Applied Psychology MSc

Postgraduate

Male student sat in front of shelf of books

Improve your skills in clinical, counselling, educational, coaching and research psychology. Our interactive sessions and professional placement opportunity² aim to help you prepare for a career in psychology.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
With Professional Placement

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years full-time with professional placement

Course code

CAST030

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
July 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

This course is for aspiring psychologists and professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of psychology and develop skills through practical workshops. It provides a solid foundation in psychology and helps you explore career paths in public health, media, education, workplaces, research and specialised psychology fields.

Learn about key areas of psychology from a modern perspective, including how psychology is used in media, global politics, research and new technologies.
Develop key practical skills in psychology through hands-on workshops, case analysis, role-playing, simulations and assessments in clinical, counselling, educational and research psychology.
You can complete an optional 12-month professional placement to gain real-world experience in clinical, counselling, educational, coaching or research settings.²

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Learning, teaching and industry connections: learn from subject experts with industry experience, bringing both research and real-world experience into the classroom. Our teaching reflects key industry trends and debates, ensuring a current and relevant learning experience. Staff also maintain strong links with employers, including local schools, prison services, and clinical and counselling services.

Innovative learning tools and dedicated technicians: get access to specialised psychology software for statistics and research methods to support your studies. Dedicated psychology technicians can help you use these tools, set up experiments and work with equipment in psychology labs.⁴

Professional experience: opportunities for practical experience are embedded throughout the course to boost your professional psychology skills, including case formulation, simulation, role play and standard assessment.

Gain practical experience: boost your CV with an additional professional placement. See the modules for more details.²

What you'll study

Enhance your knowledge in applied psychology focusing on key areas such as clinical, counselling, developmental, educational and coaching. Explore how media shapes political outlook, and how technological advancements drive innovation in psychological research and evidence-based practice.

Modules

Clinical Psychology – 30 credits

This module explores the specialised field of clinical psychology by connecting theories, models, approaches and clinical practice knowledge to various clinical disorders and presentations. Analyse and evaluate the major psychological theories underpinning clinical psychology, then apply this understanding to case studies. Understand the key principles of clinical practice, the essential conditions of the clinical relationship, and therapeutic interventions for a range of mental health issues. Complete a case formulation, designing a case study to understand an individual’s challenge based on their personal history and presentation, using contemporary theory and research.

Compulsory

Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring – 30 credits

Develop a comprehensive grounding in counselling psychology, coaching and mentoring through a practical, skills-based approach. Develop knowledge, skills and competencies to effectively evaluate and apply these practices in various settings. Integrate the psychological theories, principles and practices to counsel, coach and mentor individuals and groups. Focus on understanding the core conditions of the practitioner-client relationship and applying relevant theories to observed psychological processes. Enhance your interpersonal communication, empathy, goal-setting and problem-solving skills, which could be useful in navigating the complexities of counselling, coaching and mentoring relationships.

Compulsory

Developmental and Educational Psychology – 30 credits

Whether you are interested in clinical child psychology or education and teaching, this module is essential in enhancing your knowledge of developmental and educational psychology practice. Explore the key principles, theories and research that form the foundation of developmental and educational psychology, while also considering advances in technology and research that enable practitioners to understand modern development. Contemporary topics such as the impact of technology on child development and social and cross-cultural influences in education allow you to critically consider development and education from conception to end of life. Explore clinical and practice-based definitions of neurodevelopmental disorders and special educational needs and engage with standardised assessments and remediation. Examine government policies, legislation and debates in education that are essential for those wishing to practice.

Compulsory

Psychology of Global Politics and Media – 30 credits

Critically evaluate the psychological mechanisms and processes that shape political attitudes, behaviours and decision-making, particularly during periods of social and political unrest. Explore concepts such as bias, prejudice, threat, racism, ethnocentrism, morals and emotions to understand the complexity of political psychology in human responses and behaviour. Critically assess major psychological and applied theories (for example, social, criminogenic and forensic) to examine the media’s influence on group actions and individual behaviours.

Compulsory

Master’s with professional placement

If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master’s with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master’s course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final 60-credit module.

Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement.
The placement must be sourced and secured by you during your first semester. Our careers and employability team are available to support you with the sourcing process.
Start your professional placement after completing the first 120 credits of your course.
The professional placement will be integrated into your course learning and outcomes. This will take the form of a reflective diary demonstrating your learning and engagement with the placement experience.
The professional placement option is subject to additional fees, living costs, visa requirements, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.²

For full terms and conditions please visit the extended master’s landing page.

Optional

Applied Research and Technological Innovations – 30 credits

Apply key research skills in developing evidence-based solutions to psychological problems. Explore the various research methods used in different areas of psychology, such as social, biological, cognitive, forensic and health. Use this knowledge to plan, design and defend your solutions, ensuring they are viable and effective for addressing specific issues within applied psychology. You will be encouraged to incorporate technological innovations into your solutions. This could involve developing tools like apps or VR technology, or utilising marketing strategies such as social media and billboards to promote your solutions. Gain practical experience in applying psychological research and technology to real-world problems.

Compulsory

Wellbeing and the Global Workplace – 30 credits

Examine individuals and teams within the global workplace and how this dynamic environment impacts wellbeing. Topics include the links between work and personal wellbeing, neurodiversity, the impact of technological advances, equality, diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, cultural intelligence (CQ) and communication within teams.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
case formulation
simulation and role-play
case studies
workshops.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

presentations
case formulation
case studies
essays
lobby proposals
reflection.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline, or relevant professional and educational experience that demonstrates your ability to meet the demands of the programme.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical requirements

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600 £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The Richard Crossman Building is the primary home of psychology, criminology and social science subjects. Facilities include:

Light and dark multisensory labs

Explore how light and darkness affect behaviour, emotion and cognition. These specialist environments provide controlled yet adaptable spaces to learn about light, colour and perception.

Prison cells

Two furnished cells, one simulating a prison cell, and one simulating a custody cell, allow you to role-play real-life situations and put yourself in the shoes of prisoners and prison/police staff. Prisoner artwork is also on display.

Psychology lab

A suite of rooms with experimental equipment, such as eye tracking and EEG (electroencephalogram) resources, to support neuro-psychological, physiological and biological psychological research for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Specialist software, such as Gorilla, OpenSesame experiment builder, E-Prime, SPSS statistical analysis, Pinnacle Studio and NVIVO allow you to develop your digital fluency.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

The Applied Psychology MSc aims to prepare you for a career in applied psychology, from assistant psychologist posts to mental health practitioner roles. Our graduates work in roles ranging from NHS-based therapists to innovators within charitable non-profit organisations and education.

Examples of potential career opportunities in psychology or applied psychology settings include:

assistant psychologist
private psychological services
NHS therapy-based roles
mental health practitioners
academia and research
policing
human resources
charities and non-profit organisations
education and learning advisors.

Where our graduates work

St Andrew’s Healthcare - a charity that works to inspire hope for those living with complex mental health needs.
Aquarius – a charity that helps with drugs, alcohol and gambling.
Wolverhampton Haven – victim support for interpersonal violence, drug use, trauma and homelessness.
Refuge – domestic abuse organisation for women.
Metropolitan Police
Further study – PhD/PsyD/DClinPsych.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.