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.

Year 1
Module title Credits

Module 1: Loss, Grief and Bereavement Models through the Lifespan 10

Module 2: Counselling in Loss and Bereavement 10

Module 3B: Organisational Staff Support and Self-care 10

Module 4: Loss, Death and Bereavement in Society 10

Module 5: Research Appraisal 5

Module 6B: Range of Loss and Non-finite Loss 5

Module 7: Policy and Management in Bereavement Care 10

Year 2
In Year 2, you will complete a dissertation.

Module title Credits
Module 8: Dissertation 30

Please contact Orla Keegan orla.keegan@hospicefoundation.ie if you have specific queries about the course content.

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.