Degree
Bachelor of Social Sciences in the specialty "Applied Psychology"
Program length
4 years
Threshold score for paid department
50
ECTS
240
Level of English
B1 (Intermediate)
The Applied Psychology educational program has been developed in accordance with the recommendations and standards of the British Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). These standards serve as a guideline for curriculum development, ensuring high-quality education that meets international requirements.
The program aims to train highly qualified specialists capable of effectively applying psychological knowledge and methods across various practical fields. Particular emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills for addressing psychological issues within social and cultural contexts, as well as fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and the ethical application of psychological knowledge in professional practice.
The program has been designed with consideration of the best practices from the global academic community, resulting in a globally relevant and practice-oriented education in psychology, moving away from the Soviet legacy in this discipline.
- Have basic knowledge in the field of natural sciences (social, humanitarian, political, economic) disciplines that contribute to the formation of a highly educated personality with a broad outlook and culture of thinking, and basic training with knowledge of Turkish, English and Kazakh/Russian languages.
- To demonstrate an understanding of self, others, and society, as well as familiarity and understanding of basic concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and a range of research methods, approaches, evidence, interpretations, and applications for analyzing the psychology of individuals, societies, and cultures.
- Obtain an understanding and respect for the complexity of sociocultural diversity and context; share values that contribute to the development of an inclusive society.
- Apply digital literacy skills using information and communication technologies, such as Internet resources, cloud, mobile and digital services to search, store and analyze data and information.
- Analyze an understanding of the conceptual and historical foundations of psychology as a discipline, as well as an understanding of the breadth and diversity of psychology and its potential to impact a wide range of current issues.
- Comply with skills in professional reflection, project management and teamwork skills.
- Apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational problems: identify, contextualize, and evaluate a variety of behaviors, psychological functioning, and experiences based on a variety of perspectives and approaches in psychology. The ability to conduct psychodiagnostic, psychocorrective, psychotherapeutic and counseling work.
- Develop critical thinking skills to solve complex problems to identify creative and innovative solutions.
- To generate and explore relevant psychological hypotheses and research questions, drawing on relevant theory, research and practice, design studies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods) and collect original data. Apply a variety of research methods such as experiments, observations, questionnaires, psychometric tests, interviews, focus groups, creative methods, or secondary data analysis.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a variety of social, professional and academic settings. Communicate your thoughts and knowledge clearly and concisely to both professionals and non-professionals.
- Know and use the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a variety of social, professional and academic settings. Communicate your thoughts and knowledge clearly and concisely to both professionals and non-professionals.
1 semestr | |||||
Portal code | Course title | ECTS | Contact hours | Type of assesment | Learning outcomes of EP |
PSYC 101 | History of Psychology in Kazakhstan | 5 | 2+1+0 | Exam | ОН 5/ РО 5/ LO 5 |
PSYC 102 | Introduction to Psychology | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 5/ РО 5/ LO 5 |
MDE 291 | Physical Education 1 | 2 | 0+1+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
MDE 103, MDE 104, MDE 107, MDE 109, MDE 156, MDE 157, MDE 190, MDE 192, MDE 195, MDE 197, MDE 199 | Foreign language 1 | 5 | 0+3+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
MDE 283, MDE 285 | Turkish language 1 | 4 | 0+3+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 |
PSYC 103 | Academic writing and Research Skills | 5 | 2+1+0 | Exam | ОН 10/ РО 10/ LO 10 |
MDE 153 | Module of Social and Political Knowledge (Cultural Studies) | 2 | 1+0+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
MDE 154 | Module of Social and Political Knowledge (Psychology) | 2 | 1+0+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
MDE 160 | Community engagement and value based Society 1 | 0 | 0+1+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
Total | 30 |
2 semestr | |||||
Portal code | Course title | ECTS | Contact hours | Type of assesment | Learning outcomes of EP |
MDE 292 | Physical Education 2 | 2 | 0+1+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
MDE 002, MDE 191, MDE 194, MDE 106, MDE 108, MDE 110, MDE 158, MDE 187, MDE 188, MDE 196, MDE 198, MDE 200 | Foreign language 2 | 5 | 0+3+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
MDE 283, MDE 285 | Turkish language 2 | 4 | 0+3+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 |
PSYC 104 | Educational practice | 5 | 2+1+0 | Task | |
MDE 171 | History of Kazakhstan | 5 | 2+1+0 | National Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
PSYC 113 | Personality and Affective Science I | 4 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 |
PSYC 106 | Developmental Psychology I | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 |
MDE 107 | Community engagement and value based Society 2 | 0 | 0+1+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
Total | 30 |
3 semestr | |||||
Portal code | Course title | ECTS | Contact hours | Type of assesment | Learning outcomes of EP |
MDE 111, MDE 113, MDE 115, MDE 117, MDE 121, MDE 123, MDE 125, MDE 127 | Kazakh language 1 / Russian language 1 | 5 | 0+3+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
MDE 293 | Physical Education 3 | 2 | 0+1+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
PSYC 224 | Introduction to Counseling Psychology | 4 | 0+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 ОН 11/ РО 11/ LO 11 |
MDE 151 | Module of Social and Political Knowledge (Political Science) | 2 | 1+0+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
MDE 152 | Module of Social and Political Knowledge (Sociology) | 2 | 1+0+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
PSYC 225 | Personality and Affective Science ІІ | 4 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 4/ РО 4/ LO 4 |
PSYC 203 | Research Methods in Psychology I | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 9/ РО 9/ LO 9 ОН 11/ РО 11/ LO 11 |
PSYC 204 | Developmental Psychology II | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 6/ РО 6/ LO 6 |
Total | 29 |
4 semestr | |||||
Portal code | Course title | ECTS | Contact hours | Type of assesment | Learning outcomes of EP |
MDE 112, MDE 114, MDE 116, MDE 118, MDE 122, MDE 124, MDE 126, MDE 128 | Kazakh language 2 / Russian language 2 | 5 | 0+3+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 |
MDE 294 | Physical Education 4 | 2 | 0+1+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 |
PSYC 205 | Statistics in psychology | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 9/ РО 9/ LO 9 |
PSYC 206 | Social Psychology I | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 ОН 3/ РО 3/ LO 3 |
PSYC 207 | Existential psychotherapy | 4 | 0+2+0 | Exam | ОН 7/ РО 7/ LO 7 |
MDE 173 | Information and Communication Technologies (in English) | 5 | 2+1+0 | Exam | ОН 4/ РО 4/ LO 4 |
PSYC 208 | Cultural Psychology I | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 ОН 3/ РО 3/ LO 3 |
Total | 31 |
5 semestr | |||||
Portal code | Course title | ECTS | Contact hours | Type of assesment | Learning outcomes of EP |
MDE 161 | Economics | 5 | 2+1+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 |
MDE 163 | Fundamentals of anti-corruption culture | ||||
MDE 164 | Ecology | ||||
MDE 165 | General Security | ||||
MDE 162 | Law | ||||
MAN 322 | Еntrepreneurship | ||||
MDE 289 | Financial literacy | ||||
JUR 418 | Research methods | ||||
MDE 172 | Philosophy | 5 | 2+1+0 | Exam | ОН 1/ РО 1/ LO 1 |
PSYC 301 | Social Psychology II | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 ОН 3/ РО 3/ LO 3 |
PSYC 302 | Cultural Psychology II | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 ОН 3/ РО 3/ LO 3 |
PSYC 303 | Sport and Health Psychology | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 ОН 7/ РО 7/ LO 7 |
PSYC 304 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology | ||||
PSYC 305 | Behavioral Neuroscience I | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 ОН 6/ РО 6/ LO 6 |
Total | 30 |
6 semestr | |||||
Portal code | Course title | ECTS | Contact hours | Type of assesment | Learning outcomes of EP |
PSYC 306 | Psychology in Education | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 |
PSYC 307 | Behavioral Neuroscience II | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 |
PSYC 308 | Psychological therapy | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 7/ РО 7/ LO 7 |
PSYC 309 | Abnormal Psychology | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 ОН 6/ РО 6/ LO 6 |
PSYC 310 | Cognitive Neuroscience І | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 |
PSYC 311 | Clinical Psychology | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 ОН 7/ РО 7/ LO 7 |
PSYC 312 | Organizational Psychology | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 2/ РО 2/ LO 2 ОН 7/ РО 7/ LO 7 |
Total | 30 |
7 semestr | |||||
Portal code | Course title | ECTS | Contact hours | Type of assesment | Learning outcomes of EP |
PSYC 401 | Research Methods in Psychology II | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 9/ РО 9/ LO 9 ОН 11/ РО 11/ LO 11 |
PSYC 402 | Cognitive Neuroscience ІІ | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 7/ РО 7/ LO 7 |
PSYC 403 | Advanced Counselling | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 7/ РО 7/ LO 7 |
PSYC 404 | Psychology of Family and Couple | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 7/ РО 7/ LO 7 |
PSYC 405 | Psychological trauma studies | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 9/ РО 9/ LO 9 |
PSYC 406 | Advanced Psychological therapy | 5 | 1+2+0 | Exam | ОН 7/ РО 7/ LO 7 |
Total | 30 |
8 semestr | |||||
Portal code | Course title | ECTS | Contact hours | Type of assesment | Learning outcomes of EP |
PSYC 430 | Internship practice | 10 | 0+8+0 | Task | |
PSYC 431 | Pregraduational practice | 12 | 0+10+0 | Task | |
PSYC 432/PSYC 433/PSYC434 | Comprehensive Exam / Writing and defense of thesis / Diploma project | 8 | 0+6+0 | Comprehensive exam | |
Total | 30 | ||||
Total | 240 |
The Applied Psychology educational program helps students explore various fields of psychology and determine their future career path at the undergraduate level. This provides them with a clear understanding of whether they want to continue their studies in a master’s or doctoral program or pursue a practical career.
By studying different areas of psychology, graduates can work in a wide range of organizations, including private practice, non-governmental and governmental institutions, commercial companies, social services, schools, hospitals, universities, sports organizations, and research institutes. They can start their careers from entry-level positions and gradually advance professionally, finding opportunities at local, national, and international levels.
Assel Aitimbetova
Teacher
ASSEL AITIMBETOVA
assel.aitimbetova@sdu.edu.kz
Post
1. Teacher
2. Psychologist at the SDU Psychological Center and the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
Academic career
2021 – 2022, Siberian Institute of Phenomenological and Existential Psychology, Russia “Existential and Phenomenological Psychology” professional retraining program
2015 – 2019, M.S. Narikbayev KAZGUU University in Astana, Kazakhstan Psychology (major), HR management (minor) Bachelor’s degree
2012 – 2015 Kazakh-Turkish accounting and economic college, Accounting and audit
Courses
– PSY 329 – Technologies of practical psychologist’s work in an educational organization
– PRI 308 – Psychology and pedagogical diagnostics of primary school students
– PSYC 101 – History of Psychology in Kazakhstan
– PSYC 104 – Educational practice
Diana Karim
Teacher
DIANA KARIM
diana.karim@sdu.edu.kz
Post
1. Teacher
2. Psychologist at the Center for Psychological Support
3. Coordinator of the “Applied Psychology” educational program
Academic career
BA: Narxoz University, 2016
MSc: Arden University, 2025
Courses
– PSYC 113 – Personality and Affective Science I
– PSYC 103 – Academic writing and Research Skills
Publications
1. Suyundykova N.M., Karim D.R. Socio-Cultural and Psychological Determinants of Suicidal Behavior Among Students and Issues in Its Research. // In Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, “Psychological Science and Education: From History to the Future”, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Editor of two monographs:
1. The Unfinished Famine of Soviet Children (The first psychological examination of policies and child-rearing practices in the Soviet Union and their psychological effects). Almaty, Kazakhstan, 2024, 224 p. ISBN 978-601-7351-75-5 (Незавершенный JUT советских детей. Астана, 2024. 224с.). in Russian.
2.PERZENT: Uniting Nomadic Roots in PRESENT Child-Rearing. A NovelConcept by Nurgul Moldabayqyzy, Almaty, Kazakhstan, 2024,134 p. ISBN 978-601-80198-2-1. In English
Gulnur Yeszhanova
MA, teacher
GULNUR YESZHANOVA
gulnur.yeszhanova@sdu.edu.kz
Post
1. MA, Teacher
2. Director of the Psychological Support Center
Academic career
BA: Qoja Ahmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, 2010
MA: Omsk Humanitarian Academy, 2018
Courses
– PSYC 106 – Department of Social Sciences
Nurgul Suyundykova
PhD candidate, Senior lecturer
NURGUL SUYUNDYKOVA
nurgul.suyundykova@sdu.edu.kz
Post
PhD candidate, Senior lecturer
Academic career
BA: Maqsut Narikbayev University, 2006
MA: Classic Private University, 2017
PhD: Abai University, 2027
Courses
– PSYC 106 – Developmental Psychology І
– PSYC 101 – History of Psychology in Kazakhstan
– PSYC 113 – Personality and Affective Science I
– PSYC 103 – Academic writing and Research Skills
Publications
1. Suyundykova N. M., & Tapalova O. B.Behavioral health: Phenomenon, problems, research approaches. Bulletin of Abai KazNPU. Series: Psychology, 4(81), 22–39. 2024.
2. Suyundykova N. M., Karabaeva A. K., & Tapalova O. B. Violence in intimate partner relationships: A behavioral health disorder or a social phenomenon? Internauka: Electronic Scientific Journal, 45(362), 32–38. 2024.
3. Suyundykova N. M., & Karim D. R. Socio-cultural and psychological determinants of suicidal behavior among students and issues in its research. In Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, “Psychological Science and Education: From History to the Future” (pp. 393–399). Almaty, Kazakhstan: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. 2024.
4. Moldabayqyzy N. PERZENT (Source): Uniting nomadic roots in present child-rearing. A novel concept. Fortuna Publishing House. ISBN 978-601-80198-2-1. 2024.
5. Suyundykova N. M. Незавершенный JUT советских детей [The unfinished famine of Soviet children (The first psychological examination of child-rearing practices in the Soviet Union and their psychological effects)]. Fortuna Publishing House. ISBN 978-601-7351-75-5. 2024.
6. Suyundykova N. M. Psychological and existential analyses of Kazakh ethnic child play therapy. Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. ISBN 978 – 601 – 08 – 2065 – 4. 2022. (In Kazakh).
The educational program has been developed in accordance with the standards and recommendations of the British Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). This ensures high-quality education, a combination of theoretical knowledge with practical skills, and compliance with international requirements. Courses are taught by specialists with both academic training and real-world experience in their respective fields.
The program includes modern and in-demand areas of client counseling and therapy, such as:
- Psychological Counseling
- Psychological Therapy
- Existential Therapy
- Pathopsychology
- Psychological Trauma Research
- Psychology in Education
- Family and Couples Psychology
Additionally, students can choose elective courses covering applied areas of psychology:
- Organizational Psychology
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Sports and Health Psychology
The program is designed to meet modern international standards and is based on leading academic expertise, moving away from the Soviet legacy in this discipline.
- “Мәдени және экзистенциялық психология орталығы”, Astana, Kazakhstan
- SDU University Психологиялық қолдау орталығы, Қаскелең, Қазақстан
- “Vitality” Психологиялық қолдау орталығы, Рига, Латвия
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Members of the Advisory Board of the educational program of Applied Psychology for the 2024-2025 academic year
Madiyar Saudbayev | Dean of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences |
Aikerim Alimzhanova | Head of the Department Social Sciences |
Diana Karim | Coordinator of the EP “Applied Psychology” |
Nurgul Suyundykova | Founder of the NGO “Center for Cultural and Existential Psychology”, psychologist, senior lecturer |
Olga Tapalova | Professor Abai University, head of the EP” Clinical Psychology”, Psychologist |
Gulnur Yeszhanova | Director of the SDU Psychological Support Center, lecturer |
Kulmash Yelshibayeva | PhD doctor, Professor, practicing psychologist, graduate of the Bolashak program, corresponding member of the International Academy of Psychological Sciences, founder of the Republican School of Psychology |