MSc Public Health and Social Care in Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), United Kingdom, offers an MSc Publ...
MSc Applied Psychology
Swansea
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), located in the United Kingdom, offers an MSc Applied Psychology program designed to equip graduates with a thorough understanding of psychological principles and their practical application in various real-world contexts. This Master's degree provides students with advanced knowledge of issues in applied psychology, the skills required for effective psychological application, and a detailed understanding of their chosen focus area within the field. The program is suitable for individuals seeking to advance their careers in fields where psychological expertise is crucial, or as a preparatory step for more specialized postgraduate professional courses in psychology. The core themes of analysis, intervention, and evaluation are central to the course structure and philosophy, ensuring graduates are prepared to address contemporary challenges using psychological insights.
Curriculum: The MSc Applied Psychology curriculum at UWTSD is designed to provide both foundational research skills and specialized applied knowledge. Core modules typically include "Research Methodology and Statistics" and "Philosophical and Professional Issues in Applied Psychology," which provide essential training in research methods, ethical considerations, and professional development. Students then select from a range of optional applied modules that allow them to develop competencies and knowledge in specific content areas. While the exact optional modules may vary from year to year, they generally cover diverse fields within health, organizational, and clinical psychology, potentially including topics such as "Theory of Psychotherapy," "Psychology Applied to Lifespan Behavioural and Emotional Problems," "Applied Forensic Psychology," "Counselling Skills," and "Issues in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology." The program culminates in an extended piece of empirical research, typically a dissertation, where students apply their acquired knowledge to an in-depth investigation of a chosen topic in applied psychology.
Research Focus: The research focus within the MSc Applied Psychology program at UWTSD is strongly oriented towards practical application and empirical investigation of psychological phenomena in real-world settings. The university's School of Psychology often engages in research that informs both teaching and broader public life, particularly in areas such as education, health, industry, and social justice. Students are trained in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, preparing them to critically evaluate existing research and conduct their own empirical studies. The culminating dissertation provides a significant opportunity for students to pursue independent research on a topic within applied psychology, aligning with faculty research interests that may span experimental psychology, applied health psychology, therapeutic counselling practice, and psychotherapeutic approaches. This diverse research environment fosters a dynamic learning experience where students can develop strong academic, research, and transferable skills.
Industry Engagement: UWTSD emphasizes delivering career-focused degrees with strong industry links, which is beneficial for students pursuing the MSc Applied Psychology. The program is designed to enhance employment opportunities by providing knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for various psychology-related careers or further clinical training. While specific mandatory placements are not consistently detailed for the MSc program, the university's overall commitment to enhancing graduate employability includes providing students with a personalized approach to learning, potential work placements for relevant undergraduate programs, and fostering an environment where professional skills are developed. The "applied" nature of the program ensures that the psychological theories and research learned are placed within the context of real-world issues, making graduates highly attractive to employers in sectors requiring psychological expertise.
Global Perspective: The MSc Applied Psychology program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing universal human behaviors and psychological issues, while also acknowledging their diverse manifestations across different cultures and contexts. The curriculum's exploration of various areas of applied psychology, such as health, organizational, and clinical psychology, draws upon international research and prepares students for careers in a globalized professional landscape. Many of the challenges and problems addressed in applied psychology, such as mental health issues, organizational dynamics, or forensic psychology topics, have international relevance. The program equips graduates with the analytical and intervention skills that are valuable in a wide range of international settings, whether working for multinational corporations, global health organizations, or research institutions worldwide.
Location
Swansea
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 15000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.
International Postgraduate Scholarships: UWTSD offers International Postgraduate Scholarships to support international students enrolling in postgraduate taught programs. These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students and can provide substantial financial assistance. International students from countries outside the EU are eligible to apply, and the scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and the strength of their application.
Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.
Alumni Loyalty Scholarship: UWTSD offers an Alumni Loyalty Scholarship for international students who are returning to study at the university for a second degree or postgraduate qualification. The scholarship is a way of recognizing the continued alumni to the university, with a discount on tuition fees as a gesture of appreciation.
Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.
An MSc in Applied Psychology from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) provides graduates with a robust foundation in psychological theory and its practical application across diverse real-world settings. This advanced degree equips individuals with analytical, intervention, and evaluation skills crucial for addressing contemporary challenges in fields where psychological insights are highly valued. The curriculum's emphasis on research methods and specialized modules in areas like health, organizational, and clinical psychology prepares alumni to critically assess existing knowledge and conduct their own empirical investigations. Graduates are thus well-prepared to pursue careers that leverage psychological principles to improve individual well-being, organizational effectiveness, and societal outcomes.
Assistant Psychologist: Working under the supervision of a qualified psychologist in clinical, educational, or forensic settings, gaining practical experience and supporting psychological assessments and interventions. This is often a stepping stone to further doctoral-level training required for full chartered psychologist status in the UK.
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP): Delivering evidence-based psychological interventions for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression within NHS or private healthcare services, often as part of an IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service.
Research Assistant/Associate: Conducting psychological research for universities, research institutions, government bodies, or private organizations, involving data collection, analysis, and report writing.
Human Resources Specialist/Organisational Development Consultant: Applying psychological principles to workplace issues such as employee motivation, talent management, training and development, organizational change, and employee well-being within corporate or consultancy environments.
Health Promotion Specialist: Designing and implementing programs to encourage healthier lifestyles, manage chronic conditions, and improve public health outcomes, often working in public health departments, charities, or healthcare providers.
Counsellor/Therapist (with further training): While the MSc itself is not a direct route to becoming a qualified counsellor or therapist, it provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation for further professional training and accreditation in counselling, psychotherapy, or specific therapeutic modalities (e.g., CBT).
Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP): Providing early intervention mental health support for children and young people in educational settings, working with schools and colleges to address common mental health issues.
Forensic Support Worker/Probation Officer: Working in the criminal justice system to support offenders or victims, applying psychological understanding to rehabilitation, risk assessment, and behavioral management (further specific training may be required for probation roles).
User Experience (UX) Researcher: Applying psychological principles of human perception, cognition, and behavior to design and improve the usability and experience of products, services, and digital interfaces within technology companies or design agencies.
Data Analyst (Behavioural Insights): Utilizing statistical and analytical skills to interpret complex behavioral data for businesses, governments, or research organizations, informing strategies in areas like marketing, policy development, or consumer insights.
