Applied Psychology MPsych

Select the year

2026-27

2027-28

Start Dates

20 September 2027

Duration

4 years full-time

UCAS Tariff

120-112 points

Recent Awards For Excellence

Find out more about these awards

About this course

Overview

You’ll explore how psychological knowledge is applied to complex real-world problems, developing the advanced skills needed to work at a higher professional and academic level. This Applied Psychology MPsych is designed for students who want to study psychology in depth and graduate with both an undergraduate degree and a Master’s qualification.

This is an integrated Master’s degree. You’ll study the same core psychology content as our Psychology BSc(Hons) for the first three years, building a strong foundation in areas such as cognition, developmental psychology and biopsychology. You’ll then complete a fourth year of Master’s-level study, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and develop advanced research and analytical skills.

Throughout the course, learning has a strong applied focus. You’ll explore current and sometimes challenging issues through case studies, applied projects and hands-on research, helping you understand how psychological theory is used in professional, organisational and research settings. This approach supports the development of critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills at an advanced level.
You’ll also gain hands-on experience in our specialist psychology laboratories, using equipment such as EEG machines, eye-tracking technology and virtual reality systems. These practical experiences help you build confidence in advanced research methods and data analysis, preparing you for professional roles or further postgraduate study.
As your interests develop, you’ll have opportunities within the course to explore and focus on areas of applied psychology that interest you most. This allows you to shape your learning and research around your academic interests and career aspirations, while still benefiting from the structure of an integrated Master’s degree.
Assessment reflects the expectations of Master’s-level work. Alongside applied projects and research-based assessments, you’ll develop professional-level reports that demonstrate your ability to analyse complex psychological issues. Together, these form a portfolio that showcases your advanced skills, knowledge and experience.
You’ll learn as part of a close-knit course community and be supported throughout your studies. You’ll have a personal tutor to guide you academically and professionally, and you’ll be taught by research-active staff alongside practising psychologists and guest speakers with professional expertise.

As you progress into the Master’s year, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively, developing high-level communication, presentation and teamwork skills. These skills, combined with your advanced psychological training, will support progression into psychology-related careers, research roles or further professional training.

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB-BBC at A Level.
DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of level 3 qualifications.
Any NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 subject provided it equates to 120 UCAS points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
Merit at T Level
120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications including a Higher Level at grade 6 and Maths and English Language GCSE at grade 4 or above or grade C if awarded under previous GCSE grading scheme (can include IELTS for the English GCSE grade 4 equivalency).

In addition you must have Level 2 Maths or Numeracy or GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning towards this course.

If you have alternative qualifications you may wish to contact us for advice before applying.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

You'll study the major perspectives and methodologies in child development. The module focuses on applied settings such as education, the mental health system, the criminal justice system and the wider social world. You'll consider how developmental concepts have influenced the work of professionals in understanding development. The module will also help you in your transition to studying at degree level.

You'll explore non-mainstream areas of psychology through the study of published literature and will attend lectures based on a variety of current psychological research topics.

You'll be introduced to theoretical approaches and debates in cognitive and biological psychology, as well as analytical research skills using quantitative methods. You'll carry out research in our laboratories to identify and explain internal mental processes and biological factors that underpin behaviour.

This module will introduce you to research methods and data analysis in psychology. It provides the opportunity to develop both a theoretical understanding and practical skills. It covers key research issues, methods and data analysis in both quantitative and qualitative approaches. You'll also gain experience as a participant in several research projects.

In this module you will study Personality and Social Psychology. The module addresses three important questions. How do psychologists study personality? How do psychologists study individual and group behaviours, such as attitudes and language? Is Personality best understood as originating in constitutional or social factors?

In this module you'll be supported to develop a critical understanding of cognitive and biological explanations of human behaviour. You'll explore a diverse range of topics including psychopharmacology, behavioural genetics, memory and human perception.

In the developmental psychology part of the module you'll be supported to build on your knowledge of human development across the lifespan in a variety of contexts. You'll learn about different methodological approaches to studying human development and how to critique them. In the professional development part of the module, you'll reflect on your personal and professional skills development and how psychology-related skills can be used beyond university.

Through this module you'll be supported to further develop your knowledge of research design and analysis. You'll explore analysis of variance, multiple regression, factor analysis, discursive analyses, phenomenological analyses and ethics.

You'll be supported to build on your knowledge of social psychology and personality psychology through lectures and seminars. You'll consider some of the key issues we face in our world today, including crowds and social conflict, group processes and identity and close relationships.

You will also choose 2 optional modules in this year. The current optional modules are:

You'll explore one of the most influential approaches to psychological therapy; namely Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). To do this you'll be introduced to the concepts CBT uses to understand psychological problems, apply them to complex case materials and explore how to assess whether CBT and other therapies work.

You’ll explore areas of psychology that relate to gender and sexuality through the study of published literature and will attend lectures based on a variety of topical areas of interest in the study of gender and sexuality.

Health psychology is the study of how behavioural, psychological and social processes influence physical health and illness. This module introduces you to the exciting discipline of health psychology through lectures and directed study. You'll explore some key theories, concepts and research. The module is aligned with the scientist-practitioner model, with its emphasis on evidence-based approaches to treatment, as well as research methods and skills which is reflected in the module content and assessments.

You’ll explore and critically examine the various theories of judgement and decision making and be introduced to quantitative models of these cognitive processes. You’ll critically evaluate the notion of rationality and investigate ways in which people’s judgements and decisions can be biased. The module will also allow you to explore judgement and decision making in a range of real-world contexts such as health, business and economics, and to investigate techniques for improving decision making.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

You'll conduct research into your chosen area of psychology through the collection of original data to produce a report. You'll also communicate your research findings and work in progress through a short assessed presentation. Throughout the project you'll be supported to demonstrate high level research skills, an awareness of ethical principles and approval procedures, and an ability to work independently under supervision from a qualified member of psychology staff.

You will also choose 4 optional modules in this year. The current optional modules are:

You'll explore the field of Investigative Psychology and cover a wide range of areas, including the work of Professor David Canter, Offender Profiling, Geographic Profiling, Investigative Interviewing and the Detection of Deception.

You'll study contemporary psychological research and theories of personal and intimate relationships. This will include material on different perspectives on personal relationships, physical attractiveness and attraction, how people form, maintain and end intimate relationships, sex differences in relationship behaviour, online relationships, and attachment and self-esteem in intimate relationships.

You’ll explore modern police investigation practice in relation to serious crime, including the contribution of forensic science, offender profiling, surveillance data and new technologies. You’ll consider how current research into serious crime, such as homicide, terrorism and sexual offences, informs practice and police decision making, as well as how investigations and major enquiry management have become increasingly professionalised.

The complex factors which interact to construct learning will be explored, using a mix of psychological theories and their influence on educational policy in schools and on further and higher education. You'll be supported to develop an understanding of how different people are enabled and disabled, in participating in learning and education.

You'll be introduced to the critical issues related to health, illness and disability in clinical and health psychology. The module challenges some of the preconceptions of ill-health from mainstream perspectives and considers how health and illness can be influenced by factors including culture, poverty, gender and sexuality. You'll be encouraged to consider how these factors impact on wellbeing and the experience and treatment of physical and mental illness and disability. Multiple perspectives will be considered in the critical, applied and research oriented module design. Through an essay you'll demonstrating a comprehensive and critical understanding of theoretical and applied approaches to the psychology of health and wellbeing.

You'll cover key concepts within neuroscience and link neuroscientific evidence that underpin core cognitive theory. Through a series of themed lectures, case studies and examples will be used to demonstrate the links between neuroscience, cognition and behaviour. Lecture themes include: atypical and abnormal (effects of specific damage or traumatic brain injury), typical and functional (underlying mechanisms and neural correlates for typical function and cognitive abilities) and issues in neuroscience (practical, ethical and workplace/professional application).

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Psychological theory and research can help to unravel and understand a range of complex problems in the real world and knowing how to apply theory and use research will advantage you in your future employment. In this module you'll build on your undergraduate study and use your knowledge and skills to explore contemporary real world problems. Focusing on issues that interest you and working individually and in groups you'll identify ways to communicate your analyses to lay audiences. The module content is driven by the interests and choices of the students and the tutors will act as facilitators in analysing and presenting the work you do. Your work from this module will assist you in presenting your skill set to future employers.

Research skills are important in many contexts from gathering management data to understanding individual performance in work or education. In this module you'll develop the extensive range of research skills acquired in your previous three years of study in psychology and explore how they might be used in academic and non-academic contexts. You'll explore the ontological and epistemological underpinnings of research to enable the development of critical researcher skills. You'll be presented with a range of applied research problems which you'll deconstruct and represent through discussion and analysis. You'll design and present traditional research projects and research projects which represent those carried out in the workplace and employ a range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to analyse data sets. You'll learn how to present these to lay audiences.

Different employment contexts require diverse methods of gathering, analysing and presenting information. In this module you'll use the research skills acquired in your undergraduate study together with the new Master's level skills and identify a research topic relevant to your employment ambitions. Focusing on this topic and supported by a dedicated tutor, you'll carry out an independent piece of research. You'll develop your existing project management skills and design, and carry out a small scale research project. You'll then identify an appropriate method of presenting the research be it a traditional research report or a management report.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Previous Huddersfield Psychology graduates have gone on to work in education, healthcare, research, business and public services in organisations including the NHS, The Kirklees Dementia Hub, UK Home Office, Reed in Partnership, Practice Plus Group, BBT Group Ltd and Holmfirth High School.

89%
Graduates from this subject area were in work or further study 15 months after graduation.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, UK Domiciled

The course enabled me to develop transferable research and social skills, which involved reflecting on sensitive topics alongside Clinical Psychologists. This helped me to develop interpersonal and transferable skills including active listening and communication.

- Aaliyah Siddique
graduated from Psychology BSc(Hons) in 2022, now an Assistant Psychologist in the NHS

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£10,050 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2027/28.

Modules credits can range from 15 to 60, dependent on the content of the module. Read more about total credits required for a range of degrees, to allow you to calculate the potential total cost.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy.

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This is the tuition fee for 2026/27 entry. Tuition fees for 2027/28 will be published once the information becomes available.

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy.

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

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Gallery

Simulated driving experiment using virtual reality

A psychology student and lecturer testing the measurements of an electroencephalography (EEG) cap before using it to measure electrical activity in the brain of a participant in their experiment.

Preparing the electroencephalography (EEG) cap

A psychology student and lecturer conducting an experiment investigating visual attention using an eye tracking machine.

Investigating visual attention with an eye tracker

Students using SPSS software in computer rooms

The Cold Pressor

A psychology student and lecturer adjusting the finger sensors of a psychophysiology measuring device before conducting an experiment

Using finger sensors on a psychophysiology device

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Read about how Sophie chose Psychology BSc(Hons) at Huddersfield because of its close-knit campus feel She aapreciates the enthusiasm and support of the Psychology teaching staff and the variety of assessment methods.

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What career pathways are in Psychology

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When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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Applied Psychology MPsych

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

Accreditation and Professional Links

Entry Requirements