1. Cardiff Metropolitan University Llandaff Campus
  2. Program
  3. Masters
  4. MSc Psychology of Applied Behaviour Change

MSc Psychology of Applied Behaviour Change

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Cardiff Metropolitan University Llandaff Campus

Program Overview

The MSc Psychology of Applied Behaviour Change at Cardiff Metropolitan University trains psychology graduates (or those with a relevant background) to design, implement, and evaluate interventions aimed at long-term behaviour change in health, public policy, workplace, and community contexts. It suits those aiming for careers in public health, organisational wellbeing, social policy, or research-led behaviour-change roles.

Curriculum Structure

In the taught year, students develop research skills through Research Methods and Design, supporting evidence-based practice. Through Applied Psychology Therapy Skills, including Core Skills for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), they gain practical tools for individual and group interventions. Change Behaviours: Theories and Evaluation explores psychological models of change and methods for measuring intervention effectiveness. The course concludes with a Dissertation (Applied Behaviour Change Project), allowing students to independently design and conduct an empirical project addressing a real-world behaviour-change issue.

Focus areas:
“Behaviour change theory, therapy & intervention skills (CBT), research design & evaluation, applied public-health & organisational change, empirical project work”

Learning outcomes:
“Design and implement behaviour-change interventions; apply CBT-based therapy and motivational techniques; critically evaluate and research intervention outcomes; conduct rigorous empirical studies; prepare for roles in health, public policy, HR, or consultancy.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme emphasises evidence-based applied psychology and intervention skills, though it is not accredited by the BPS as a chartered psychology qualification.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Graduates typically enter public-health, workplace wellbeing, consultancy, and research roles, leveraging the MSc’s applied focus and flexible credential structure (PgC / PgD / MSc).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through applied health interventions, research projects, and hands-on training in the University's health and sport science facilities. This experiential learning is central to the programme, with key components including:

  • Applied Research: Conducting real-world health psychology interventions and evaluations.

  • Laboratory Facilities: Access to sport and health science labs for psychophysiological measurement.

  • Software: Training in SPSS for statistical analysis of health data.

  • Professional Development: Curriculum designed to meet British Psychological Society (BPS) Stage 1 training requirements in Health Psychology.

  • Practical Skills: Development of competencies in health assessment, intervention design, and behaviour change strategies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Psychology of Applied Behaviour Change at Cardiff Metropolitan University are prepared for roles such as behaviour change specialist, health promotion officer, organisational psychologist, and public health advisor:

  • The university’s Careers and Employability Service offers CV workshops, interview coaching, and connections to health agencies and organisations focused on behavioural interventions.

  • Graduates gain skills in evidence-based intervention design and evaluation, with employment prospects in health, social care, government, and research sectors; salaries typically range from £25,000 to £35,000.

  • The program collaborates with public health bodies and community organisations, providing practical research and placement opportunities.

  • While not BPS accredited for chartered status, the course offers strong applied skills valued by employers.

  • Graduates successfully develop competencies to design, implement, and evaluate behaviour change initiatives across diverse populations.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue PhD research in applied psychology, health promotion, or related fields, or follow career development in public health and organisational consultancy.​

Program Key Stats

£17,600 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 30th Jul


64 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

2.8
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.0
83
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Behavioural Scientist
  • Intervention Designer
  • Public Health Advisor
  • User Experience (UX) Researcher
  • Policy Advisor
  • Health Psychologist (with further training)
  • Sustainability Behaviour Specialist
  • Consumer Insights Analyst
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
  • Behavioural Insights Consultant
  • Research Officer in government or NGOs

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts

Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.