Psychology - Psychological Science

MPsychSc Psychological Science
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
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.

Vision and Values Statement
The M.Psych.Sc. has been designed to equip psychology graduates with the inter-personal sensitivities, methodological and statistical skills that form the basis for a wide range of professional training programmes in psychology (including for example, clinical, education, organizational, and academic). Students are expected to be curious, self motivated and independent in their approach to the study of psychology and to develop the skills to become reflective in their professional work. The learning environment emphasizes the active participation of students, encourages team work and collaborative research. Students are encouraged to develop their critical appraisal, analytical and methodological capabilities through interaction with faculty, peers and independent study.

The focus of the programme is on professional skill acquisition and this is reflected in the active nature of the learning environment in the modules. The programme uses a range of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment including traditional faculty-led seminars, student presentations, experiential learning, classroom role-play and case studies. An integral part of the research training is staff supervision and, usually, membership of a collaborative research team. In addition, students are expected to undertake self-directed study for all of the modules and are advised that they need to set aside time for study each week. Assessment strategies include both traditional and innovative as appropriate to the specific skill set that is being assessed.

Programme Outcomes
• On successful completion of the programme the students should be able to: understand and apply a range of professional skills rooted in the principles and concepts of psychology
• apply advanced analytic methods to address psychological questions through independent data collection and/or analysis of existing data sets;
• communicate and explain psychological research to diverse audiences, including both specialist and non-specialist;
• critically reflect on experiences and apply those in a cycle of self-improvement
• demonstrate cultural sensitivity and competence in professional practice with diverse groups of people.
• understand, and apply principles of ethical conduct of research;
• work collaboratively with groups of peers to achieve mutual goals.

The M Psych Sc is comprised of six 10-credit modules and a 30-credit research dissertation. It runs for a calendar year (September to August). In all modules, the focus is on the acquisition of skills for professional practice. Brief details of each of the modules offered in are indicated below. Modules may vary from year to year.

Stage 1 - Core
MPsychSc Research Dissertation
PSY40430

Advanced Research Methods & Stats
PSY40440

Stage 1 - Option
Inclusion and Equality in Education
EDUC40130

Wellbeing of Children and Youth
EDUC43250

Theory of Human Rights
POL41030

Managing Change
PSY40400

BPS Certificate in Educational Testing
PSY40420

Basic counselling and clinical skills
PSY40450

Person Centred Programme Development
PSY40490

Psychological Interventions
PSY40650

Discourses in Psychology
PSY40730

Clinical Cases in Neuropsychology
PSY40790

Topics in Psychological Sci
PSY40860

Multielement Behaviour Support
PSY40870

Identity Sexuality & Mortality
PSY40880

Comparing Healthcare Systems
SPOL40470

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. The closing date for applications for September 2021 entry is Friday 12th March 2021. 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

International Applicants
The School of Psychology welcomes International applications to the Master of Psychological Science programme. Our basic International requirements for the psychology degree are:
• An honours degree with Psychology as a major subject with a minimum GPA of 3.4/4.0
• Completed an independent research project as part of the degree, under the supervision of a member of staff.
• A reference confirming their suitability for graduate training from a full-time tenured staff member of the University from which they received their bachelor degree.
• Students whose first language is not English must meet UCD's English language requirements.

Further details are available at http://www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd-global/ucdenglishlanguagerequirements/

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
Master of Psychological Science FT (W241)
Deadline: 18-MAR-2022

90

Master of Psychological Science FT (W241)
Duration: 1 Years
Attend: Full Time

Next Intake: 2020/2021 September

Careers & Employability
• Equips you for doctoral studies in clinical, counselling, educational or organisational psychology or for progressing to a PhD in psychological research.

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