MSc Psychology (Applied)

Key information

Degree

Types of study

Full time

Duration

12 months full-time

Start date

September each year

Faculty

Education and English / Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Entry requirements

Course Requirements: Open to graduates of any subject. This master's programme requires students to possess a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from a recognised institution at the same standard as a UK university's 2:1 (upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent).

English Language Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have a degree from a UK institution, are required to have the following English language qualifications before they can register on an academic programme:

IELTS: 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) or
PTE Academic: 71 (minimum 65) or
TOEFL (IBT): 90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking)

Course overview

The MSc in Psychology (Applied) comprises a broad field of knowledge and enquiry that investigates human learning, cognition and behaviour through scientific methods, equipping students with integrated qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, multidisciplinary research literacy, and critical thinking to evaluate objectively theories, and articulating informed perspectives. The programme emphasises contemporary relevance, offering cutting-edge modules spanning psychobiology, neuroscience, and social psychology, alongside hands-on experience in collaborative research projects and individual empirical studies.

The programme is ideal for graduates passionate about Psychology who seek to explore the discipline further or pursue careers in counselling, healthcare, education, and beyond. Graduates will emerge with versatile skills and psychological insights, making them highly employable in academic research, further studies, or industries such as law, HR, and retail.

Special Features:

Exclusive Offering in China: The first MSc in Psychology delivered by a UK university, providing a distinctive academic experience.
Conversion-Style Programme: Ideal for graduates from any field, this programme enables you to specialise in Psychology at the Master's level.
Expert International Faculty: Learn from a team of world-class psychologists and professionals, offering cutting-edge expertise in the field.
Global Learning Opportunities: Enrich your studies with diverse perspectives from visiting professors from UNUK and UNM.
High Growth Potential: As one of the few English-taught Psychology Master’s programmes in China, this offers a rare opportunity for both personal growth and career advancement.

Course structure

The MSc in Psychology (Applied) is a one-year programme (twelve full months). Students are required to complete 180 credits to graduate, consisting of 60 credits per semester, plus 60 credits for the research project.

Year 1 modules

+

ACADEMIC YEAR 2026-2027

Compulsory Modules:

Personality and Individual Differences
Cognition and the Mind
Practical Methods
Research Methods and Analysis
Neuroscience and Behaviour
Applications of Professional Psychology
Empirical Research Project

Optional Modules:

Lifespan Development
Social Psychology
Documentary and Reality
Brain and Language
Advanced Experimental and Behavioural Economics

Please note that the structure of this degree and its modules may be subject to change.

Careers and further study

Graduates of the MSc in Psychology (Applied) will be well-equipped for diverse career paths in counselling, healthcare, education, and organisational psychology, as well as research and academia. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied psychology, they will be highly employable in various sectors such as law, HR, marketing, and social services. The programme's global perspective and emphasis on critical thinking and research will also open doors to international opportunities, preparing graduates for roles that require a deep understanding of human behaviour in both professional and practical contexts.