Applied Psychology (Singapore) MSc

What is Applied Psychology?

Applied psychology is a broad field that encompasses the practical application of psychological principles, theories, and research to address a wide range of real-world issues and challenges. Applied psychologists work in a wide range of settings, from clinical and educational settings to organizational, sports, and health-related environments.

Delivered collaboratively by Aston University and the College of Allied Educators (CAE), the MSc applied psychology equips students with knowledge, skills, and practical experience to pursue a successful, rewarding career in clinical psychology. Throughout the 15-month part-time programme, students will explore social psychology, brain and behaviour, cognition and cognitive neuropsychology, and psychology and wellbeing

Core Modules

Social Psychology

Social psychology explores the dynamic interplay between individuals and their social environment. In this module, you will delve into topics such as social influence, attitudes, group dynamics, and interpersonal relationships.

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:

1.    Critically evaluate social psychological approaches and judge their contribution to theory.
2.    Critically evaluate and communicate the suitability of qualitative methods for answering social psychology research questions.
3.    Develop a semi-structured interview schedule and conduct a qualitative interview following qualitative research principles.
4.    Transcribe, analyse and effectively communicate the data collected in the interview following best practice in DA (discourse analysis) or IPA (interpretive phenomenological analysis) as used in social psychology.

Brain and Behaviour

This module introduces the intricate relationship between the brain and human behaviour, delving into topics including perception, memory, emotion, and motivation. This module also explores neuroscience and its implications for understanding and treating psychological disorders.

Upon successful completion, students will be able to

1.    Demonstrate systematic understanding and critical awareness of the evidence relating to the neural bases for cognition and higher-order cognitive functions.
2.    To evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them, including identifying new hypotheses where appropriate.
3.    To analyse EEG data and to communicate those findings transparently.

Cognition and Cognitive Neuropsychology 

You will explore how cognitive processes such as perception, memory, language, and problem-solving operate. The module will also investigate the impact of neurological conditions and brain injuries on cognitive functioning.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate current theories and findings relating to cognitive psychology and neuropsychology.
2. Identify, analyse and communicate features of types of cognitive impairments and how these are diagnosed.
3. Demonstrate systematic and evidence-based understanding of different types of reasoning, decision making and problem-solving.
4. Develop critiques of methodologies used in cognitive psychology and neuropsychology and deal with complexities and contradictions within the literature.

Psychology and Wellbeing

The Psychology and Wellbeing module investigates the relationship between psychological factors and overall well-being. It looks at how thoughts and feelings affect overall happiness and health and how to improve mental well-being.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. describe and critique different models of well-being and illness in the context of mental and/or physical health;
2. demonstrate a systematic understanding of how different factors contribute to or threaten well-being and to effectively communicate the complexities within the literature;
3. critically evaluate the methodologies and clinical measures used to assess well-being in research and practice;
4. demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical evaluation of interventions which aim to promote well-being in different real-world contexts

Research Project in Applied Psychology (and Practicum)

The dissertation module is the culmination of the MSc Applied Psychology program, integrating theoretical knowledge, research skills, and practical experience. Students will identify a research question in the field of applied psychology, design and execute an independent empirical research project, and report their findings.

• Entry into Stage 2 with a minimum of 60 credits obtained at level 7 in Psychology through recognised prior learning.
• Students should have completed the required 60 credits within the previous 3 years and attained an overall minimum mark of 65% in those credits.
• Due to the nature of this course and in line with Aston University’s Fitness to Practise Regulations, you will be required to submit a criminal disclosure letter. For further details please contact CAE admissions team. 

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm BST)

Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application. 

The delivery method of this course is a combination of online distance learning, and campus-based seminars/workshops, and clinical training. Assessment includes written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments.
 

Please contact CAE admissions consultants directly for fees:

Email CAE:

jolyn.koa@icae.edu.sg
lynn.tan@icae.edu.sg
 

Graduates of our psychology programmes have pursued careers as clinical psychologists, counsellors, Industrial/organisational psychologists, health psychologists, forensic psychologists, and environmental psychologists. Students often move into research and academia to advance discoveries and development in the field of applied and clinical psychology. Upon the successful completion of the required practicum hours that comprise this programme students will be eligible to apply for membership to the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS).

By choosing to study this programme you will gain the experience to pursue a successful career as a counselling psychologist.
 

Why study Applied Psychology at Aston University?

Studying this top-up course in Applied Psychology will provide you with the basis for understanding why people act and behave in certain ways, and provide you with the insight, skills, techniques and approaches to support people in improving their mental and emotional well-being, whilst enhancing their lives and enabling personal growth. By choosing to study at Aston you will gain the experience to pursue a successful career in clinical psychology.

How is the course delivered?

The course is part-time and delivered through a combination of online distance learning, campus-based seminars/workshops, and clinical training. 

Will I be eligible for the Singapore Psychology Society membership?

Upon the successful completion of the required practicum hours that comprise this programme students will be eligible to apply for membership to the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS).