The MAP programme not only expanded my knowledge in the area of applied psychology but also guided me on a long journey inward. While undergraduate psychology taught us basic knowledge such as how to identify the “abnormal” from the “normal”, MAP went beyond this 2-dimensional perspective to show us that the human mind is a dynamic existence in a multidimensional world, particularly in relation to special learning needs. Working with experts in the practicum urged me to start considering how the usefulness of an assessment outcome or diagnosis can be maximised to aid intervention.

I am also grateful that the programme, with emphases on both professional writing and self-reflection, equipped us to be analytical and introspective psychologists. The opportunity to self-discover and re-gain self-compassion helped me to move on despite obstacles. Overall, the carefully designed courses in the programme created a coherent picture that inspired me. The knowledge I acquired led to more questions and uncertainties, but I made one thing certain – that I was ready to begin my journey towards a professional career.

Sin Pak Kiu

I had a very fruitful year in the MAP programme. What I gained was definitely beyond my initial expectations. The courses provided broad and in-depth knowledge about various psychology practice areas, helping me explore directions and think in new ways. The practicum component extended and turned textbook knowledge about special education needs that might otherwise have been difficult to fully understand into real hands-on experiences. All of these led to deep introspection, which was as important in getting me ready to explore more about supporting others as gaining knowledge and polishing skills.

During the year I also had the opportunity to work as a research assistant in a large-scale research project focusing on age-friendly living environments, enjoyed classes offered by the PolyU’s Music Society, tasted food and coffee around campus, shared dreams and had lots of fun with my classmates.

MAP helped me confirm my future direction, opened doors and prepared me for further training in counseling psychology. I could not be more grateful as these would not have been possible without the incredible effort and extra time teachers were willing to put in to help us achieve our goals, and the friendship, companionship and support of my classmates.

Fung Lydia Paak Hei

In just a year spent in the MAP programme I gained a wealth of knowledge and a diversity of skills. As an overseas graduate, the programme also served the purpose of bridging me with the local community and the field of psychology in Hong Kong.

In a friendly and supportive environment created by the teaching staff, clerical staff and fellow classmates, I found myself gaining more than I expected. Although we were all from different backgrounds and did not necessarily share the same goals, we students learnt from each other, bonded together and built up our networks.  We were no longer striving for success alone, and instead gained companions with which to explore the world of psychology.

Yam Tsun Wai

Studying in the Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) programme was one of the most wonderful and enjoyable life events for me. The MAP programme provided me not only with knowledge of psychology, but also the opportunity to apply it. The programme emphasises both practical knowledge (e.g., foundational competency, career counselling, etc.) and theoretical knowledge (neuroscience, psychometrics, research methods, etc.). The practicum was a good way to practise the knowledge learnt in class and apply it in reality. The practicum also gave me the opportunity to understand psychologists’ real function in and influence on society. Through discussions with my supervisor during the practicum, I explored more about psychology and gained valuable experience of conducting both assessments and interventions.

The MAP programme was also challenging as I am a part-time student with a full-time job, so time management was my concern. Fortunately, the programme was not as harsh as I expected. With the support of my supervisor, the staff and fellow classmates, I felt more confident in setting and achieving goals. The programme offered me a chance to further understand myself and inspired me to find my future direction.

Yim Sai Pui

The Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) programme provided me with a great opportunity to explore my career path as a fresh graduate. The structured and effective teaching provides insights into Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Counselling, Expressive Therapy and a lot more. I was also grateful to have an opportunity to undergo the practicum, in which I took part in lessons for the parents of children with developmental delay. I remember Dr Dorcas once said, "having knowledge alone is not enough without application", and the MAP programme certainly taught us to apply what we had learnt to help those in need. In short, the programme enabled me to acquire theoretical knowledge and how to apply it to different types of service recipients, including the children with special needs in my practicum and the secondary school students I met for career counselling services. This programme cultivated my interest to further practise and explore psychology in greater depth. I am so grateful that I had an opportunity to study the course and get involved in different psychological approaches.

Wong Tsz Ying Nicole

The Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) programme has prepared me to become an effective professional in psychology. Advanced knowledge in areas of psychology such as cognitive behavioral intervention and expressive psychotherapy, along with their application in real-life settings, were emphasised in the programme. Throughout my year of study, I think I benefited most from the practicum, in which I was given the opportunity to get involved in a community programme related to youngsters. I could apply what I learned in the mixed research methods and psychometrics courses to organise, analyse and report the data. Having hands-on experiences and guidance from my supervisor, my research skills greatly improved and I am now familiar with quantitative statistical analysis. In addition to developing my research skills, I became more open to experience and confident after the practicum. The MAP programme inspired me and allowed me to explore my future career path. Studying in this programme was definitely a valuable experience.

CHOY Yuet Yin

When I graduated from my undergraduate degree in psychology, I had little experience of applying the theories I had learned in practice. To bridge this gap, I applied to PolyU’s Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) programme. My learning experience as an MAP student exceeded all of my expectations. Not only did the courses provide me with a broader understanding of how psychology is applied in various fields, but the literature review, group learning and paper writing activities also gave me opportunities to look in depth at previous work and form my own perspectives on psychological issues.

In addition, I achieved a lot of self-growth during my year of study. The tight coursework schedule pushed me to develop good energy management and coping strategies. I also became more determined than I had ever been. Through my courses and practicum, I became interested in how research design and data presentation can offer insights into people’s mental processes. I used to doubt myself a lot and my research skills used to be poor. However, after applying my knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy, expressive psychotherapy and family therapy to myself, I came to see difficulties as challenges that help us move forward, instead of obstacles that bring us down.

The MAP programme was the ideal platform for the next step in my career: becoming a psychology practitioner. I am very grateful to the teachers and peers I met during this difficult but meaningful year.

ZHAO Xuerui

I had a wonderful time as a Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) student. The programme helped me to apply the psychology knowledge I had gained as an undergraduate in various service areas. I was always encouraged to reflect on my own experiences when exploring case studies. This inspired me greatly and gave me a better understanding of myself and my own knowledge. The programme also enhanced my research skills, both theoretical and practical. I applied my skills while working with a research group and learned about diverse research methods and psychometric theories from lectures.

Due to the pandemic, all of the courses and other activities were held online. However, our teachers and university staff tried to reduce the impact of the pandemic on our learning. I am grateful for their efforts and the knowledge and skills I gained as an MAP student.

Li Tianyi

Studying for the Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) was a wonderful experience. I could apply my undergraduate psychology knowledge in a range of service areas and reflect on my own experience during my studies. In this way, I learned more about myself and the scope of my knowledge. I put my skills into practice while working with a research group and gained theoretical knowledge of research methods and psychometric concepts in lectures.

Although the programme was delivered online due to COVID-19, we were well supported by our teachers and university staff. I am grateful to them and for the knowledge and skills I gained from the programme.

YANG Yaxue