Applied Psychology

Course Overview

The M.Sc. in Applied Psychology is designed to provide students with a general awareness of the problems of applying psychology, a knowledge of skills required to apply it effectively and a detailed understanding of their chosen focus of application. The themes of analysis, intervention, and evaluation are central to the course structure and philosophy. The core modules provide training in research methods and professional issues. Optional modules enable the further development of these competencies and knowledge while enabling students to consider their application in specified content areas through the study of applied modules and an extended piece of empirical research.



Is This Course For Me?

The course provides a preparatory training for those intending to apply for other more specialised postgraduate professional courses in psychology and for those intending to pursue a career in which psychological expertise is necessary or beneficial.



Course Structure

The course lasts for one year and is full-time. However, the course timetable may allow students, with the support of an employer, to organise their work schedule around their course attendance commitments.

Course Content

The following two core modules are compulsory and will be offered every year: Philosophical and Professional Issues in Applied Psychology; and Research Methodology and Statistics. A range of optional applied modules will be offered each year and students must take a total of four of these modules. Modules will be offered in a range of areas representing health, organisational and clinical psychology and will vary from year to year. Elective modules offered in recent years include: Theory of Psychotherapy; Psychology Applied to Lifespan Behavioural and Emotional Problems; Applied Forensic Psychology; Counselling Skills; Issues in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology; and Issues in Clinical Psychology and Intellectual Disability.



In addition, all students will be required to submit a dissertation based on an empirical investigation of a topic in applied psychology.

Admission Requirements

Applicants will be required to hold at least a minimum of an upper second-class Honours degree (2.1) in psychology or its equivalent from a recognised university course, which confers eligibility for graduate registration with the Psychological Society of Ireland or equivalent professional body in the case of overseas applicants.



English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page.

Closing Date: 31st March 2025

1 year full-time

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

This course will enable students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for further clinical training, or a career in clinical research or further academic research. Our programmes also deliver training that will enhance your opportunities to gain employment as a counsellor, developmental psychologist and educational psychologist, among many other psychology-related careers.