Psychology - Applied Psychology

This Master of Science in Applied Psychology provides learners with the theoretical background and practical skills to apply their Psychological knowledge efficiently and productively to effect positive change in the world. It has been designed with an integrated delivery from end‐to‐end, covering a wide range of specialist topics that provide learners with the knowledge of theories, concepts and processes relating to Psychology and helps them understand how these can be applied in a variety of contemporary settings. Learners will explore human behaviour from individual, social and biological perspectives and through a detailed understanding of the discipline, both theoretically and methodologically, and will be enabled to assess appropriate interventions and design appropriate solutions for clients’ needs. Modules focus on the applied nature of professional and ethical issues, neuroscience, life transitions and interventions and advanced research methods. Other modules have a specific focus upon the application of theory to the ‘real world’ allowing learners to further develop and apply competencies and knowledge in both Health Psychology and Organisational Psychology-themed applied modules.



Finally, the programme offers a choice of elective capstone pathways (30 ECTS) that provide an opportunity for independent placement or research and the production of a Placement Project or Research Dissertation. Learners who complete the full programme will therefore also develop and enhance their research capability through critical enquiry and detailed analytical problem solving.

Module Name / Semester

Advanced Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis Semester One

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis Semester One

Addiction and Rehabilitation Semester One

Psychometrics and Psychometric Testing Semester One

Applied Neuroscience Semester Two

Motivation, leadership & positive Psychology Semester Two

Public and Community Health Semester Two

The Psychological Practitioner and the Therapeutic Relationship Semester Two

Life transitions and interventions Semester One/Semester Two

Professional Issues and Ethics in Applied Psychology Semester One/Semester Two

Capstone 1 (Research Placement) Semester One/Semester Two/Semester Three

Capstone 2 (Major Dissertation) Semester One/Semester Two/Semester Three

A first qualification in Psychology of an upper Second Class Honours (2.1) at NFQ Level 8 or above accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland or show eligibility for accreditation by the Psychological Society of Ireland. (In exceptional cases, the college may accept a lower Second-class Honours degree in Psychology on the basis of an interview).



For applicants whose first language is not English, the minimum English language requirement for entry to the programme is IELTS score 6.5 (or equivalent).

Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2 years.



This is a multimodal programme. Learners are therefore timetabled to be in class or online. They will also have mandatory on demand content as contact hours that they can do in their own time and place.

Next Intake: September 2026

Career Opportunities

Potential career options for those pursuing this programme therefore include both cognate and noncognate opportunities in research and evaluation posts, teaching/lecturing and Human Resource management, as well as market research, psychologists, social policy advocates, administrative positions, health care settings and training and development specialists. It will also appeal to those keen to pursue further postgraduate studies in the field of psychology.