Master of Science (MSc) Applied Psychology

Overview

This Master of Science in Applied Psychology provides learners with the theoretical background and practical skills to apply their Psychological knowledge efficiently and productively to effect positive change in the world. It has been designed with an integrated delivery from end‐to‐end, covering a wide range of specialist topics that provide learners with the knowledge of theories, concepts and processes relating to Psychology and helps them understand how these can be applied in a variety of contemporary settings. Learners will explore human behaviour from individual, social and biological perspectives and through a detailed understanding of the discipline, both theoretically and methodologically, and will be enabled to assess appropriate interventions and design appropriate solutions for clients’ needs. Modules focus on the applied nature of professional and ethical issues, neuroscience, life transitions and interventions and advanced research methods. Other modules have a specific focus upon the application of theory to the ‘real world’ allowing learners to further develop and apply competencies and knowledge in both Health Psychology and Organisational Psychology-themed applied modules.

Finally, the programme offers a choice of elective capstone pathways (30 ECTS) that provide an opportunity for independent placement or research and the production of a Placement Project or Research Dissertation. Learners who complete the full programme will therefore also develop and enhance their research capability through critical enquiry and detailed analytical problem solving.

Programme Objectives

The specific programme objectives are to:

• Enable learners to explore the various theories, concepts and processes of Applied Psychology.

• Facilitate critical evaluation of competing Psychological theories through critical analysis and appraisal of Psychological studies and projects.

• Enable learners to understand how these theories can be applied to understanding human behaviour from individual, social and biological perspectives.

• Relate Psychological concepts, theories and processes to a variety of professional individual and group settings and situations.

• Develop in learners an understanding of contemporary local and global issues using an Applied Psychological perspective.

• Enable learners to assess appropriate interventions and design appropriate solutions for clients’ needs.

• Enable learners to explore advanced research methods and demonstrate a detailed understanding of the theoretical and methodological considerations, evidencing these skills in a placement and/or major research project.

• Provide graduates with the underpinning academic knowledge to enhance their employment and educational opportunities and achieve the award of a Master of Science in Applied Psychology.

Delivery

This is a multimodal programme. Learners are therefore timetabled to be in class or online. They will also have mandatory on demand content as contact hours that they can do in their own time and place.

Entry Requirements

A first qualification in Psychology of an upper Second Class Honours (2.1) at NFQ Level 8 or above accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland or show eligibility for accreditation by the Psychological Society of Ireland. (In exceptional cases, the college may accept a lower Second-class Honours degree in Psychology on the basis of an interview).

For applicants whose first language is not English, the minimum English language requirement for entry to the programme is IELTS score 6.5 (or equivalent).