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

I am also grateful that the programme, which emphases both professional writing and self-reflection, trained me to be an analytical and introspective psychologist. The opportunity to self-discover and re-gain self-compassion helped me to overcome obstacles. Overall, the carefully designed courses in the programme create a coherent picture that inspired me. The knowledge I acquired has led to more questions and uncertainties, but one thing is certain – I am ready to continue on my journey towards a professional career in psychology.

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

During the year, I had the opportunity to work as a research assistant in a large-scale research project focused on age-friendly living environments. I also enjoyed classes offered by 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 counselling psychology. I could not be more grateful for 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.

In the year I spent in the MAP programme, I gained a wealth of knowledge and diverse skills. As an overseas graduate student, the programme also provided a bridge between me and the local community and the field of psychology in Hong Kong.

In the friendly and supportive environment created by the teaching staff, clerical staff and fellow classmates, I gained 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, but gained companions with whom to explore the world of psychology.

Studying in the Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) programme was one of the most wonderful and enjoyable events of my life. 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 real settings. 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 learned more about psychology and gained valuable experience in 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 a major 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.

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 provided insights into cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, expressive therapy and a lot more. I was also grateful to have an opportunity to participate in a practicum; I took part in lessons for the parents of children with developmental delay. Dr Dorcas once said, “Having knowledge alone is not enough without application”, and the MAP programme certainly taught me to apply what I had learnt to help those in need. In short, the programme enabled me to not only acquire theoretical knowledge, but taught me 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 practising and exploring psychology in greater depth. I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to learn more about different psychological approaches.

The Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) programme has prepared me to become an effective professional in psychology. The programme emphasises advanced knowledge in areas of psychology such as cognitive behavioural intervention and expressive psychotherapy, along with their application in real settings. 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. This gave me the opportunity to apply what I learned in the mixed research methods and psychometrics courses and to organise, analyse and report the data. With this hands-on experience 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, the practicum made me more open to new experiences and more confident. The MAP programme inspired me and allowed me to explore my future career path. Studying in this programme was definitely a valuable experience.

When I graduated from my undergraduate degree in psychology, I had little experience in applying the theories I had learned. To bridge this gap, I applied to PolyU’s Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) programme. My 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 current research 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 have 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.

I had a wonderful time as a Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) student. The programme helped me to apply the knowledge of psychology that I had gained as an undergraduate in various service areas. I was encouraged to reflect on my own experiences while 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.

Studying for the Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) was a wonderful experience. I could apply my undergraduate knowledge of psychology 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 for the knowledge and skills I gained from the programme.

For me, learning how to apply abstract knowledge in a real-world setting is one of the most fulfilling experiences. My year spent in the MAP programme provided me with diverse opportunities for applying psychological knowledge in different areas, such as counselling, applied behaviour analysis, parenting and research. In particular, the practicum equipped me with hands-on experience in research settings. For example, I was grateful to be given opportunities to interview older adults, as it gave me insight into their lives and struggles. These practical experiences prepared me for my future career in a psychology-related field.

Apart from the applied knowledge, the MAP programme also improved my critical thinking skills. Many courses required me to critically analyse materials. Usually, lecturers would act as facilitators, providing us with materials and guiding us through the discussion. More importantly, they would provide valuable feedback afterward. These kinds of learning experiences enhanced my skills in critical analysis, which I think it is the most important outcome of the MAP programme.

Finally, I would like to thank all the staff, including both the administrative and teaching staff. They were extremely supportive and always willing to listen to student feedback. Owing to their efforts, students like me are able to get the most out of the programme, even during the Covid-19 pandemic.