MPsychSc Psychological Science

Who should apply?

Full-Time Option Suitable For:

• Domestic (EEA) applicants: Yes
• International (Non-EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region: Yes

Candidates May Apply for Admission to the Master of Psychological Science if They Have the Following:

• At least an upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree in Psychology recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland or by the Psychology Society of the country in which the degree was awarded (minimum GPA 3.4/4.0)
• At least an upper second class honours Higher Diploma in Psychology (conversion course) recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland or by the Psychology Society of the country in which the degree was awarded (minimum GPA 3.4/4.0)

International Requirements for the Psychology Degree:

• An honours degree with Psychology as a major subject with a minimum GPA of 3.4/4.0
• Completed an independent research project as part of the degree, under the supervision of a member of the staff
• A reference confirming their suitability for graduate training from a full-time tenured staff member of the University from which they received their bachelor's degree
• Students whose first language is not English must meet UCD's English language requirements

Modules

Stage 1 Core

• PSY40430 | MPsychSc Research Dissertation (2 Trimester duration: Spring-Summer)
• PSY40440 | Advanced Research Methods & Stats
• PSY40940 | Research Skills & Development

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:

Students should select a minimum of 1 module or a maximum of 2 modules from these options in Trimester 1.

• EDUC40130 | Inclusion and Equality in Education
• PSY40420 | BPS Certificate in Educational Testing
• PSY40450 | Basic Counselling and Clinical Skills
• PSY40580 | Foundations in Mindfulness
• PSY40910 | Embodied & Social Cognitive Neuroscience
• SPOL40470 | Comparing Healthcare Systems

Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:

Students should select a minimum of 1 module or a maximum of 3 modules from these options in Trimester 2.

• EDUC43250 | Wellbeing of Children and Youth
• POL41030 | Theory of Human Rights
• PSY40400 | Managing Change
• PSY40490 | Person Centred Programme Development
• PSY40650 | Psychological Interventions
• PSY40790 | Clinical Cases in Neuropsychology
• PSY40860 | Topics in Psychological Science
• PSY40920 | Psychology & Health: Population-Level Perspectives

Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:

If students have chosen only 3 options across Trimester 1 and Trimester 2, then select 1 module below for Trimester 3.

• PSY40870 | Multielement Behaviour Support
• PSY40880 | Identity, Sexuality & Mortality

The focus of the programme is on professional skill acquisition and this is reflected in the active nature of the learning environment in the modules. The programme uses a range of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment including traditional faculty-led seminars, student presentations, experiential learning, classroom role-play and case studies. An integral part of the research training is staff supervision and, usually, membership in a collaborative research team. In addition, students are expected to undertake self-directed study for all of the modules and are advised that they need to set aside time for study each week. Assessment strategies include both traditional and innovative as appropriate to the specific skill set that is being assessed.

• On successful completion of the programme, the students should be able to: understand and apply a range of professional skills rooted in the principles and concepts of psychology
• Apply advanced analytic methods to address psychological questions through independent data collection and/or analysis of existing data sets;
• Communicate and explain psychological research to diverse audiences, including both specialists and non-specialists;
• Critically reflect on experiences and apply those in a cycle of self-improvement
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and competence in professional practice with diverse groups of people.
• Understand, and apply principles of ethical conduct of research;
• Work collaboratively with groups of peers to achieve mutual goals

Equips students for doctoral studies in clinical, counselling, educational or organisational psychology or for progressing to a PhD in psychological research.