MSc in Psychological Sciences

Key Points

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The Master of Psychological Science programme reflects the core orientation of the department with an emphasis on research methods, social and applied psychology and clinical psychology. The course represents an exit route for those interested in research careers in the voluntary/state sector, and provides an excellent basis for entry to doctoral programmes in psychology for those with a PSI-accredited undergraduate degree.

This program provides candidates with advanced skills in the broadly defined methods and topics of psychological science. The flow structure allows candidates to further specialize in research methods, social and applied psychology or clinical psychology to tailor their degree to their own career path.

Candidates acquire advanced analytical and research skills highly sought after in the field of psychology and in academic/business/social research settings. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Describe advanced research methods and a variety of psychological theories and paradigms, and identify the applicability of psychological methods and theories to personal and social problems.
Demonstrate reflective and critical thinking with respect to psychological research and its applications and recognize the relevance of psychological theories and psychological research methods to personal and social problems of everyday life.
Develop and apply learning practices for independent study, such as identifying where and how to locate and access information relevant to study and research, questioning new information, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, focusing on task-related objectives, and providing and receiving feedback on learning experiences and progress.
Display communication and presentation skills, i.e. writing skills, oral presentation skills and interview skills.
Demonstrate interpersonal skills and professional sensitivity in accordance with the role of psychologists in society, and develop mature and ethical attitudes that help to understand and address social and psychological problems.
Apply psychological theories and methods to personal and social problems considering the usefulness and feasibility of such applications.

Program structure

Research Methods Stream

Professional Skills in Psychology 1
Professional Skills in Psychology 2

Social and Applied Psychology Current

Social influence and attitude change
Advanced Perspectives in Social Identity Research

Clinical Psycology Stream

Professional Skills in Psychology 1
Professional Skills in Psychology 2

Clinical Models of Psychological Disorders
Clinical Diagnostic and Intervention Methods

Electives

Problem solving and decision making
Community Psychology
Advanced studies in political psychology
Psychology of labour relations
Organizational Theory
Human Performance
Applied sports psychology
Analysis of motor skill performance and learning
Well-being and work
Human Resources Development
Work Psychology
Applied Exercise and Health Psychology
Developmental psychology of movement from infancy to adolescence.
Module availability may change from year to year.
Major Research Project (completed in the summer semester)

Admission requirements

The standard minimum entry requirement is a BSc Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in Psychology. In addition, relevant work experience and equivalent qualifications in cognate fields (e.g. sociology, economics) with substantial experience in research methods will be considered.
In the case of international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, a degree officially translated into English will be required.
IELTS 6.5, with no less than 6 in any component (or its internationally recognised equivalent).