Loss & Bereavement

RCSI, in association with the Irish Hospice Foundation, run two accredited Level 9 MSc programmes focusing on loss and bereavement: MSc in Loss & Bereavement and MSc in Loss & Bereavement (Counselling).



These programmes aim to equip practitioners and managers to promote and provide a range of appropriate supports in their communities, workplaces and professional practices, with a focus on impacting health, social and community systems and ultimately, enhancing the quality of life.



Both programmes are rooted in contemporary scientific research and designed against a policy and professional regulation backdrop.



Applications for the MSc Loss & Bereavement are invited from representatives of a wide range of professional disciplines whose work or volunteering roles involve the provision or organisation of bereavement support in the community, health or other areas.

Module Format Induction day Classroom

M1: Loss, grief and bereavement models through the lifespan Online

M1: Loss, grief and bereavement models through the lifespan Classroom

M1: Loss, grief and bereavement models through the lifespan Classroom

M2: Counselling in loss and bereavement Online

M2: Counselling in loss and bereavement Classroom

M2: Counselling in loss and bereavement Classroom

M3(a): Applied bereavement practice (clinical practice group) Online

M3(b): Organisational staff support (general group) Online

M3(a): Applied bereavement practice (clinical practice group) Classroom

M3(b): Organisational staff support (general group) Classroom

M1: Loss, grief and bereavement models through the lifespan / M2: Counselling in loss and bereavement Classroom

M5: Research appraisal Online Integration day and RCSI Library Classroom

M3(a): Applied bereavement practice (clinical practice group) Classroom

M3(b): Organisational staff support (general group) Classroom

M6(a): Advanced counselling and practitioner self Online

M6(b): Range of loss and finite loss Online

M6(a): Advanced counselling and practitioner self (clinical practice group) Classroom

M6(b): Range of loss and finite loss (general group) Classroom

M5: Research and integration day Classroom

M4: Loss, death and bereavement in society Online

M4: Loss, death and bereavement in society Classroom

M4: Loss, death and bereavement in society Classroom

M7: Policy and management in bereavement care Online

M7: Policy and management in bereavement care Classroom

M7: Policy and management in bereavement care Classroom

M7: Policy and management in bereavement care Classroom Integration day Classroom



Loss, grief and bereavement models through the lifespan 10

2 Counselling in loss and bereavement 10

3b Organisational staff support and self-care (MSc Loss & Bereavement only) 10

4 Loss, death and bereavement in society 10

5 Research appraisal 5

6b Range of loss and non-finite loss (MSc Loss & Bereavement only) 5

7 Policy and management in bereavement care 10

Year 2



In Year 2, you will complete a dissertation. Classes are held in two-day blocks once a month (Mondays and Tuesdays) and run from September to May.



Module Title Credits

8 Dissertation 30

To apply for this programme you must possess a Level 8 degree in a relevant area or equivalent demonstrated through a defined recognition of prior learning (RPL) process. Through RPL you will be required to demonstrate significant professional experience in social/healthcare in a loss/bereavement-related area or as a bereavement support volunteer; completion of CPD and other training relevant to loss and bereavement; evidence of personal insight into loss history.



• An academic transcript will be requested when a place is offered. An academic transcript lists your complete academic history – programmes attended, a breakdown of marks/grades achieved, the degree awarded, your overall grade and conferring date.



• International degrees’ equivalency are to be verified using this service.



If you are a prospective students applying for the MSc Loss & Bereavement for whom English is not your native language you may need to arrange a test to confirm proficiency in English.

2 years part-time.

Your future

Participants on this programme come from a range of professions and sectors across Ireland and the UK.



We aim to work with you to develop a new and informed approach to how bereavement care is provided in the settings in which you work.