Applied Psychology Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Overview

The Applied Psychology programme at Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers a comprehensive scientific foundation for students pursuing careers in health and human behaviour. This undergraduate degree blends psychological theory with rigorous laboratory work to ensure graduates possess both theoretical knowledge and practical technical skills.

This degree is the most interdisciplinary psychology offering at the institution, requiring students to engage deeply with natural sciences alongside their psychological studies. The curriculum adopts a systems-based approach, exploring the complex relationships between individuals and their environments through a scientific lens.

Students benefit from a "hands-on" learning environment that emphasises research methodology and technical writing.

Why Applied Psychology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University?

The institution provides a distinctive teaching feature through its workplace practicum, which is co-supervised by faculty and external employers. This placement allows students to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings, building valuable networks within the local health and research communities.

Facilities include dedicated laboratory spaces where students gain experience with modern scientific technologies and techniques. The programme's strong connection to community partners ensures the curriculum remains relevant to the evolving needs of the vocational rehabilitation and mental health services sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 11114 per semester
• National fee: CAD 2443 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

1000 Level Requirements

• Biology I
• Biology II
• Structure of Matter
• Chemical Energetics and Dynamics
• University Writing
• Psychology: Basic Processes
• Psychology: Areas and Applications
• Physics for Life Sciences I
• Physics for Physical and Applied Sciences I
• Differential Calculus
• Calculus for Life Sciences I
• Integral Calculus
• Calculus for Life Sciences II

2000 Level Requirements

• Cell Biology
• Organic Chemistry I
• Applied Statistics
• Brain and Behaviour
• Social Psychology
• Cognition
• Research Methods in Psychology I
• Genetics
• Cellular Biochemistry

3000 and 4000 level Requirements

• Technical Report Writing
• Practicum in Psychology
• Culture and Psychology
• Applied Statistics II
• Quantitative Methods II
• Program Evaluation
• Tests and Measurement
• Research Methods II: Qualitative Methodologies
• Drugs and Behaviour
• Sensation & Perception
• Brain Dysfunction and Recovery
• Neuroscience
• Advanced Topics in Psychopathology
• Clinical Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Developmental Psychopathology
• Rehabilitation
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Group Dynamics
• Consumer Psychology
• Cognitive Ergonomics
• Human Factors
• Interpersonal Relations

Careers with Applied Psychology

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in health sciences, vocational rehabilitation, and mental health services. The programme's focus on research and usability also opens doors to careers in software usability research, program evaluation, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Those who complete the honours track are particularly well-positioned for research-focused graduate studies. Common postgraduate destinations include advanced degrees in neuroscience, clinical psychology, counselling, and public policy, as well as various professional health programmes.