Course Details

Course Code(s):
MSPSSCTFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Duration:
1 Year Blended
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Taught
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.
Application Deadline:

Contact(s):

Name: Marianne Tormey
Email: psychology@ul.ie Telephone: +353 (0)61 233774 Web: /psychology
Name: Dr Jenny Roth
Address: Dept. of Psychology Email: Jenny.Roth@ul.ie Telephone: +353 61 234934
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Brief Description

The MSc in Psychological Science programme is based in the Department of Psychology, which has a strong focus on research and its applications to social issues. The master programme reflects the core orientation of the department with emphases on research methods, social psychology, community and health psychology, and clinical psychology. The course represents an exit route for those interested in research careers in the voluntary/state sector, and it provides an excellent basis for entry to doctoral level degree programmes in psychology for those with a PSI-accredited undergraduate degree. The MSc in Psychological Science is not accredited, and applicants without existing accreditation should consider our MA Psychology conversion course https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/psychology-ma

 

 

This programme provides candidates with advanced skills in the methods and topics of Psychological Science broadly defined. The stream structure allows candidates to further specialize in Research Methods, Social Psychology, Community and Health Psychology or Clinical Psychology to tailor their degree to their own career trajectory. 

Candidates gain advanced research and analytical skills highly sought after in the field of psychology and in academic/commercial/social research environments. On successful completion of this programme, 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 issues.

  • Demonstrate reflective and critical thinking regarding psychological research and its applications and recognise the significance of psychological theories and psychological research methods for personal and social issues in everyday life.

  • Develop and apply learning practices for independent studies, such as to identify where and how to locate and access information relevant to the study and research, to interrogate new information, to break tasks into manageable parts, to focus on task-related goals and to provide and receive feedback on learning experiences and progress.

  • Display communication and presentation skills, that is, writing skills, oral presentation skills, and interviewing skills.

  • Demonstrate interpersonal competencies 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 issues.

  • Apply psychological theories and methods to personal and social issues by considering the utility and feasibility of such applications.

The programme provides advanced training in psychological science, with scope to specialize in one of four streams: Research Methods, Social Psychology, Community and Health Psychology or Clinical Psychology. Once accepted into the programme candidates can select the stream of their choice without restriction. 

4 Core Modules in Research Methods

PS6041 - Advanced Research Design

PS6051 - Advanced Analysis 1

PS6032  - Advanced Analysis 2

PS6042 - Qualitative Research Methods

Research Methods Stream

Social Psychology Stream

Clinical Psychology Stream

Community & Health Psychology Stream

 

 

 

 

2 Research Methods

2 Social Psychology

2 Research Methods

2 Clinical Psychology

1 Community Psychology

1 Health Psychology
  • PS6061 – Professional Skills in Psychology 1
  • PS6052 – Professional Skills in Psychology 2
  • PS6062 – Advanced Perspectives in Social Identity Research
  • PS6071 – Social Influence and Attitude Change
  • PS6061 – Professional skills in Psychology 1
  • PS6052 – Professional Skills in Psychology 2
  • PS6091 – Clinical Modules of Psychological Disorders
  • PS6092 – Methods of Clinical Diagnosis and Intervention
  • PS6072 – Community Psychology
  • PS6121 – Advances in Health Psychology

4 Electives from Elective Pool not already in stream

4 Electives from Elective Pool not already in stream

2 Electives from Elective Pool not already in stream

4 Electives from Elective Pool not already in stream

Major Research Project (Finalized in Summer Semester)

Elective Pool:

SS6002 - Applied Sport Psychology

PS6132 - Migration: Inclusion and Health

PS6082 - Political Psychology

PS6081 – Problem Solving& Decision Making

PS6061 – Professional Skills in Psychology 1

PS6052 – Professional Skills in Psychology 2

PS6071 – Social Influence and Attitude Change

PS6062 – Advanced Perspectives in Social Identity Research

PS6091 – Clinical Modules of Psychological Disorders

PS6092 – Methods of Clinical Diagnosis and Intervention

PS6072 – Community Psychology

PS6121 – Advances in Health Psychology

(MODULE AVAILABILITY FOR ELECTIVES MAY CHANGE FROM YEAR TO YEAR)

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

Normally a 2.2 honours degree (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in psychology is required. In addition, we will consider relevant work experience and equivalent qualifications in cognate fields (e.g., sociology, economics) with substantial research methods experience. In the case of international candidates the overseas equivalent is required. Where candidates are non-native English language speakers, certified demonstrable achievements in a Standard English Language Competency Test will be necessary. Candidates may be interviewed as part of the selection process.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • 1 (one) written academic reference.
  • Research Knowledge form -  click here
  • A copy of your birth certificate (long document)
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice

  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
    • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
    AND
    • English language competency certificate

    For more information Click Here

EU - €6,500

Non- EU - €14,800

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Graduate Testimonials

Brooke McMullen - Born and raised in a small town outside of Boston, Massachusetts, I completed undergraduate studies at The University of New Hampshire in 2016. While working towards a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, I had the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad at The University of Limerick in 2015. Ireland always felt like a second home to me, and so I was optimistic about my dream to live and pursue postgraduate studies in Ireland. 

Following my undergraduate studies, I spent 3.5 years working as a Child Developmental Specialist for an Early Intervention agency in Boston, MA., where I provided clinical and therapeutic services to children ages 0-3 years and their families. Simultaneously, also playing a small role in the Eisenhower et al. (2020) study, "The Multi-Stage Screening in Early Intervention: A Critical Strategy for Improving Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Identification and Addressing Disparities". 

I have always been particularly interested in mental health, psychological research, and research involving typical and atypical early childhood development, especially the dynamic history and evolution of ASD. Being involved in this research, even on a small scale, inspired me to pursue a Master of Science in Psychological Sciences, with a stream in Clinical Psychology at UL. 

Firstly, the quality of instruction and the modules' comprehensive structure was challenging yet rewarding. For the major research project (MRP), I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Barry Coughlan as my supervisor, a Clinical Psychologist, who's research interests parallel mine.

Not only did I have the significant research experience, extensive knowledge, and unceasing encouragement of my University supervisor, but I also had guidance from the Healthy UL network and co-investigators of the project. Additionally, I had extensive support from my Advanced Analysis lecturer who dedicated his time to helping me with the research project analyses and interpreting the findings.

Additionally, while completing the MRP, Dr. Barry Coughlan and I began talking about the possibility of constructing a PhD project on Identifying Girls with Autism in Early Childhood, which is now underway. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, and it is an honour to be connected with and co-supervised by Professor Barry Carpenter, the author of Girls and Autism.
 
Beyond the academic advantages I have benefitted from my MSc experience in Psychological Sciences at the University of Limerick, I have also developed several meaningful and life-long friendships with other students in the programme. The rigorous nature of the course work, and the compulsory group projects of the modules, fosters an environment of mutual support and friendship building. These relationships are close friendships and stepping stones to important networking contacts for my future education and employment opportunities. 

Andrew Moynihan - I chose to do the MSc in Psychological Science at the University of Limerick to improve my research skills and training in social psychology. The comprehensive range of modules available on this course in social, clinical, health, occupational psychology, and research methods makes it a perfect choice for those interested in further study with a view to branching into a specific area of psychology. The staff’s broad range of research interests introduced me to an array of interesting topics I had not yet encountered previously such as existential psychology, community psychology, and social identity research, which address key issues in modern society. Small classes on the MSc programme creates an atmosphere of mutual support, which enhances the learning and college experience. This is made all the better by the excellent teaching, first-rate research, and eagerness to help that comes from working with a pleasant, friendly, and professional staff. The University of Limerick is a beautiful and modern campus with excellent facilities. I know that my experience on the MSc in Psychological Science programme has made me more competent, professional, and confident in my career.