نظرة عامة على البرنامج

---

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.

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).

Course Content

Module Name	Semester
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis	Semester One
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis	Semester One
Addiction and Rehabilitation	Semester One
Psychometrics and Psychometric Testing	Semester One
Applied Neuroscience	Semester Two
Motivation, leadership & positive Psychology	Semester Two
Public and Community Health	Semester Two
The Psychological Practitioner and the Therapeutic Relationship	Semester Two
Life transitions and interventions	Semester One/Semester Two
Professional Issues and Ethics in Applied Psychology	Semester One/Semester Two
Capstone 1 (Research Placement)	Semester One/Semester Two/Semester Three
Capstone 2 (Major Dissertation)	Semester One/Semester Two/Semester Three

Assessment

Modules will be delivered through a blend of asynchronous content and discussion forums with live online tutorials and in-class workshops, practical lab sessions and lectures, while teaching and learning will use a wide range of materials to assist learners as they enhance their knowledge and understanding of core Psychology concepts.

Guest lectures, clinical site visits and case studies are utilised to anchor learning in the real world. In-class individual and group exercises are also used to test understanding and drive applied discussions.

Teaching and Learning Strategy

All modules are delivered through blended learning. DBS offers fully-blended learning through a combination of the following modes:

• Face to Face Classroom Tuition
• Live Online (LOL) Tuition
• On Demand Learning

Blended Learning allows for the most appropriate mode of delivery to be applied to different parts of the syllabus. Blended Learning Programmes on average are split out to 40% Face to Face Classroom Tuition, 30% Live Online and 30% On Demand Learning but this does vary.

This programme is blended. This means you may have some face-to-face, on campus classroom delivery, live online and on demand content. The face-to-face, on campus classroom delivery will be shown on your timetable. In addition, some classes are delivered as on demand content which means you may have videos and learning materials to engage with alongside your timetable.

Awarding Body and NFQ Level

At present the Master of Science in Applied Psychology is not professionally accredited because there are no regulations regarding PSI accreditation for postgraduate Applied Psychology programmes. However, should such regulations be introduced, it is intended that the Master of Science in Applied Psychology will meet the criteria set by the Professional Body. Currently, graduate membership of the PSI is conferred on the basis of the student’s undergraduate qualification.

As part of our ongoing obligation to quality assurance for QQI, DBS will carry out reviews and submit the programme for re-approval as required. This means that there may be changes to programme content or delivery during your programme of study. If this does occur, DBS will carefully consider all transition arrangements to ensure consistency for learners.

Structure

The programme consists of 60 ECTS of mandatory taught content and culminates in an elective choice of either Research Placement (Capstone 1) or Major Dissertation (Capstone 2), each weighted at 30ECTS. The assessment components for each of these modules are due in the summer semester (April-August) for the full-time programme and Semester four (January-April) on the part-time programme. Work will typically will commence in the previous semester following the completion of the ethics process.

The programme contains an embedded exit award, the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Applied Psychology (60 ECTS, NFQ Level 9) which is available for those who cannot complete the research component of this programme for personal or professional reasons.

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.

Career Opportunities

Potential career options for those pursuing this programme therefore include both cognate and noncognate opportunities in research and evaluation posts, teaching/lecturing and Human Resource management, as well as market research, psychologists, social policy advocates, administrative positions, health care settings and training and development specialists. It will also appeal to those keen to pursue further postgraduate studies in the field of psychology.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €9,100 full-time or €5,600 per annum part-time.

International Fees

EU Fees

You can also contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner.

Improve your employability

All of our postgraduate courses offer strong links with industry and the professional world and often carry accreditation from professional bodies. By choosing to study at postgraduate level, not only do you gain valuable skills and experience but you also demonstrate your determination to succeed in a chosen career. Far from being a postponement to employment, postgraduate study can help you progress further and faster in your chosen career. And, if you're not certain what direction you would like your future to take, further study can provide a secure and structured space to help you find out through exploring your strengths and interests.

Get your foot on the career ladder

A large number of our postgraduate programmes include a work placement option, giving you the opportunity to gain vocational experience, make valuable contacts and gain transferable skills. It is also worth considering that some postgraduate qualifications are essential requirements to getting on the career ladder.

Gain skills for success

During your undergraduate degree you will have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills. Postgraduate study will build on this base, giving you the opportunity to put these highly valuable skills in to practice. You will also gain invaluable practical working examples that you can go on to use at interview to set you apart from other candidates.

Who is the Programme aimed at?

The programme is designed for Psychology graduates who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge in professional areas of Psychology before entering further specialised professional training in Psychology, or pursuing PhD research. In addition, as a key feature of this programme is the development of transferable skills, the programme will be of benefit to learners seeking to enter or progress their careers in a variety of professions in both the public and private sectors.

Course Overview

Awarding Body: Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Award: Masters Degree

NFQ Level: Level 9

Award Title: MSc in Applied Psychology

Award Type: Major

Duration:

• Full-time: 1 Year
• Part-time: 2 Years

Next Intake: September 2025