Program Overview

MSc Psychological Science

The MSc in Psychological Science at the University of Limerick is a research-focused master's degree that explores how psychological methods can be used to address complex social issues. It has been designed for graduates seeking to develop a deep understanding of psychological theories and how they apply to real-world personal and societal challenges.

Brief Description

This programme supports students in developing the ability to critically evaluate research, apply psychological theories in real-world contexts, and reflect on the ethical implications of psychological practice. The MSc Psychological Science will not provide students with a professional accreditation. Students who wish to obtain an accreditation from a professional accreditation body such as the Psychological Society of Ireland should consider the Psychology MA or Psychology Diploma conversion courses.

Programme Content

• Complete full-time over one year
• Delivered on-campus or online
• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters
• Choose one of five study streams:
  • Research Methods
  • Social Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Community and Health Psychology
  • Online Stream
• Complete four core research modules in addition to the stream's core modules
• Choose electives to suit interests
• Submit a research project at the end of the final semester
• Graduate with an MSc in Psychological Science

Year 1 Core Modules

• Advanced Research Design: Gives students a strong understanding of the methods of basic and applied research, including both experimental and non-experimental psychological research
• Advanced Analysis 1: Develops quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills for psychological research
• Advanced Analysis 2: Explores advanced analysis and statistics for experimental and non-experimental methods
• Qualitative Research Methods: Introduces qualitative research design and data analysis, demonstrating how different views of the world allow the use of data in different ways

Streams and Modules

• Stream 1 - Research Methods:
  • Professional Skills in Psychology 1
  • Professional Skills in Psychology 2
  • Choose four electives
• Stream 2 - Social Psychology:
  • Advanced Perspectives in Social Identity Research
  • Social Influence and Attitude Change
  • Choose four electives
• Stream 3 - Clinical Psychology:
  • Professional Skills in Psychology 1
  • Professional Skills in Psychology 2
  • Clinical Modules of Psychological Disorders
  • Methods of Clinical Diagnosis and Intervention
  • Choose two electives
• Stream 4 - Community and Health Psychology:
  • Community Psychology
  • Advances in Health Psychology
  • Choose four electives
• Stream 5 - Online:
  • Advanced Research Design
  • Advanced Analysis 1
  • Advanced Analysis 2
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Social Influence and Attitude Change
  • Problem Solving and Decision Making
  • Professional Skills 1
  • Advanced Perspectives in Identity Research
  • Community Psychology
  • Migration: Inclusion and Health

Electives

• Professional Skills In Psychology 1
• Social Influence And Attitude Change
• Problem Solving And Decision Making
• Clinical Models Of Psychological Disorders
• Research Methods For Education And Health Sciences
• Project Management In Practice
• Professional Skills In Psychology 2
• Advanced Perspectives In Social Identity Research
• Advanced Studies In Political Psychology
• Methods Of Clinical Diagnosis And Intervention
• Migration: Inclusion And Health
• Community Psychology
• Advances In Health Psychology

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in psychology
• Relevant work experience and equivalent qualifications in related fields (e.g., sociology, economics) with substantial research methods experience will be considered
• Candidates may be interviewed as part of the selection process

International Students

• For details on country-specific qualifications, visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students
• English Language Competency certificate is required

Fees

• EU – Full-Time €7,600, Online €6,600
• Non-EU – Full-Time €16,500, Online €14,000
• Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland (Streams 1-4). The online stream of this programme does not qualify for a study visa.

Funding

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

Graduate Profile

The MSc Psychological Science can lead graduates to various sectors and careers, including psychology, counselling, human resources, business, healthcare, education, academic research, and government.

Testimonials

• Jack Loughnane, MSc Psychological Science: "The extent to which I enjoyed my time in UL is exemplified by the fact that I remained a part of the UL community until 2023 when I completed my PhD research."
• Zara Harnett - MSc Psychological Science: "Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I knew that my journey at the University of Limerick was something that I was not ready to leave just yet. This encouraged me to pursue the MSc in Psychological Science in September 2022."