Apply psychological science in workplaces and communities
Online only
Psychology explains human behaviour — applied psychology puts that science to work. Durham University's MA covers cognitive and social foundations, psychometric assessment, wellbeing at work, and evidence-based coaching. You will critique research, design small-scale studies, and apply ethical frameworks for vulnerable populations. This is not a clinical licensure programme; it prepares graduates for organisational and community roles. MA Applied Psychology is taught as one award, not a list of unrelated modules. The published length is 24 months, and the credit total is 36. Students move from Cognitive & Social Psychology through Cognitive & Social Psychology; Research Methods & Statistics; Personality & Individual Differences; Ethics in Applied Psychology; Organisational Psychology; Health & Wellbeing Psychology, and finish on Applied Psychology Project. Each course has a question, a method, and a submission. In this field, students read a finding and say what it shows about behaviour, and what it does not. Reading is one empirical paper, one methods critique, and an ethics note. The artefact a marker expects is a critical review that a non-specialist manager could follow. The award is built so that a graduate can do the following in practice: Apply major psychological theories to organisational challenges Administer and interpret validated psychometric instruments ethically Design wellbeing programmes with measurable outcomes Teaching assumes the student can read a source, attempt a problem before the seminar, and revise after feedback. Attendance at live seminars is part of the design. The capstone or final course must use the methods of the earlier courses; a project that ignores them does not pass. This course does not confer a psychology, counselling, or clinical licence. The pages for each course name the topics that are examined. Those topics are the syllabus. A brochure line is not a substitute for them.
Faculty spotlight
Dr. Emma Laurent researches workplace burnout interventions; Professor Alex Morgan teaches psychometrics and assessment ethics.
Interactive modules, weekly readings, recorded and live seminars, and collaborative discussions with peers worldwide.
Module assignments, proctored examinations, and capstone projects designed to demonstrate mastery of the field.
Modules are assessed through a published mix of coursework, applied projects, and examinations. Exam windows are announced in advance so students in other time zones are not forced into overnight sittings. Alternative arrangements are available where documented.
The published duration is 24 months. Teaching language: English. Actual time-to-complete depends on mode and any recognised prior learning.
This is a fully online award. You study from your country. No student visa and no campus relocation are required.
Degree tuition for this award is published as £0 / tuition-free on the online pathway. Examination or administrative fees may apply at checkout — never an annual tuition invoice. Check the Fees page for any extras.
Requirements are grouped on this page (academic, English, documents). Equivalent qualifications are considered. English may be waived after prior English-medium study.
Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, projects, and examinations. Doctoral awards include a thesis or dissertation and an oral examination. Details sit in the programme specification and module outlines.
Recognition of the award for local employment, professional licence, or ministry attestation is decided by your employer or regulator. Durham University publishes verification pages for certificates. We do not claim automatic equivalence in every country.
Start an application on this website. Progress is saved from the first step. Admissions: admissions@durhm.co.uk.
Study online
Online tuition is free. Online examinations are free. There is no exam fee for online study. Collegiate campus tuition and campus examinations are charged separately.
Accreditation & recognition
