Psychological Therapies and Interventions MSc / PGDip

This module aims to provide your with core skills and knowledge in quantitative research methods in Psychology. The focus is on understanding how research questions relate to design and appropriate analyses. Across the suite of MSc programmes in Psychology, it provides you with advanced skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enables you to conduct psychological research at master’s level. The module enables you to understand and critically evaluate published quantitative psychological research. It prepares you for your dissertation and enables you to choose appropriate methodologies and analyses for research.

This module aim to provide you with an opportunity for an in-depth, advanced study in a specific area of applied psychology, pertinent to the degree for which you are registered, guided by, but largely independent of, tutor support. You will apply appropriate principles of empirical research, and present your research study in the form of a written journal article, using appropriate styles and conventions.

On this module, you will develop a critical understanding of current research evidence and perspectives on psychological trauma and its effects. The impact of trauma on different groups and at different stages of the lifespan will be reviewed. Models of intervention for psychological trauma will be critically examined and the current debates around ameliorating factors and developmental outcomes will be explored.

The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to the main schools of psychological therapy, their theoretical origins and how the theory is applied in practice. The module will also introduce you to the basic principles of communication skills that form the foundation of all counselling and therapy. Finally, the module will familiarise you with the role of counselling and therapy within all areas of applied psychology.

This module aims to introduce you to qualitative research methods, and to provide you with knowledge and practice by equipping you with a combination of practical and theoretical skills. You will be introduced to and familiarised with a range of qualitative methodologies and methods of generating and analysing data in-depth. The module allows the time and space necessary for sustained immersion. The module aims to enable you to become proficient in your qualitative research knowledge and skills. You will also develop reflexive practice, which is an essential aspect of qualitative research.

This module also aims to prepare you to conduct qualitative research in the future, such as in your MSc dissertation projects – it will enable you to choose suitable methodologies and analyses for your research. Therefore, this module is both ideal for, and provides a rich learning opportunity for, students who are undertaking a qualitatively-based or mixed methods dissertation project; those who want to study Psychology at a doctoral level; and for those planning a career in research.

This module will provide you with practical skills relevant to therapeutic applications of psychology and experience in an organisation that is concerned with mental health and/or well-being. You will spend a minimum of 140 hours in a placement of your choosing and will develop your ability to apply psychological knowledge and/or therapeutic communication skills in a workplace context. Examples of placement settings include mental health rehabilitation services, university wellbeing services, and charitable organisations concerned with mental health, well-being and social support. It is expected that you will arrange your own work placement, the suitability of which will be discussed and agreed upon with the module leaders.

This module is for students who are currently employed in an organisation that is concerned with mental health and/or well-being. The module will provide you with practical skills relevant to professional development within your job role and the therapeutic applications of psychology. You will conduct a work-based project in order to develop your ability to apply psychological knowledge and/or therapeutic communication skills in a workplace context.

You'll be taught through interactive lectures, participative workshops and lab classes which encourage discussion and debate as well as critical thinking and a deep approach to learning. You'll also develop the skills and ability to apply theory to practice through a psychology placement or through the implementation of a work-based project.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

You'll be based at our Hendon campus, north London.

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Timetable

Whether you are studying full or part-time, your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to you at least two weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week (full-time) looks like this:

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time.

You'll be assessed through case study reports, research reports, a reflective diary, critical essays, a reflective essay or a work-based project report, and the applied research dissertation.

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.