Loss & Bereavement - Clinical Practice

The MSc in Loss and Bereavement (Clinical Practice) aims to promote critical inquiry into the place of loss, death, and bereavement in Irish society and in health and social care systems.



Delivered by RCSI in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation, it is rooted in contemporary scientific research and designed against a policy and professional regulation backdrop and focuses on impacting health, social and community systems, and ultimately, enhancing the quality of life.



Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to promote and provide a range of appropriate supports in your community, workplace and professional practice.



Modules have a particular focus on meeting the needs of those who design and implement clinical bereavement interventions as part of their practice. It is delivered part-time over two years, approximately 70% in person and 30% online.



This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications



Suitable for

Applications are invited from mental health professionals such as counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, bereavement coordinators and others who design and implement clinical bereavement interventions as part of their practice

What you will learn



Module 1

Loss, Grief and Bereavement Models through the Life Span



Module 2

Counselling in Loss and Bereavement



Module 3a

Applied Bereavement Practice; Preparing the Self to Work with Loss



Module 4

Loss, Death and Bereavement in Society



Module 5

Research Appraisal



Module 6a

Advanced Therapeutic Practice and Practitioner Self



Module 7

Policy and Management in Bereavement Care



Module 8

Dissertation

To apply for this programme you must hold 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 Opens in new windowusing this service.



Please note:



Ensure you are applying for the correct stream within the MSc Loss & Bereavement programmes. If you are uncertain, please read the MSc Loss & Bereavement brochure or contact Jennifer Leech, Education Administrator at the Irish Hospice Foundation.



Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

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.



English language requirement exceptions

If you are a prospective student applying for the MSc in Loss and Bereavement (Clinical Practice) for whom English is not your native language, you may need to arrange a test to confirm proficiency in English.



More details are available at https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements

2 years



Mode of delivery

Hybrid - Part-time

Next start date September 2025