-scientist model, they will develop good understanding of evidence-based practice including NICE guidelines in the treatment of mental health disorders and relevant literature in clinical practice. They will also develop good understanding of national and professional guidelines and frameworks underpinning clinical psychology practice in the NHS and other healthcare organisations.

An essential aspect of the role of a psychological practitioner is the capacity to engage and carry out assessment of potential service users and/or research participants. This module will work towards equipping students with the knowledge base and skill set to understand how psychological and neuropsychological assessment can be used either practically in the psychological formulation process, or as a way of research data collection.

It aims to show how cognitive, developmental, neuropsychological, personality and social theories have led to the development of psychological tools which can now be used to assess in a range of fields. As the course is looking for students to develop as psychologists it is essential that they learn to question psychological and neuropsychological assessment tools, in regards to their development as well as their function/strengths and how to apply them appropriately dependent on the client and situation.

This module will begin to guide students through the role of a psychologist working with children/young people whilst contributing towards their mental health, care, safeguarding and educational needs. The module will direct students through behavioural, emotional, developmental and learning disorders touching on topics such as anxiety, autism, bullying, learning and misconduct and it will look at ways to support pupils, teachers, parents and schools who have educational issues.

Students will consider biological/ genetic, cultural and social factors in relation to assessment, formulation, diagnosis, evidence based interventions, and evaluation of educational needs in children/young people. Using a practitioner-scientist model, students will develop a good understanding of evidence-based practice. Finally, students will understand the importance of good communication with children/young people as well as their families and/or other invested care/educational parties; especially considering collaboration with these latter groups for educational assessment and intervention plans.

The self-directed research module allows students to demonstrate their skills in; critical review and evaluation of literature, formulation of a research question, plan, design, conduct and analyse the research as well as to then reflect and disseminate the findings in a professional manner. Students will carry out an empirical research project either within the university or through the organization that they work within as part of their placement module, working alongside experts on an original study and producing a professional dissertation or an article of publishable quality.

This module aims to help students develop an awareness of the professional issues relevant to psychologists in the UK and globally. It seeks to allow students to develop as psychologists in three key aspects; firstly, in their own personal development as the module facilitates self-confidence, awareness and reflection in their practice/ application of psychology. Secondly, the module will allow for the development of professional awareness and skills as students will learn about working with client groups inclusive of areas of mental health (clinical, health and counselling), business, education, sports and forensic psychology. Students will be able to consider the application of theory to practice, as well as the importance of working ethically and reflectively in practice. Finally, the module allows for students to gain valuable experience in relation to their future employability as they look to become psychology practitioners.

This module consolidates and builds upon undergraduate level research methods and data analysis – it aims to develop students’ understanding of scientific research methodology and various quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. The module will introduce students to more complex research designs, encourage critical understanding of statistical procedures, and develop practical knowledge of quantitative data analysis.

Several research methods will be examined in-depth alongside a consideration of the most typically suited type of data analysis. Students will be guided and supported to achieve a high level of critical understanding of these research methods, the ability to review published research, and develop practical skills with quantitative data analysis of professional standards as they build their skills as evidence-based practitioners.

The material covered in this module will assist students in their capacity to meet the whole lifecycle of a social science research project – from designing theoretically and methodologically sound research proposals, to insight of the actual implementing of various types of research projects, right up to publication and the development of other impactful research outputs. Ultimately, the module will provide students with advanced research skills to prepare them for further study at PhD level or for a professional career in the social sciences.

This module will discuss the background to health psychology, while focusing on current issues and debates in the area. It will introduce students to some of the core perspectives and models in Health Psychology, in order to critically discuss the application of these perspectives and models in relation to the current issues and debates in Health Psychology. This module will provide students with an understanding of how psychological theory and research contribute to our conceptualisation of

Health Psychology. This module will also enable students to critically evaluate how psychological theory and research are applied to intervention strategies in order to promote positive health and wellbeing.

This module aims to give students a detailed overview of the connection between forensic (crime) and psychology. It aims to critically explore some of the core subspecialties within forensic psychology such as psychology of crime and delinquency, witness and victim services, legal psychology, and correctional psychology and how the role of forensic psychology fits within this in terms of theory and practice. 

It will critically examine the main psychological theories and models that have contributed to our understanding of criminality, as well as the role of atypical psychology in offending behaviour. It will also give an applied focus with an enhanced emphasis on the assessment, intervention and treatment of offenders. It will explore how forensic psychologists work as professional practitioners in a variety of settings within the criminal justice system, giving students that applied and practice- based awareness and understanding.

Course Modules 2024

Downloadable information regarding all Â鶹´«Ã½ courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

Lecturer teaching in seminar

This module will begin to guide students through what it is that clinical psychologists are able to contribute to the mental health of service users. Led by specialists in the field, students will acquire valuable knowledge and core skills related to a clinical psychology career including assessment, formulation and diagnosis, evidence-based interventions, and evaluation of clinical work.

Students will learn the importance of working in multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary teams within the healthcare settings and challenges facing mental health professionals in the NHS.

Using practitioner-scientist model, they will develop good understanding of evidence-based practice including NICE guidelines in the treatment of mental health disorders and relevant literature in clinical practice. They will also develop good understanding of national and professional guidelines and frameworks underpinning clinical psychology practice in the NHS and other healthcare organisations.

An essential aspect of the role of a psychological practitioner is the capacity to engage and carry out assessment of potential service users and/or research participants. This module will work towards equipping students with the knowledge base and skill set to understand how psychological and neuropsychological assessment can be used either practically in the psychological formulation process, or as a way of research data collection.

It aims to show how cognitive, developmental, neuropsychological, personality and social theories have led to the development of psychological tools which can now be used to assess in a range of fields. As the course is looking for students to develop as psychologists it is essential that they learn to question psychological and neuropsychological assessment tools, in regards to their development as well as their function/strengths and how to apply them appropriately dependent on the client and situation.

This module will begin to guide students through the role of a psychologist working with children/young people whilst contributing towards their mental health, care, safeguarding and educational needs. The module will direct students through behavioural, emotional, developmental and learning disorders touching on topics such as anxiety, autism, bullying, learning and misconduct and it will look at ways to support pupils, teachers, parents and schools who have educational issues.

Students will consider biological/ genetic, cultural and social factors in relation to assessment, formulation, diagnosis, evidence based interventions, and evaluation of educational needs in children/young people. Using a practitioner-scientist model, students will develop a good understanding of evidence-based practice. Finally, students will understand the importance of good communication with children/young people as well as their families and/or other invested care/educational parties; especially considering collaboration with these latter groups for educational assessment and intervention plans.

The self-directed research module allows students to demonstrate their skills in; critical review and evaluation of literature, formulation of a research question, plan, design, conduct and analyse the research as well as to then reflect and disseminate the findings in a professional manner. Students will carry out an empirical research project either within the university or through the organization that they work within as part of their placement module, working alongside experts on an original study and producing a professional dissertation or an article of publishable quality.

This module aims to help students develop an awareness of the professional issues relevant to psychologists in the UK and globally. It seeks to allow students to develop as psychologists in three key aspects; firstly, in their own personal development as the module facilitates self-confidence, awareness and reflection in their practice/ application of psychology. Secondly, the module will allow for the development of professional awareness and skills as students will learn about working with client groups inclusive of areas of mental health (clinical, health and counselling), business, education, sports and forensic psychology. Students will be able to consider the application of theory to practice, as well as the importance of working ethically and reflectively in practice. Finally, the module allows for students to gain valuable experience in relation to their future employability as they look to become psychology practitioners.

This module consolidates and builds upon undergraduate level research methods and data analysis – it aims to develop students’ understanding of scientific research methodology and various quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. The module will introduce students to more complex research designs, encourage critical understanding of statistical procedures, and develop practical knowledge of quantitative data analysis.

Several research methods will be examined in-depth alongside a consideration of the most typically suited type of data analysis. Students will be guided and supported to achieve a high level of critical understanding of these research methods, the ability to review published research, and develop practical skills with quantitative data analysis of professional standards as they build their skills as evidence-based practitioners.

The material covered in this module will assist students in their capacity to meet the whole lifecycle of a social science research project – from designing theoretically and methodologically sound research proposals, to insight of the actual implementing of various types of research projects, right up to publication and the development of other impactful research outputs. Ultimately, the module will provide students with advanced research skills to prepare them for further study at PhD level or for a professional career in the social sciences.

This module will discuss the background to health psychology, while focusing on current issues and debates in the area. It will introduce students to some of the core perspectives and models in Health Psychology, in order to critically discuss the application of these perspectives and models in relation to the current issues and debates in Health Psychology. This module will provide students with an understanding of how psychological theory and research contribute to our conceptualisation of

Health Psychology. This module will also enable students to critically evaluate how psychological theory and research are applied to intervention strategies in order to promote positive health and wellbeing.

This module aims to give students a detailed overview of the connection between forensic (crime) and psychology. It aims to critically explore some of the core subspecialties within forensic psychology such as psychology of crime and delinquency, witness and victim services, legal psychology, and correctional psychology and how the role of forensic psychology fits within this in terms of theory and practice. 

It will critically examine the main psychological theories and models that have contributed to our understanding of criminality, as well as the role of atypical psychology in offending behaviour. It will also give an applied focus with an enhanced emphasis on the assessment, intervention and treatment of offenders. It will explore how forensic psychologists work as professional practitioners in a variety of settings within the criminal justice system, giving students that applied and practice- based awareness and understanding.

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WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

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Inside the Waterfront Building
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The Waterfront Building on Ipswich Marina
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The Library
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Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

There are many opportunities open to psychology postgraduate degree holders including and not limited to: 

  • Psychologist 

  • Psychotherapist 

  • Social Worker 

  • Counsellor 

  • Educational Psychologist 

  • Human Resource Manager 

  • Teacher

  • Research roles 

  • Media roles 


Although most of these roles will be available to you with a psychology postgraduate degree, some require further study at postgraduate level.  

Your Course Team

Dr Rachael Martin

Dr Rachael Martin is the Course Leader for the MSc Applications of Psychology

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Dr Jennifer Coe

Dr Jennifer Coe is a Lecturer in Psychology.

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Dr Rachel Grenfell-Essam

Rachel is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Associated Routes Programmes.

Rachel Grenfell-Essam staff profile photo

Dr Abbie Millett

Abbie is an experienced educator and is Lecturer in Psychology.

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Dr Emmanouil Georgiadis

Manos is an internationally known expert in applying motivational constructs in Sport and Exercise Psychology.

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Dr Kate McCulloch

Kate is a Lecturer in Psychology.

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Sarah Beane

Psychology Technical Learning Instructor Sarah joined the Â鶹´«Ã½ in 2021.

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Helen Waller

Helen is Academic Administrator in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

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Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£9,150

per year
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,210

per year

Further Information

Postgraduate Loans are available for this course, we also offer Â鶹´«Ã½ Alumni a 25% reduction on fees, find out more below.

Postgraduate Funding Alumni Loyalty Scheme International Students

How to apply

Applying for a postgraduate programme is simple, you can apply using the link below. You can also find out more about what to include on your application and how to contact us for support during the process on the Postgraduate Study link.

Postgraduate Study
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"The Â鶹´«Ã½ empowered me to be better, to aim high and to make positive changes. I found people here that inspired me and supported me through my journey."

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