Applied Psychology (Therapies)
Full-time
Part-time
One year
Three year
September 2025
In a nutshell
This course will equip you with valuable professional insight into topics including approaches to identifying common mental health disorders, causes of addiction, and how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based psychotherapies can be used to help address stress, anxiety, depression, chronic health conditions, and other related disorders. You will gain a greater appreciation for the application of psychology and how to gather evidence and conduct research, valuable skills for senior professional roles or those intending to progress to further postgraduate doctoral study, including clinical psychology doctorate training and PhD.
You'll find the course particularly relevant if you are working, or intend to work, in the NHS or healthcare independent sector, including addiction clinics, and want to develop your knowledge and understanding of psychological therapy beyond the basic level offered in some professional qualification courses.
This programme offers three award outcomes—Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), and MSc—available for full-time or part-time study. See module requirements below.
You will:
- Be well-prepared to apply for further professional training, such as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner training, a professional doctorate (DProf), and research career paths in psychology and other relevant disciplines.
- Understand psychological theories that play a central role in modern healthcare provision.
- Receive support from a highly qualified team of psychology staff.
This is for you if...
You have a sound understanding of core psychology and an interest in applied psychology.
You want to help further research in this field.
You want to become a leader in your profession.
All about the course
The aim of this course is to enable you to develop a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of applied psychology in the context of psychological intervention and therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and integrative psychotherapies.
The full-time route is structured over 12 months and comprises three 10-week semesters. In semesters 1 and 2, you will complete two taught modules in each semester. In semester 3, you will complete your dissertation under the supervision of one of the course tutors. If you choose to follow the part-time route, you will complete the course over three years, completing two taught modules in each of the first two years and the dissertation in your third year.
The dissertation module on this course will also give you the opportunity to pursue an area of applied psychology and psychological therapies directly related to your own work or interest.
Award outcomes and modules
Full-time
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert): Two modules (Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders and Research Methods in Psychology) over four months.
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip): Four modules (Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Physical Health, Addictive Behaviour, and Research Methods in Psychology) over eight months.
- MSc: Four modules (Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Physical Health, Addictive Behaviour, and Research Methods in Psychology) plus a dissertation over one year.
Part-time
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert): Two modules (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Physical Health or Addictive Behaviour and Research Methods in Psychology) over nine months.
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip): Four modules (Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Physical Health, Addictive Behaviour, and Research Methods in Psychology) over two years.
- MSc: Four modules (Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Physical Health, Addictive Behaviour, and Research Methods in Psychology) plus a dissertation over three years.
Psychological Therapies for Common Mental Health Disorders
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical application of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and person-centred therapy, together with a critical evaluation of its utilisation in addiction and associated depression and anxiety disorders.
Research Methods in Psychology
Develop a critical understanding and creative and rigorous approach to the process of research and prepare you to complete a research dissertation in the field of applied psychology and psychological therapies.
Addictive Behaviours
Develop a theoretical and evidence-based critique of the psychology and treatment of addictions, including substance abuse and process addictions. You will also critically evaluate the range of addictive and compulsive behaviours to identify the range of complex problems and risks experienced by the 'addict' in western society.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Physical Health
This module provides a rigorous theoretical and evidence-based introduction to using CBT with clients who have long-term physical health conditions, developing skills in and critically examining research in the use of CBT specifically with clients who require chronic disease self-management.
Dissertation
Provides you with the opportunity to pursue an area of applied psychology and psychological therapies that directly relates to your own work or interests, or your future careers aspiration.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research, and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice. The University has received approval for a new health building on the Frederick Road campus which will create brand new teaching spaces, including new Podiatry spaces. Construction will begin in late 2024, with completion expected by Autumn 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a health and wellbeing hub, supporting popular healthcare courses and community services. It will feature sustainable design elements and provide modern clinical facilities to enhance student learning and community engagement. Find out more about our new Health Building.
In time community healthcare clinics will also take place there as partnerships are developed to explore research opportunities and to provide a range of therapeutic sessions.
Psychology Laboratory
Our Psychology Laboratory provides a comfortable and friendly environment for you to carry out a wide range of psychological testing. These include:
- The eye tracker laboratory uses the Tobii x50 eye tracker to monitor conscious and unconscious gaze movements.
- An observation suite with a two-way mirror.
- A video game analysis laboratory where you can analyse the psychological and physiological effects of violent video games.
- A dedicated computer suite that allows access to a range of psychological programs such as ERTSLab and E-Prime.
You will also have access to:
- Dedicated psychology laboratory cubicles
- Private interview rooms
- Dedicated social learning space
Teaching staff
Dr Simon Cassidy
Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer in Psychology
Simon is a Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award. Simon’s current research focuses on understanding aspects of psychological resilience and exploring interventions to develop resilience.
What about after uni?
This course has helped students progress to leadership positions within the field of psychological therapies and advance to more senior practitioner and research roles. Some of our graduates have gone on to complete a doctorate in clinical psychology, train as psychological wellbeing practitioners, or receive bursaries toward PhD study.
This course is an excellent springboard in applied psychology that you can use to become a leader in your profession. It could open doors to more senior roles (including psychological wellbeing practitioner) in CBT and therapeutic intervention – two areas that the government views as key to effective modern healthcare provision.
What you need to know
Applicant profile
Ideally, you will have a sound understanding of core psychology, an interest in applied psychology and psychological interventions and a desire for professional development within psychology. Experience gained working in an applied setting or with individuals receiving therapeutic interventions will provide valuable context for the course.
Psychology graduates (and graduates in related disciplines, including the sciences) and health and social care professionals who are interested in therapeutic interventions and treatment options. The course is also a route towards a professional doctorate or an academic or research career.
Undergraduate degree
2.1 Honours degree or equivalent in psychology or other health/social care related discipline, e.g. counselling, health sciences, nursing.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,100 per year |
Additional costs
You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us: