Psychology of Applied Behaviour Change - MSc/PgD/PgC

This course will only be running at the International College of Business & Technology (ICBT) in Sri Lanka for 2018/19.

Course Overview

The MSc in Psychology of Applied Behaviour Change is for graduates of Psychology wishing to extend their knowledge, research skills and experience of applications of psychology. The programme will provide a flexible support that responds to student needs, recognising the importance of their experience in engaging with the programme materials and content. 

The programme is suitable for students already in employment looking to improve their everyday practice and skills base, or recent graduates looking to extend their skills and knowledge in further preparation for a career. The programme has been designed to build research skills (with an emphasis on evidence based practice), and to support students in thinking about and gaining skills that focus on the importance of meaningful relationships that support behavioural change. As such the programme is aimed at those who work with and manage others.  ​

Course Content

The course has three defined exit points: 

Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) – students who complete 60 credits at level 7 (masters level) will be eligible for a PgC. This will include core modules and one applied psychology module. 

Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) – students who complete 120 credits at level 7 will be eligible for a PgD. This will include core modules, two applied psychology modules and two other optional modules 

Master of Science (MSc) – students who complete 180 credits, including the dissertation, will be eligible for an MSc. 

The programme is designed to be flexible and to meet the learning needs of individual students. It is possible to complete some individual modules as Continuing Professional Development (CPD), although there is a separate fee for this type of study. 

Modules: 

• Core elements: Research Methods and Design (30 credits) 
• Evidence-based Practice (10 credits) 
• Applied Psychology Therapy skills (a maximum of 40 credits): 
• Core Skills for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (20 credits) 
•  CBT for depression and anxiety disorders (20 credits) 
•  Motivational Interviewing (20 credits) 
•  Therapeutic work with young children (20 credits) 

To be eligible for the PgC students must complete one of the above modules, and to be eligible for the PgD and MSc they must complete two of the above modules. These modules are core applied psychology modules, which help to build practical skills that can be used in a variety of work-based settings. These modules will also be available as standalone CPD modules. 

Optional Modules: 

• Students must complete two of the following modules in order to be eligible for the PgD or MSc 
• Change Behaviours: Theories and Evaluation (20 credits) Work-Based Learning (20 credits) 
• Public Health Policy Development (20 credits) 
• Frameworks for Public Health Intervention (20 credits) 
• Strategic Leadership and Management (20 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits) 

Students must complete the dissertation module to be eligible for the MSc. Two academic supervisors will be allocated for each research project, helping the student to design and conduct the research. It is expected that students will complete projects in applied settings, that build on skills and experience.

Learning & Teaching

The teaching and learning opportunities on the programme are designed to support student engagement through face-to-face sessions and the use of online materials. For core modules and options lectures, seminars and workshops will be employed. Group work and discussion is encouraged in all sessions, and also supported with online materials using Moodle. 

For the Applied Psychology skills modules small group work and small group exercises will be utilised that encourage the development of applied psychological skills and provide practical experience to participants. 

The dissertation also allows for flexibility as students will be expected to undertake their research in applied settings, which could be the workplace or with one of the department’s placement partners. 

All students will be allocated a personal tutor who will offer pastoral and academic support and guidance on core, applied and optional modules in such a way as to meet their individual learning requirements.

Assessment

A range of assessment methods will be employed to support student learning. These will include reports for Research Methods and Design, and a systematic review for Evidence-Based practice. These will inform the production of the 60 credit dissertation. Reflective learning journals, peer assessment and presentations will be employed in the Applied Psychology Skills modules. Essays and case studies will also be used. 

The assessments are designed to enable students to demonstrate a range of applied skills, ready for a variety of audiences. Students will be encouraged to speak to academic staff before and after submitting work.

Employability & Careers

The MSc programme enhances professional development for those in employment and those looking to enter psychology-related careers. The programme is suitable for those working in health settings, in Human Resources where there is a focus on wellbeing, and those wishing to extend their skills base with the aim of a research career. 

Please note that this programme is not accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Visit the Psychology of Applied Behaviour Change - MSc/PgD/PgC page on the Cardiff Metropolitan University website for more details!