Psychological Science

The focus of this programme is on acquiring basic applied psychology skills to equip you for doctoral studies in clinical, counselling, educational or organisational psychology, or for progressing to a PhD in psychological research. Over the course of the year students work with a staff member to complete a research project. In keeping with the skills-based focus of the programme, the research is written up as a journal article that conforms to the publication style of an identified journal. Applicants are invited to review the research areas of the School's Academic Staff. In most cases, students work on one of their supervisor's ongoing research projects.



One year full-time taught masters in basic applied psychology skills



Emphasises acquisition of skills for professional practice



Equips you for doctoral studies in clinical, counselling, educational or organisational psychology or for progressing to a PhD in psychological research



Research project, supervised by a member of staff and written up as a journal article



Includes a psychometric assessment module that meets requirements to obtain BPS certification

Stage 1 Core Modules



PSY40430 MPsychSc Research Dissertation 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 30

PSY40440 Advanced Research Methods & Stats Autumn 10

PSY40940 Research Skills & Development Autumn 10



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:



Students should select a minimum of 1 modules or a maximum of 2 modules from these options in Trimester 1.



EDUC40130 Inclusive Education: Theory and Practice Autumn 10

PSY40420 BPS Certificate in Educational Testing Autumn 10

PSY40450 Basic counselling and clinical skills Autumn 10

PSY40830 Advanced Cognitive Psych Autumn 10

SPOL40470 Comparing Healthcare Systems Autumn 10



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:



Students should select a minimum of 1 modules or a maximum of 3 modules from these options in Trimester 2



EDUC43250 Wellbeing of Children and Youth Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

PSY40490 Person Centred Programme Development Spring 10

PSY40650 Psychological Interventions Spring 10

PSY40790 Clinical Cases in Neuropsychology Spring 10

PSY40860 Topics in Psychological Sci Spring 10

PSY40960 MATLAB for Human Behaviour Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:



If students have chosen only 3 options across tr1 and tr2 then select 1 module below for tr3.

PSY40870 Multielement Behaviour Support Summer 10

PSY40880 Identity Sexuality & Mortality Summer 10

Candidates may apply for admission to the Masters in Psychological Science if they have the following:



At least an upper second class honours bachelor’s degree in Psychology recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland or by the Psychology Society of the country in which the degree was awarded (minimum GPA 3.4/4.0)



At least an upper second class honours Higher Diploma in Psychology (conversion course) recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland or by the psychology society of the country in which the degree was awarded (minimum GPA 3.4/4.0)



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



Up to 30 students are admitted to the Masters in Psychological Science each year. Applicants in the first instance may contact Mary Boyle mary.boyle@ucd.ie to indicate their interest in applying.



Letters of offer will be sent to applicants within a month of the closing date for applications. Offers to final year undergraduate students will be made contingent on final degree results. Requests for references will be sent with the letters of offer.



Applicants may apply for the online at www.ucd.ie/apply



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Closing date for applications is Friday, March 20, 2026.



Apply online.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

90

1 year, full-time.

W241 Master of Psychological Science Master of Psychological Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Equips students for doctoral studies in clinical, counselling, educational or organisational psychology or for progressing to a PhD in psychological research.