The MSc in Psychological Science programme, delivered both in-person and online, 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. There are different streams of specialisation offered in the programme (for more information see Programme Content section). We now also offer a stream on the programme that is fully delivered online and can be studied from distance. This online stream has a selected set of modules and supervision of the thesis will be facilitated online, too. 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. Most students in this course have an undergraduate degree that has been accredited by the professional organization for psychologists (Psychological Society of Ireland) or a similar organization (British Psychological Society). The MSc, our flagship programme, is not designed for this purpose. A master course designed for that purpose is our MA Psychology.

 

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. The online stream makes the programme accessible to distant learners as it is fully delivered online and does not need on campus presence.

 

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.