What you’ll study

Applied psychology is the study of the mind and human behavior with a particular emphasis on its application in real-life and clinical contexts.

This course aims to provide you with an understanding of the disciplines found within psychology and an awareness of how these are used when working with clients. The core areas of psychology are incorporated at the appropriate levels, as stipulated by the British Psychological Society (BPS), so that you learn about the historical and philosophical contexts as well as the developmental, social, biological, cognitive and research methodologies in this field.

year one: The first year introduces you to the fundamentals of psychology and its professional application, covering important theoretical and historical issues within the subject as well as notions of the self and identity and vital research techniques. 

Year two: In the second year we introduce the notion of personalities and how effective it is to assess the individual. You will explore the brain, hormones, addiction, and engage with psychologists to learn how effective it is to apply theoretical psychology to real world examples. Year two also builds on research methods taught in year one so that you are prepared for your research project in the final year. 

Final year: In the final year of the degree, you will broaden your knowledge of group behaviour to include the workplace and sporting world. Using the lens of the Forensic Psychologist, you will design and carry out a small-scale experimental research study, and through the lens of the Educational Psychologist you will explore the processes involved in perception, learning and thinking. Therapy such as CBT and general mental health is also explored before entering the final section of the degree which comprises an extensive research project. Students who successfully complete year three are awarded a BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology.

Job ready

On completion, you should be able to:

•  Critically evaluate the discipline of psychology, with the ability to systematically review and synthesize psychological knowledge, recognize the diversity of psychological functioning and the global, historical and cultural context of human experience.
• Structure and confidently articulate ideas and information to a range of different audiences, using professional standards and enterprise skills appropriate to the socio-cultural and global contexts and purpose of the communication.
• Critically evaluate psychological research paradigms, a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and analyze data, culminating in the successful execution of a research project complying with established ethical standards.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the applications of psychology and approach problem-solving in innovative and creative ways to explain and develop solutions to a range of real-world problems and global contexts.
• Show a deep understanding and high level of competency in a range of transferable skills, including analysis and interpretation of statistical and other forms of data, digital literacy skills, communicating effectively through scientific argument and the effective sourcing and utilization of ideas and evidence from a wide range of psychological and other scientific sources.
• Critically reflect on and be self-aware of the achievement of personal and group objectives whilst developing introspection and autonomy in the application of learning.

Careers and opportunities

Studying psychology opens up a wealth of opportunity in a diverse and exciting range of fields that leads to vast employment potential.

Through the analysis of psychology in real-life situations, you will develop key employability skills valued by employers. These include teamwork, independent working, presentation skills, role play, reflection and an ability to articulate complex ideas effectively. In this way, graduates are prepared for a future career in psychology as well as in other areas that require the many and varied skills that this course promotes.

Where our graduates work

On graduating, you’ll be well prepared for postgraduate study as a chartered psychologist, as well as a researcher in psychology or for a career in an alternate field e.g. occupations within social and welfare settings, law and business, HR and marketing; or childcare, education and health professions. Depending which type of psychology you choose to research in your final year project, you can gain real insights into fields including law, health, business, education, counselling, sport and leisure and more. 

The IAPT module also prepares you for further study to become Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, for those who might develop an interest in counselling.