The Department of Applied Psychology enjoys a strong reputation for teaching and research. It is a world-class centre of excellence in research in applied psychology, and a leading provider of education and training in areas of applied psychology and related subjects. Our international team of highly-qualified staff have expertise in a range of areas and enable the department to be a centre for the collection, evaluation and dissemination of information on research, education, practice and policy in its core areas.
Research
Research is one of the defining activities of the Department of Applied Psychology. There is a close and mutually beneficial relationship between the department’s research and postgraduate teaching as each contributes to the other. The department’s research is in applied psychology and grounded in real world issues. This research contributes directly or indirectly to its main objective of promoting ‘healthy people, healthy organisations and healthy communities’.
The department’s activities are managed through three clusters:
- Occupational health and wellbeing
- Learning and development
- Culture and social cognition in organisations
Occupational health and wellbeing
This cluster is concerned with contemporary issues in occupational health and wellbeing, with an emphasis on cross cultural contexts. Areas of interest include:
- work-related violence and occupational stress
- impact of environmental design on health and wellbeing
- health and safety cultures
- HR best practise in health services
- reproductive health and public health services
- resiliency and work-life balance
- burnout and work engagement
Learning and development
The learning and development cluster is concerned with individual and organisational level processes and issues that impact on people’s growth in organisations and communities.
Areas of interest include:
- career decision making
- emotional intelligence
- performance management
Culture and social cognition in organisations
This cluster is concerned with the impact of culture and group level processes on work and organisational outcomes. Areas of interest include:
- organisational culture and positive work outcomes
- research culture and productivity
- multicultural contexts and work outcomes
- social identity perspectives in organisations
- cross-cultural management
- individual and organisational values
- cross-cultural adaptation
FAQ
What are the benefits of pursuing postgraduate applied psychology studies?
Students who are part of a postgraduate applied psychology programme will have the opportunity to build specialised knowledge and skills for careers in counselling, therapy, human resources, research and other fields. Graduates will have the potential to become experts in human behaviour and psychology.
Why is applied psychology research important?
Applied psychology research is vital for advancing the understanding of human behaviour and improving real-world practices in areas such as mental health, organisational development and education.
What types of studies are conducted in applied psychology research?
Research in applied psychology covers a wide range of topics. For example, clinical interventions, behavioural assessments, organisational behaviour, educational strategies and social psychology experiments.
What is a PhD in applied psychology?
A PhD in Applied Psychology is an advanced research degree that focuses on conducting original research that contributes to the field’s knowledge. Graduates will be prepared for careers in academia, research and specialised practice in psychology.
What are the career opportunities available for graduates with a PhD in applied psychology?
Graduates with a PhD in applied psychology can pursue careers such as university professors, researchers, and consultants, and become experts in various specialised areas of psychology.
What is an MPhil in applied psychology?
An MPhil in applied psychology is a master’s programme that is research-focused. Students will typically conduct in-depth research in a specific area of applied psychology under the supervision of faculty members.
How does an MPhil in applied psychology differ from a PhD in applied psychology?
MPhil programmes are shorter and more research-focused. PhD programmes involve extensive research and often include coursework. Students may also have to take on teaching responsibilities in PhD programmes.
Can international students apply for a masters in applied psychology in Malaysia?