Applied Psychology

During this BPS accredited Psychology course, 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.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

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 the course 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. 
  Students are given 1–2 hours of lectures per module per week; plus 1-2 hrs online activity.
• Online seminars/activities - 4 hours per week
• Online workshop - 40 students per group, 2 hours per week. 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

Total study time - 40 hours per week for full time students

All classes and activities are delivered asynchronously online for you to complete in your own time with the exception of the weekly online live workshops.

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.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All online learning students, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

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?

The online MSc Applied Psychology degree is a conversion course designed for those without an undergraduate degree in psychology. Successful completion of the Applied Psychology Master's 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.

What is needed for MSc Applied Psychology?

• Applicants should have an Honours degree with a final degree classification of at least 2:2 or international equivalent. Those without a degree at the honours level may be permitted entry based on recognition for prior learning in the form of prior certificated (RPCL) and/or experiential (RPEL) learning.
• Degrees in areas related to the social sciences, education, health and social care, and experience in research methods are desirable.

Only applications received during this period, which are complete and contain all required documents, will be considered. As a minimum we require degree transcript (and certificate if available), personal statement and CV.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning

Students may be eligible to claim for Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL) in up to four modules on the course.  Modules taken at SQCF Level 9, 10 or 11 (i.e. Scottish 3rd or 4th year undergraduate or Master's level, or equivalents in the rest of the UK) are eligible for RPCL on application to the Course Leader. Each module will be subject to an investigation fee of £165 and undergo the university's standard procedure for this. For any modules approved for RPCL, students will receive a pro-rata discount on their fees. Please contact the Course Leader for further details.