Why choose an applied psychology degree?
Published: November 28, 2022The field of applied clinical psychology has come a long way over the last few decades as technological advancements progress and demographics change, the field continues to evolve with new ideas and perspectives being introduced.
Applied psychology can be both a practical and theoretical topic and can be used in many ways, because the study of applied clinical psychology is so widespread, professionals have access to a variety of industries and fields to pursue. For example, clinical psychology jobs could be completely research-based and non-public facing, or it could be from education and criminal justice, to business or politics.
For an applied psychology graduate entering this field, it is essential to gain practical and theoretical experience in order to qualify as a clinical psychologist. Doing a placement year and studying a degree at the same time can really help you make informed decisions about your career and is also an important step in establishing your career goals. Plus, it is a stellar addition to your CV and employers like to see you are passionate about expanding your awareness and knowledge in the industry.
Is applied psychology a good degree?
Yes, because the importance of clinical psychology in today's society can mean the difference between a life well-lived and a life of challenges. The Learna | Diploma MSc clinical psychology master’s degree aims to equip you with the right knowledge and skills to help people overcome developmental obstacles and reach their full potential. Achieving this degree will expose you to an extensive variety of mental health issues and ultimately improve your understanding of evidence-based psychological interventions.
Additionally, our students will come away with an enhanced understanding of people's behaviour, cognitive attitude and mental functioning in order to make positive, constructive, meaningful, and lasting changes in people's lives. You will learn to uncover the processes of the mind through extensive research and observation and by answering questions about the brain's mysteries, in order to really improve mental health standards in society.
What's more, continuing to develop your subject-specific knowledge as a healthcare professional is a core skill; it allows you to become intuitive towards yourself and others, ultimately boosting a range of skills - all of which employers highly value. Below we have created a list of 4 things employers want from psychology graduates and how our applied clinical psychology MSc will equip you with these skills for the next stage of your professional journey.
Top 4 skills employers seek in psychologists
1.) Interpersonal skills
Crucial expertise that employers require are empathy, leadership and a strong level of communication. As a psychology student, you will already have exceptional interpersonal skills - making you even more impressionable to potential employers. They’ll know you to be emotionally intelligent, agile and able to rise up to challenges.
2.) Self motivation
Psychology is a fascinating subject that fosters curiosity and through our MSc, you will certainly advance your critical thinking abilities, keeping your mind sharp and helping you to react and process information quicker which is exactly what employers look for.
3.) Problem Solving
Every day is different as a clinical psychologist - and this will transform your observational skills. Critical thinking involves paying attention to detail, analysing lines of reasoning, applying theories to the real world, and evaluating ideas. Employers value the ability to identify problems, develop strategies, and implement solutions. The great thing about our MSc programme is that we provide active learning opportunities through scenario-based discussion forums to engage students and offer additional insights as to why one implementation strategy might be chosen over another. Essentially strengthening their analytical skills, which makes you very marketable to employers.
4.) World-class research skills
Psychological research is a critical tool to understand more about the inner workings of the mind, therefore, healthcare professionals treating people with mental health conditions need to be equipped with as much knowledge and experience as possible. Employers seek candidates with excellent research skills who will look for their own answers.
Research is an essential component to our clinical psychology master’s course, allowing you to fill the gaps between what you know and do not know and can mould you into an independent learner. We employ reflective journaling to ensure the optimum student experience, whereby students turn their online educational experience into meaningful, personalised, and sophisticated learning. We believe that developing reflection provides students the opportunity to examine course-related issues, and, in doing so, potentially identify similar events within their current practice. This reinforces the personal and professional capacity of reflection and helps you to develop the ability to devise and take ownership for your own research project.
Furthermore, our Applied Clinical Psychology MSc will provide you with a better understanding of how psychological knowledge, principles and methods can be applied and ultimately advance your current problem-solving skills within complex patient scenarios.
This course may be of particular interest to aspiring Clinical Psychologists, including those who are seeking positions as Assistant Psychologists, Research Assistants. And even those who wish to undertake a relevant postgraduate course, prior to applying for a Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
This is your opportunity to take your current knowledge to the next level! Our MSc programmes can open doors for you, plus our courses are the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. So show your commitment to the field and impress potential employers when you join us in March 2023.
Fast track your career and support some of the most vulnerable people in our society and make a real difference, visit our course page and learn more about this popular programme.