MSc Applied Psychology

Welcome to the MSc Applied Psychology, a unique programme in Dubai offering students a range of modules that give a taste of various applied psychological fields. As a campus of Middlesex University we bring you an internationally recognised degree developed by the expertise of applied and academic psychologists.

In particular, the MSc Applied Psychology programme has been designed with the international student in mind providing an introduction to a wide variety of applications for psychology in the real world. This allows students to gain diverse academic skills and psychological knowledge which can be applied to their individual situations and careers. It may also be used as a stepping stone for personal development and potentially future studies in psychology.

The degree focuses on the application of psychological science to work and daily life and showcases the many fields covered by the psychology profession. These include: organisation, counselling and neuropsychology of education. In each case the understanding of human behaviour students gain can be generalised beyond the specific field of psychology. For example, counselling skills such as listening and re-formulating a problem are at the core of managerial skills. Also understanding how people manage their health and wellbeing is important in families dealing with illness or for individuals trying to kick bad habits such as smoking.

Psychology is one of those subjects where a little bit of genuine interest and understanding goes a long way. We encourage students to read widely and to consider how theories and research expand their knowledge.

Why Study MSc Applied Psychology?

The MSc Applied Psychology degree at Middlesex University Dubai has been designed with an emphasis on research but also equips you with knowledge of theoretical and practical issues in areas of Applied Psychology. We supply you with course content designed to impart the advanced knowledge required to serve your interests and career aspirations.

The programme is ideally suited to those with careers in Human Resources or Education who want to further their knowledge of psychology in these contexts, or, for those with an interest in personal development through gaining an advanced level, research focused degree in this field.

Programme Content

The general aim of the programme is to provide an intellectual setting within which students can both develop a fuller appreciation of substantive areas of applied psychology and improve their analytical skills. The programme aims to provide a learning environment within which the successful student will:

a) Gain knowledge and understanding of key areas of Applied Psychology in the workplace (e.g. Education, Counselling, and Business Psychology).

b) Gain knowledge and critical understanding of the various research techniques and statistical methods that may be viewed as appropriate to a postgraduate level training in psychology.

d) Gain experience developing practical research, analytical and reporting skills therefore making an appropriate contribution to research within an area of Applied Psychology.

Programme Content

The MSc Applied Psychology programme is studied over two years on part-time basis. The programme is divided into study units called modules. It includes a range of taught modules together with a dissertation, (normally based on empirical research), carried out by the student. There are three 30 credit modules providing the opportunity to study topics within areas of Research Methods in Applied Psychology, and counselling psychotherapies, and business psychology. In particular the Research Methods module provides the opportunity to develop research and practical skills relevant across all areas of Applied Psychology. These include: qualitative methods, questionnaire and survey methods; methods for the statistical analysis of quantitative data. In addition, practical elements such as developing research proposals and identifying ethical and professional considerations are also covered.

Two further 15 credit modules give this programme its wider appeal by offering three further popular areas of study within psychology namely; Applied Neuropsychology in Education and contemporary research and issues in Applied Psychology.

The Thesis or Dissertation module (60 credits) encourages students to demonstrate learned knowledge in a particular area of Applied Psychology. Each 30 credit module represents approximately 240 hours of study commitment with typically 2-3 hours per week contact time. The MSc Applied Psychology is awarded for successful completion of 180 credits, including the dissertation.

Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

• Advanced Dissertation in Psychology (60 Credits) – Compulsory
• Applied Neuropsychology in Education (15 Credits) – Compulsory
• Applied Psychometrics (15 Credits) – Compulsory
• Research and Issues in Applied Psychology (30 Credits) – Compulsory
• Research Methods in Applied Psychology (30 Credits) – Compulsory
• Counselling and Psychotherapy in Applied Psychology (30 Credits) – Compulsory