Program Overview
MSc in Psychology (Conversion)
Course Details
Course Code:
DC767
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
- Please see for further information
Delivery Modes:
- Full-Time
Duration:
1 year
Overview
This one-year conversion course will help you take the next steps on your psychology career path and gain a Psychological Society of Ireland pre-professional qualification.
During the course, you’ll delve deeper into the six pillars of psychology: biological bases of behaviour, developmental and lifespan psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, personality and individual difference, and research design and methods. You’ll also work on a supervised research project across all three trimesters.
The course contains applied modules, which focus on psychological issues in the real world today; technological innovations in psychology, clinical applications and the emerging field of social cognition.
This course also offers a range of elective modules specifically designed for graduates who intend to pursue further study in applied settings including clinical, counselling and educational psychology.
Careers & Further Options
Careers
This course has been designed to enable graduates to seek membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland upon completion. Such membership is a prerequisite for further study in psychology, including clinical and applied areas.
Graduates from this course who wish to pursue further study in psychology as a discipline can go on to specialise with either Master’s and Doctorate qualifications in counselling, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, research and a range of other specialist areas in psychology.
Most students study psychology because they aim to pursue a career as a psychologist. However, others choose to study psychology because it offers a broad training in a behavioural science, it develops a wide range of valued transferable skills and it can be used as a stepping-stone into several other careers.
Career Prospects:
- Assistant psychologist positions
- Marketing
- Management
- Research
- Data analysis
- Human resources
- Health promotion
- Community development
Entry Requirements
General Entry Requirements
For admission to the MSc in Psychology (Conversion), entrants will typically hold:
- A (NFQ) Level 8 Honours Degree with aH2.1 or international equivalent in adiscipline cognate to Psychology(e.g. Humanities; Human Sciences, Education Sociology, Health and Society, etc.) or havecompleted a Psychology Honours Degree thatdid not confer eligibility for the graduate basis from thePsychological Society of Ireland (otherwise known as Psychological Studies degree).
- Applicants should also have a minimum combined total of 60 ECTS in Psychology modules(or modules with a substantial element of Psychology, e.g Health Promotion, Human Resources, etc.) and/orResearch Methods modules (or equivalent modules, e.g. Research Project/Thesis, Statistics, Data Analysis/Data Handling etc.)
- Candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. More information about DCU's English language requirements can be found here.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above
As part of the application process applicants may be called for interview.
In addition to the above, applicants with appropriatecombinations of professional qualifications and experience may be considered. This may include demonstrated substantial additional prior experiential learning in Psychology and/or Research Methods. These individuals will be considered on a case by case basis. We will particularly recognise those individuals who have substantial Research Methods and Statistics experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
Programme Structure
This course is a one-year, intensive, full-time MSc, which has been fully accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland. Classes are timetabled for between 20-30 hours per week each semester.
Overview
This course covers the key mandatory areas of psychology outlined by the Psychological Society of Ireland including:
- Biological Bases of behaviour
- Developmental and Lifespan Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality and Individual Difference
- Cognitive Psychology
- Research Design and Methods
The research skills module focuses on developing advanced research skills and students will also complete a year-long supervised individual MSc research project.
The course contains applied modules, which focus on psychological issues in the real world today; technological innovations in psychology, clinical applications and the emerging field of social cognition.
This course also offers a range of elective modules specifically designed for graduates who intend to pursue further study in applied settings including clinical, counselling and educational psychology.
Fees and Funding
Fees
Full time
EU Status Fee
€8,900 per annum
Non EU Fee.
€16,500 per annum
How To Apply
Make an Application
To apply for this programme:
- All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
- Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
- Provide a Personal Statement (maximum of 500 words) addressing why you wish to do this particular programme indicating clearly your experience in Psychology and Research Methods to date (academic, experiential and professional).
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see linkApplication Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
- Closing date for non EU applicants is 31st March 2025.
- Closing date for EU applicants is 31st March 2025.
- All required documentation to support an application must be submitted by 31st March 2025.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit postgraduate-taught-admissions or email
For non EU applicant queries, please visit
postgraduate or email
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2025.
Program Outline
Extracted Information from Dublin City University's MSc in Psychology (Conversion) webpage
Degree Overview:
Overview:
- This one-year, full-time, intensive conversion programme provides a route into psychology for graduates who hold an honours degree in psychological studies or a psychology-related discipline.
- Accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland.
- Offers a strong focus on cutting-edge innovations in psychology and practice-based skills such as counselling and research skills.
Objectives:
- Provide graduates with the essential knowledge and skills to pursue a career in psychology.
- Offer a comprehensive grasp of psychological science.
- Develop advanced research skills and critical thinking abilities.
- Equip students with the ability to independently conduct research.
- Prepare students for further study in applied psychology, including clinical, counselling and educational psychology.
Program Description:
- Covers the key mandatory areas of psychology:
- Biological Bases of behaviour
- Developmental and Lifespan Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality and Individual Difference
- Cognitive Psychology
- Research Design and Methods
- Research skills module focuses on developing research design, data analysis, and scientific writing skills.
- Students complete a year-long supervised individual MSc research project.
- Includes applied modules focusing on:
- Psychological issues in the real world today
- Technological innovations in psychology
- Clinical applications
- Social cognition
Outline:
Course Content:
- Biological Bases of behaviour: This module explores the biological underpinnings of behaviour, including the nervous system, hormones, and genetics.
- Developmental and Lifespan Psychology: This module examines human development from conception to death, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- Social Psychology: This module explores how individuals think, feel, and behave in social contexts, including topics such as social influence, group dynamics, and prejudice.
- Personality and Individual Differences: This module examines the nature and causes of individual differences in personality, including traits, motives, and emotions.
- Cognitive Psychology: This module explores the mental processes involved in thinking, learning, memory, and problem-solving.
- Research Design and Methods: This module provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, conduct, and analyze research in psychology.
- Technological Innovations in Psychology: This module explores the latest technological advancements in psychology, including the use of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and big data.
- Clinical Applications: This module provides an overview of the application of psychology in clinical settings, including the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
- Social Cognition: This module examines how people think about and interact with others, including topics such as social perception, attribution, and persuasion.
Course Structure:
- The program is delivered over two semesters.
- Each semester typically includes 10-15 modules, each with 2-3 hours of lectures per week.
- Students are expected to attend all lectures and complete all assigned readings and coursework.
- The research project is conducted throughout the year, with regular supervision meetings with a faculty member.
- Students are expected to complete a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words.
Assessment:
- The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Essays
- Exams
- Presentations
- Research project
- The weighting of each assessment method varies depending on the module.
- All assessments are designed to assess students' knowledge, understanding, and application of psychological principles.
Teaching:
- The program is taught by a team of experienced and research-active faculty members.
- Classes are typically small, allowing for individual attention and interaction with faculty.
- The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Group work
- The program also provides students with access to a range of resources, including:
- A dedicated library
- Computer labs
- Research facilities
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Assistant psychologist
- Marketing
- Management
- Research
- Data analysis
- Human resources
- Health promotion
- Community development
Additional Information:
- The program prepares graduates for further study in psychology, including clinical and applied areas.
- Graduates are eligible for membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland.
- The program is suitable for students who wish to pursue a career as a psychologist or in a related field.
Other:
- The program has been designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their chosen career.
- The program provides students with a strong foundation in psychological theory and research.
- The program also develops students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Additional Notes:
- The information provided is based on the program website and may be subject to change.
- Prospective students are encouraged to contact the program director for more information.
Final Note:
I have extracted all available text segments related to the content of the program. I have also included relevant keywords and descriptions, as well as the context of the information provided. However, please note that the website does not provide information about the following sections:
- Fees: Please see the Fees section on the DCU website for more information.
- Admission Requirements: Please see the Requirements section on the DCU website for more information.
- Application Process: Please see the Next Steps section on the DCU website for more information. I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Full time EU Status Fee €8,700 per annum Non EU Fee. €16,000 per annum