Psychology - Applied Psychology - Mental Health & Psychological Therapies

Overview

The programme provides an opportunity for students to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas of applied psychology related to mental health practice and research. It trains and equips students wishing to:



• Enter further professional training in Clinical, Counselling, Educational or Forensic Psychology;

• Become more employable for positions in the public and private sector (such as Assistant/ Associate Psychologist posts, Research Assistant/Analyst post);

• Pursue PhD research in the area of mental health.



The MSc Applied Psychology programme was shortlisted for three consecutive years as the gradireland 'Postgraduate Course of the Year'.



The course team has been nominated by the students and shortlisted four times for 'Team of Year' in the UU Students' Union Learning and Teaching Awards. From multiple nominations across the University campuses, the MSc programme team was awarded as the runner-up in this category on these occasions.



Work placement / study abroad

The MSc is sometimes able to offer a placement opportunity for students who have completed the programme (NB - these placements are not related to the PWP or CAP routes in the MSc). A selection of clinical placements arrangements have been established in Psychology Services across the NI Health and Social Care Trusts, in specialisms such as Adult Mental Health, Older Adults, Neuropsychology, Personality Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder Services. This post-MSc module is only open to those students who have completed the MSc at Ulster, and students who enrol on this module will be working as the equivalent of Assistant Psychologists on a voluntary basis in these services (length of placements are typically between 6 months and one year).



Students enrolled on the MSc programme will be given the opportunity to apply for this opportunity as they approach the end of their taught modules. Spaces on the module are limited by the number of placements available, and therefore an interview process is used to select suitable candidates. Placement circumstances may change; please enquire as to whether this opportunity may be available during the year in which you wish to undertake the course.

Year one

Compulsory Modules:

Assessment, Formulation and Intervention (CBT model)

Developmental & MH Considerations across the Lifespan (Assessment, Formulation and Intervention)



Year two

Psychological Interventions for Children and Families

Professional and Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice

Advanced Research Methods in Applied Psychology

Research Dissertation

Applicants must hold at least a 2:1 degree in Psychology, which confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).



Those with a 2:2 are welcome to apply, but preference will be given to those who have some additional relevant clinical experience to add to their CV.



NB: All applicants, regardless of qualifications, are advised to use the space provided in the personal statement/additional information section of the online application process, to discuss any skills and experience that may be relevant to studying the MSc in Applied Psychology, and what they would like to gain from studying on the programme. This information may be used for selection purposes when offering places on the MSc.



Other Qualifications

Only those with a primary degree in Psychology are eligible to apply. However, if you have a degree in another discipline, and feel strongly about making a career change into Psychology, you can apply to the British Psychological Society to undertake a Conversion Course in Psychology, which then gives you eligibility for Chartered Membership in the future. If you have successfully completed a conversion course, or you are currently studying on one, your application for entry to this MSc programme will then be considered.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Those who have already undertaken professional postgraduate training in CBT may be exempt from undertaking the modules related to these therapeutic methods.



Those who have attained a PhD may be exempt from the Advanced Research Methods module.



Applicants in either of the above situations can enquire about Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) at the time of applying.

The closing date for applications is the 28th February 2026.

2 years part-time. Students will attend on Wednesdays throughout Year 1 and Thursdays in Year 2.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

Currently, our graduating students are successful in acquiring Assistant Psychologist positions, which with experience is allowing people to apply for Associate Psychologist positions. Others are successful in gaining entry onto Professional Doctorate programmes in Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychology. Our graduates also secure posts in research and PhD scholarships in Psychology across the UK and Ireland.