Executive Certificate in Applying Psychology

This module aims to guide students towards application of psychological theories and research in personal and professional contexts. 

The module is designed to be flexibly adaptive to prepare students for further study in a range of professional psychology pathways through engagement with personal development and case studies based in organizational professional psychology. The focus of the module is on recognizing the importance of individual differences and psychological measurement in supporting evidence–based psychological action in a variety of personal and professional contexts. 

Students will critically reflect on methods involving self-report and apply their knowledge to their own learning, preparing them to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses and begin to develop their identities as professional psychologists through reflection on their practice in case study work. 

Critically apply psychological perspectives to problem solving in a variety of personal and professional environments

• Understand the inherent variability and diversity of psychological functioning and its significance
• Critically analyse and evaluate knowledge of a range of influences on human functioning and behaviour from different psychological perspectives
• Apply psychological principles to self-directed study, evaluating personal strengths and weaknesses for the purposes of future learning

Communicate professional information and evidence-based opinion

• Communicate ideas and research findings effectively in written modes
• Be sensitive to and reflectively take account of contextual and interpersonal factors in communities, groups and teams

Evaluate psychometric approaches to individual differences in the context of assessment and selection

• Demonstrate systematic knowledge of a range of psychometric tools, including their limitations

Critically evaluate theories of personality, intelligence and/or other individual differences and psychometric tools for measuring psychological constructs in applied contexts

• Understand the inherent variability and diversity of psychological functioning and its significance.
• Demonstrate substantial competence in critically evaluating various psychological tools and interventions

Critically reflect on personal strengths and weaknesses in interpersonal sensitivity, skills and competencies

• Apply psychological principles to self-directed study, evaluating personal strengths and weaknesses for the purposes of future learning
• Understand ethical principles underpinning psychology as a discipline and apply these to personal study, research and professional conduct 
• Be sensitive to and reflectively take account of contextual and interpersonal factors in communities, groups and teams

1. Early-career professionals or graduates interested in understanding human behaviour and applying psychological principles in personal and professional contexts.
2. HR professionals, managers, or team leaders who want to improve people management, team dynamics, and interpersonal communication by understanding individual differences.
3. Aspiring or current psychologists or those pursuing professional psychology pathways, looking to strengthen their foundational knowledge and practical application skills.
4. Professionals involved in training, coaching, or mentoring who want to apply psychological principles to support learning and development in others.
5. Individuals interested in personal development, self-reflection, and improving employability skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, and self-awareness.
6. Employees involved in assessment, recruitment, or talent development who need to understand and critically evaluate psychometric tools and measures.

In short, this course is ideal for anyone seeking to apply psychological theory to real-world problems, enhance self-awareness, improve interpersonal effectiveness, and develop professional skills grounded in psychology.

Dr Jonathan Ee is a Clinical Psychologist previously working at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and National University Polyclinics. He is currently working with people with chronic and terminal illness with mental health conditions in a non-profit organization. 

He holds a PhD (Psychology), Birmingham University with a focus on exploring the experiences of mental health professionals towards people with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems in Singapore.