Applied Psychology Unit

We provide wide-ranging services designed to meet the needs of diverse clients – applying latest psychological concepts and principles in real-world contexts.

Who we are

Psychology can be applied across every industry sector and profession. It has the power to transform lives, promote wellbeing and help organisations improve their efficiency and performance.

Putting practical psychology research into action is the aim of an exciting new venture at the University of Derby. Our Applied Psychology Unit (APU) brings together leading experts and builds on the University’s extensive experience in developing high-quality psychology education and training at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

We provide wide-ranging services designed to meet the needs of diverse clients – applying latest psychological concepts and principles in real-world contexts. The scope is huge: applied psychology is relevant to professions ranging from HR to marketing, teaching to health care, criminal justice to design. It can have an impact on behaviour change, decision-making, social engagement, motivation, attention, perception and stress alleviation.

Gentleman playing with a model of a brain

The APU offers tailor-made training, workshops, consultancy and evaluation services, all underpinned by robust theoretical and scientific approaches as well as sound evidence-based research. We pride ourselves on delivering knowledge and skills solutions which clients can use in their professional practice every day.

Partnership working is a cornerstone of our approach. We value fresh ideas, creative thinking and positive working relationships with all our clients. We welcome enquiries from potential research collaborators and professionals across the private, public and voluntary sectors who feel they could benefit from our expertise.

Head of Unit

Dr Jane Montague is Head of the Applied Psychology Unit, and is also Head of Psychology within the School of Human Sciences. Her teaching and research interests are based within critical approaches to social psychology, particularly in relation to gender, identity and the use of qualitative methods.

Our psychology short courses

Reflect on personal practice and enhance your professional skills with our range of psychology short courses.

Find out more about our short coursesFind out more about our short courses