Applied Psychology

Applied psychology takes the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes out of the laboratory and into the real-world settings where psychological knowledge can make a genuine difference. Where general psychology programmes cover the full range of the discipline, applied psychology focuses on specific professional domains where psychological expertise is put directly to work, developing graduates with both theoretical grounding and practical understanding of how psychology functions in context.

At the University of Leicester, you will study applied psychology over three years full-time, with a particular focus on forensic, occupational, and clinical psychology. These three areas represent some of the most significant applications of psychological science: forensic psychology applies psychological knowledge to criminal investigation, offending behaviour, the justice system, and risk assessment; occupational psychology examines workplace behaviour, employee wellbeing, leadership, and organisational effectiveness; clinical psychology addresses mental health assessment and intervention. You will work alongside applied psychologists and carry out your own research, developing the empirical skills and professional awareness that these fields require.

The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement provision, giving you substantial practical experience in applied settings before you graduate. The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Graduates of applied psychology programmes are well placed for careers in forensic, clinical, occupational, educational, or counselling psychology, typically following additional postgraduate training. The British Psychological Society's graduate membership, which the degree supports, is the standard first step towards chartered psychologist status. Research, human resources, coaching, and policy roles are also accessible to those who want to apply psychological thinking outside the formal clinical or forensic professions.