The term Psychology holds a lot of weight today; however, it has been criticised due to the public stigma it carries. No matter how rough the beginnings of Psychology were, the modern definition agreed upon pins down a simple truth that the science of psychology dares to study and understand the human mind and behaviour, while utilising the scientific systems through applied psychology.
In the last century and a half, psychology has been established as a scientific discipline like other medical sciences. As the understanding and study of psychology expanded, it emerged as a multifaceted field with many areas of specialisation to get a comprehensive and compassionate look into the human brain, behaviour, and functionality.
Different Branches of Psychology
The various specialized areas of psychology deal with different aspects of psychological study and practice. These specialised areas were developed based on various dominant perspectives that are believed to play a significant role in the study. The two most earlier theoretical perspectives in psychology were Structuralism and Functionalism, derived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Throughout the 20th century, various other theoretical perspectives were born, which eventually paved the way for modern psychological practices. Here is a list of the most prominent branches of psychology in contemporary times.
- Applied Psychology
- Behavioral Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Sports Psychology
Other branches of psychology exist, such as Abnormal Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Industrial-Organisational Psychology, Neuropsychology, and many more. Despite all this, technically, there are two major areas that psychology deals with, which are, respectively, Research and Practice. The idea of applied psychology lies in the middle of the two, focusing more on turning the research into practical processes.
What Does Applied Psychology Mean Academically?
Applied Psychology is a specific field of Psychology that stays true to its namesake by making practical use of psychological principles and suggesting solutions to real-world problems on a personal, social, or mass scale. Thereby, the applied psychology courses offered in universities around the world follow a strict code of practical engagement for students.
Applied Psychology delves into various areas of psychology, intending to provide practical insight and application methods of the theoretical principles learned in the specialised discipline. While the study of pure psychology provides fundamental knowledge about the subject, applied psychology is about using the knowledge to practice as a psychologist and solving real-life problems.
What are the Subjects Featured in an Applied Psychology Course?
The specialised areas of Applied Psychology extend over a vast field, and each area has significant importance in modern medical history. As the application of psychological methods and principles is the most prominent motto of the applied psychology courses, the topics related to the programme also share great practical resonance. Here are some of the notable subjects highlighted under an Applied Psychology programme.
- Cyber Psychology
- Neuropsychology of Criminal Behaviour
- School Wellness Education
- Health Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychotherapeutic Intervention
- Parent-Child Relationship
- Child Sexual Abuse & Law
- Community Psychology
- Rehabilitation & Correctional Psychology
- Industrial & Labour Relations
- Organisational Behaviour & Design
There are other topics included in the course content based on the course specifications and students’ choice of electives. Beyond the theoretical instances, a Master’s in Applied Psychology programme approaches these subject areas with research, dissertations, stimulated and real-time counselling practices, debates and one-on-one conversations with guest lecturers, an international exchange programme with prestigious foreign medical colleges, joining internship programmes with psychology experts and so on.
Difference Between Applied Psychology & Clinical Psychology
It is very symbolic for a normal person to be confused between the terms applied psychology and clinical psychology. The synonymity in the terminology of the names aside, there are plenty of other similarities that make it harrowingly confusing for aspiring students venturing into the field of psychology for the first time.
However, there are several differences, and these are the key points that help one distinguish between the two disciplines for a simpler understanding of the two.
| Applied Psychology | Clinical Psychology | |
| 1. | The purpose of Applied Psychology is to solve real-world problems, mostly in business or industrial sectors. | Clinical Psychology permeates its focus on mental, behavioural and emotional disorders among individuals and in communities. |
| 2. | Applied Psychology focuses on the functionality of people and provides solutions for improving productivity. | In the case of clinical psychology, it is a one-on-one setting, where psychologists systematically approach each individual seeking help. |
| 3. | The work environment in terms of applied psychology is done under a consultative setting, addressing issues or providing insight into community or mass psychology. | Work ethics and ethos of clinical psychology is conducted under a therapeutic setup focusing on the root of the problems faced by individuals. |
| 4. | A master’s degree in any specialised field of psychology prepares and provides the license to practice applied psychology. | To practice as a clinical psychologist, one needs to have a doctoral degree or a P.hD degree. |
Benefits of Studying Applied Psychology in 2025
Psychology is a field reserved for students who want to study the human mind and behaviour and work in the healthcare industry as practising psychologists, researchers, educators, and many more. The bachelor’s degree in psychology offers the foundational knowledge of the subjects, featuring the various areas it focuses on.
Some of the graduates in psychology look forward to advancing their academic prowess with a master’s degree in any specialised area or in applied psychology courses. Psychology master’s programmes are renowned for their practical-based and career-centric approach and in 2025 these degrees have great value for establishing a professional career as a practicing psychologist or from the perspective of the patient. Here are some major benefits of studying Applied Psychology in 2025.
- Mental health is a fairly new field, and the demand for more mental health professionals is only growing day by day. As the awareness around mental health increases, more people are openly considering psychological evaluation and treatment.
- Applied psychology can be related to almost any field in psychology, thus allowing students to have a wide variety of options, academically and professionally.
- Unlike regular psychologists, applied psychologists are trained in various skill sets, from research to communication to solving problems in different settings.
- Applied Psychology helps one to understand different personalities and empathise with them.
Applied psychology is a broader programme that covers various areas of psychology, allowing students to enter diverse professional sectors. They can also start their own consultation programme or work for organisations willing to hire a mental health practitioner to motivate their members and increase productivity and positivity in the work environment.
