Course Details

Course Code(s):
MSPSSCTFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year Blended
Award:
Masters (MSc)
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
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

Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

Deadline: 30th May 2023. Any applications received from 28th April 2023 will be placed on a reserve list.  

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

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Zara Hartnett

"Zara Hartnett, MSc Psychological Science" I am fortunate enough to be able to call the University of Limerick my second home since I began my university journey in 2017. The choice to study at the University of Limerick was made with ease. The supportive environment created by lecturers, staff, and fellow students, coupled with the wonderful opportunities available at the university, captivated my attention from the beginning. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I knew that my journey at the University of Limerick was something that I was not ready to leave just yet. This encouraged me to pursue the MSc in Psychological Science in September 2022.

The foundations of my psychological knowledge and understanding were established in my undergraduate degree, where I was offered a wealth of information, perspectives, and insight. Driven by a love for learning, I knew that I both wanted and needed to continue to learn about psychology (what I have learned is that, in psychology, you will always be learning, no matter how far along you are in your journey).  The MSc in Psychological Science satisfied this want and need. I was afforded the opportunity to learn more, experience more, and grow more. I have always felt inspired to pursue a career in psychology to help others, whether through clinical work or through undertaking important psychological research. The MSc offered me the opportunity to engage in both. Offering the selection of four pathways, clinical, research, community, or social psychology, the range of modules allowed each student to undertake both core elements of their stream and those of interest, offering a glimpse into different avenues and perspectives. Developing my understanding of clinical psychology was important; however, equally as important was the Major Research Project which provided me with invaluable experience in conducting research under the guidance of my supervisor in an area of psychology that I am passionate about.

Without a doubt, I know that the skills I have acquired will be important attributes throughout my psychology career. The group assignments, as daunting as they can be, provide valuable skills for working as a team member. Equally as important are the individual assignments that require you to work independently, with time management, critical thinking, and creativity, essential aspects required in the MSc and are important assets to any work environment.

For me, the highlight of the programme centres on the relationships fostered within the course. The MSc allows students and their peers to create a space where you encourage, support, and care for one another. Encountering any difficulties is always met with a listening ear and reassuring words. This encouragement and support are further exemplified in the relationships developed with the staff and lecturers in the Department of Psychology. They always create a safe space where, as a psychology student, I can attest to the encouragement of lecturers to always approach them should we encounter any difficulties or simply to have a discussion with them about their area of interest and research.

My advice to future students of the MSc in Psychological Science would be to embrace both the busyness and fun you will encounter. While it is undoubtedly a challenging year, there are moments in each day where fun and laughter can be had; coffee with a classmate serves as a well-needed break from studying or talking with a peer before class can serve to reassure you that you are on the right track. The MSc is a wonderful opportunity to continue your love for learning psychology. It offers the opportunity for every student to build upon their strengths and develop new skills that will continue to influence their personal and academic development. I am and will always be grateful for the incredible experiences that the MSc has offered me, from undertaking my studies to engaging in extra-curricular voluntary internships in the Department of Psychology.