Course Details

Course Code(s):
MSPSSCTFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year Blended
Award:
Masters (MSc)
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
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

The online application system will be unavailable between 22nd - 29th March for an essential systems upgrade.

We apologise for any inconvenience.


Express Interest

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

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 - €6,950

Non- EU - €15,800

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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Jack Loughnane

"Jack Loughnane, MSc Psychological Science" I began my time at the University of Limerick in 2013 when I enrolled in the BSc. in Psychology undergraduate course. The extent to which I enjoyed my time in UL is exemplified by the fact that I remained a part of the UL community until 2023 when I completed my PhD research. During this 10-year period, I was constantly supported and inspired by so many lecturers, staff members, and fellow students. During a brief hiatus from studying after my undergraduate degree, I realized that I had a strong desire to continue learning. Since my undergraduate experience had been so positive, a return to UL was a natural decision and I applied to the MSc. in Psychological Science.

I joined the social psychology stream of the course. Being able to narrow my focus to social psychology meant that I was studying topics that I had a genuine passion for and interest in each week. It was during this time that my passion for research was truly ignited. The Major Research Project that I undertook during this course provided the opportunity to develop my research skills greatly. The support and encouragement provided by my supervisor provided the perfect environment for my passion for and ability to conduct research to thrive. Additionally, the Advanced Analysis modules that I completed during this degree set me on my way to being able to conduct research to a publishable standard.

It was during this time that I also developed skills of research dissemination and confidence in my ability to communicate research findings effectively. This was down in no small part to the Professional Skills modules that were available during this course. After completing my MRP, I presented the findings at the International Society of Political Psychology Annual Meeting, where my paper was selected for additional promotion through the Conference Within a Conference scheme.

I would strongly recommend to anyone beginning this course to identify those lecturers and other students in the department who share your research interests and join their research labs. This will give you the opportunity to attend research presentations and discussions that are equal parts informative and inspiring in a friendly and encouraging environment.

This masters degree, and the MRP in particular, gave me the confidence to join the structured PhD programme at UL. The skills I gained during that time played no small part in my ability to secure funding from the Department of Psychology for the first two years of my PhD studies and from the Irish Research Council for the final two years. The solid foundation in research methods and analysis that I obtained during the masters programme allowed me to hit the ground running with my PhD research. I published two studies in peer-reviewed academic journals and had a further two papers invited for resubmission to reputable journals before successfully defending my thesis in August 2023.

Since completing my PhD, I have begun a new role as a Senior Quantitative Researcher with an NGO in London. The skills I acquired during my time at UL have made me an asset to my new organization and have given me the confidence to take the lead on important research projects. I would highly recommend the MSc. in Psychological Science for anyone interested in a research career, either within or outside of academia.

 

 

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MSc Psychological Science

Learn more about Zara's experience on the MSc Psychological Science here.

 

Still Curious?

The team from the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.