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Join Heriot-Watt: Ranked #32 in the UK. Home to pioneering research and a diverse, vibrant student community.
MSc Applied Psychology
Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
12 monthsProgram duration
23,248 GBPTuition Fee/year
YesScholarships
Program overview
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Overview
Our MSc Applied Psychology programme is a one-year postgraduate degree for graduates who aspire to have a career in academic psychology or one of the many industries where psychology can be applied. It is led by research-active academics working in applied fields of psychology at our Edinburgh campus.
As a postgraduate degree, MSc Applied Psychology follows on from our established, BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in BSc Psychology. It will allow you to explore key topics related to Heriot-Watt’s three important psychological research, including:
During this master’s programme, you’ll deepen your knowledge of contemporary research in psychology and consider its translation and application to real-world problems. You’ll understand theoretical models in psychology and be able to critically evaluate current research and application. You’ll learn how to demonstrate capabilities for managing research or practice, including data management, and be able to conduct and disseminate research in a way that is consistent with both professional practice and the normal principles of research ethics. You’ll also understand how to craft impactful research by engaging with users and stakeholders.
Each course will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills in psychology. You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with the transferable skills and qualities necessary to have a career in academic psychology or applied psychology.
Expertise
Our MSc Applied Psychology degree is taught by experienced, leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as translators, interpreters, practitioner psychologists, tax and finance specialists and management consultants. They bring real-world experience to the classroom.
Your learning environment
The MSc Applied Psychology programme at Heriot-Watt University has excellent research facilities such as eye trackers, driving simulators and consistent environment labs which will support your independent research projects.
The degree is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and applied practice, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your peers, the teaching staff and academics. You will be assessed by an independent project and coursework – you’ll receive support and feedback throughout the programme.
Customise your learning
You’ll learn from eight courses on the syllabus and take part in an independent project. Every course focuses on enhancing your subject-specific knowledge and will allow you to develop your research skills which can be applied to coursework and your postgraduate project.
Through your dissertation, you’ll critically evaluate relevant literature and psychological theories to support a rationale for a selected independent project in psychology. You’ll have the opportunity to learn and demonstrate a critical ability to use a range of techniques and research methods to produce this project. You’ll present your findings of the research in an appropriate academic form.
Industry
We work closely with the industry to ensure our course content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of industry and employers. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.
Program overview
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Overview
Our MSc Applied Psychology programme is a one-year postgraduate degree for graduates who aspire to have a career in academic psychology or one of the many industries where psychology can be applied. It is led by research-active academics working in applied fields of psychology at our Edinburgh campus.
As a postgraduate degree, MSc Applied Psychology follows on from our established, BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in BSc Psychology. It will allow you to explore key topics related to Heriot-Watt’s three important psychological research, including:
During this master’s programme, you’ll deepen your knowledge of contemporary research in psychology and consider its translation and application to real-world problems. You’ll understand theoretical models in psychology and be able to critically evaluate current research and application. You’ll learn how to demonstrate capabilities for managing research or practice, including data management, and be able to conduct and disseminate research in a way that is consistent with both professional practice and the normal principles of research ethics. You’ll also understand how to craft impactful research by engaging with users and stakeholders.
Each course will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills in psychology. You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with the transferable skills and qualities necessary to have a career in academic psychology or applied psychology.
Expertise
Our MSc Applied Psychology degree is taught by experienced, leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as translators, interpreters, practitioner psychologists, tax and finance specialists and management consultants. They bring real-world experience to the classroom.
Your learning environment
The MSc Applied Psychology programme at Heriot-Watt University has excellent research facilities such as eye trackers, driving simulators and consistent environment labs which will support your independent research projects.
The degree is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and applied practice, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your peers, the teaching staff and academics. You will be assessed by an independent project and coursework – you’ll receive support and feedback throughout the programme.
Customise your learning
You’ll learn from eight courses on the syllabus and take part in an independent project. Every course focuses on enhancing your subject-specific knowledge and will allow you to develop your research skills which can be applied to coursework and your postgraduate project.
Through your dissertation, you’ll critically evaluate relevant literature and psychological theories to support a rationale for a selected independent project in psychology. You’ll have the opportunity to learn and demonstrate a critical ability to use a range of techniques and research methods to produce this project. You’ll present your findings of the research in an appropriate academic form.
Industry
We work closely with the industry to ensure our course content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of industry and employers. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.
Admission requirements
Exam Scores
Important Dates
For MSc entry, students will typically have a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in Psychology or a related discipline from a BPS-accredited programme.
If the first language is not English, or a previous degree was not taught in English, evidence of English language ability will be required.
Tuition fee and scholarships
Tuition Fee
Scholarships
Domestic Students
International Students
One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.
In this guide you will find:
Where to look for scholarship opportunities
How to apply to scholarships relevant to you
A list of available scholarships around the world
A scholarship application checklist
More programs from the university
Bachelor UG
Master PG
MBA
PHD
From top 10 rankings to opportunities to study abroad, there are many reasons to choose Heriot-Watt. Here are just a few of them.
A rich heritage
We are proud that since our foundation in 1821 we have been outward-looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge to the benefit of society and the world.
Become a global student
Heriot-Watt provides you with the opportunity to become a global student both at our UK campuses and internationally. On our Edinburgh Campus you’ll find that about one-third of our students are from countries outside the UK, bringing a real international flavour to our community. This mix of people provides a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and build friendships that stretch across the globe.
We also encourage students to take part in our global student programme, Go Global, by participating in an Inter-Campus Transfer, Exchange or Erasmus+ for a semester or year of their degree.
A world-class reputation
We are world-renowned for excellence in teaching and research. We are ranked 235th in the world and 32nd in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024), and almost 90% of our research outputs are classed as world-leading and internationally excellent (REF 2021). View our rankings.
Strong links to business and industry
Our taught programmes and research are informed by the needs of business and industry. We actively facilitate collaborations and partnerships, building strategic alliances and promoting knowledge transfer.
Globally employable graduates
Global companies actively seek out our graduates as they are work-ready. Our programmes are designed to ensure that students receive a relevant, careerorientated education. As a result, more than 95% are in employment or further study six months after completing their programme.
Worldwide network
When you join Heriot-Watt you become part of a global family. We have around 123,000 alumni worldwide. The Watt Club was founded in 1854 and is the oldest graduate club in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt and is free to all graduates of the University.
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Heriot-Watt is one of the world’s leading universities with strong links to international business and industry driven by our established reputation as a top research-led institution. Heriot-Watt is world-renowned for conducting ground-breaking research which is relevant to business and industry. We aim to find radical innovations and solutions to real world challenges for the benefit of society.
We offer over 180 Postgraduate courses that will provide you with the knowledge to solve real world challenges. There are around 2,400 postgraduate students studying at our Edinburgh Campus. It is a friendly, welcoming place, where you will have the opportunity to meet with students from all over the world.
Heriot-Watt is regarded as a top UK university across a range of subject areas. The QS World’s University Rankings ranked Heriot-Watt 302nd in the world, 39th in the UK and 7th in Scotland.
The international outlook of our university has been ranked 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019. This is based on the percentage of the university's international staff, the level of international co-authorship of academic papers and the percentage of international students studying with the university. The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide named Heriot-Watt University ‘International University of the Year 2018’.
REF 2014 named Heriot-Watt in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. We ranked 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact. View our rankings.
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Applied Cyber Security
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Artificial Intelligence (2 years)
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Graduate Certificate in the Mathematical Sciences
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MSc Actuarial Management with Data Science
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MSc Actuarial Science and Management
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