MSc/PgDip/PgCert Applied Psychology (Therapies)
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- MSc/PgDip/PgCert
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
School of Health and Society
How long will I study?
One year, Three year
Overview
This course will equip you with valuable professional insight into topics including approaches to identifying common mental health disorders, causes of addiction, and how cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based psychotherapies can be used to help address stress, anxiety, depression, chronic health conditions, and other related disorders. You will gain a greater appreciation for the application of psychology and how to gather and evaluate evidence and conduct research, which are valuable skills for senior professional roles or those intending to progress to further postgraduate doctoral study, including clinical psychology doctorate training and PhD.
You'll find the course particularly relevant if you are working, or intend to work, in the NHS or healthcare independent sector, including addiction clinics and mental health services, and want to develop your knowledge and understanding of psychological therapy beyond the basic level offered in some professional qualification courses.
You will:
- Be well-prepared to apply for further professional training, such as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner training, a professional doctorate (DProf), and research career paths in psychology and other relevant disciplines.
- Understand psychological theories that play a central role in modern healthcare provision.
- Receive support from a highly qualified team of psychology staff.
This is for you if...
You have a sound understanding of core psychology and an interest in applied psychology.
You want to help further research in this field.
You want to become a leader in your profession.
How you'll learn
Future careers
This course has helped students progress to leadership positions within the field of psychological therapies and advance to more senior practitioner and research roles. Some of our graduates have gone on to complete a doctorate in clinical psychology, train as psychological wellbeing practitioners, or receive bursaries toward PhD study.
This course is an excellent springboard in applied psychology that you can use to become a leader in your profession. It could open doors to more senior roles (including psychological wellbeing practitioner) in CBT and therapeutic intervention – two areas that the government views as key to effective modern healthcare provision.
Modules
The aim of this course is to enable you to develop a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of applied psychology in the context of psychological intervention and therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and integrative psychotherapies.
The full-time route is structured over 12 months and comprises three 10-week semesters. In semesters 1 and 2, you will complete two taught modules in each semester. In semester 3, you will complete your dissertation under the supervision of one of the course tutors. If you choose to follow the part-time route, you will complete the course over three years, completing two taught modules in each of the first two years and the dissertation in your third year.
The dissertation module on this course will also give you the opportunity to pursue an area of applied psychology and psychological therapies directly related to your own work or interest.
Award outcomes and modules
Full-time
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert): Two modules (Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders and Research Methods in Psychology) over four months.
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip): Four modules (Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Physical Health, Addictive Behaviour, and Research Methods in Psychology) over eight months.
- MSc: Four modules (Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Physical Health, Addictive Behaviour, and Research Methods in Psychology) plus a dissertation over one year.
Part-time
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert): Two modules (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Physical Health or Addictive Behaviour and Research Methods in Psychology) over nine months.
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip): Four modules (Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Physical Health, Addictive Behaviour, and Research Methods in Psychology) over two years.
- MSc: Four modules (Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Physical Health, Addictive Behaviour, and Research Methods in Psychology) plus a dissertation over three years.
Modules
Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical application of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and person-centred therapy, together with a critical evaluation of its utilisation in addiction and associated depression and anxiety disorders.
Research Methods in Psychology
Develop a critical understanding and creative and rigorous approach to the process of research, preparing you to complete a research dissertation on a topic of your choice in the field of applied psychology (therapies).
Addictive Behaviours
Develop a theoretical and evidence-based critique of the psychology and treatment of addictions, including substance abuse and process addictions. You will also critically evaluate the range of addictive and compulsive behaviours to identify the range of complex problems and risks experienced by the 'addict' in western society.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Physical Health
This module provides a rigorous theoretical and evidence-based introduction to using CBT with clients who have long-term physical health conditions, developing skills in and critically examining research in the use of CBT specifically with clients who require chronic disease self-management.
Dissertation
Provides you with the opportunity to explore through research and develop expertise in an area of applied psychology (therapies) that directly relates to your own work, interests, or future career aspirations.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Applicant profile
Ideally, you will have a sound understanding of core psychology, an interest in applied psychology and psychological interventions and a desire for professional development within psychology. Experience gained working in an applied setting or with individuals receiving therapeutic interventions will provide valuable context for the course.
Psychology graduates (and graduates in related disciplines, including the sciences) and health and social care professionals who are interested in therapeutic interventions and treatment options. The course is also a route towards a professional doctorate or an academic or research career.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
2.1 Honours degree or equivalent in psychology or other health/social care related discipline, e.g. counselling, health sciences, nursing.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
English language requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.5 with no element below 6.0. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.
If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.
Alternative entry requirements
º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
Fees and funding
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,360 per year |
| Part-time | Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis. |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,520 per year |
Additional costs
You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
How to apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us: