This course is available through the following application route(s)
The MSc in Disability is a one-year full-time programme delivered by the UCD Centre for Disability Studies within the UCD School of Psychology. The MSc in Disability is developed for all who have an interest in disability including individuals with disabilities, family members and professionals. The philosophy of the programme is to promote an inclusive society respecting the will and preference of persons with disability. The programme includes six mandatory (core) 10 credit modules which provide students with a critical understanding of disability identity, intersectionality, policy and legislation as well as practice-based skills in research methodologies, behavioural support and programme development. Closing date for applications is Friday, March 20, 2026.
The programme is delivered by academics, practitioners and experts by experience using a variety of approaches including expert tuition, small group interaction, peer support and autonomous student learning. Assessment including essays, presentations, group-based work, and critical reflections. This programme runs across three trimesters, Autumn, Spring and Summer.
Programme Outcomes
Most of our graduates are employed in disability services in management, policy and research posts. Those working in the disability field while studying can use the programme as a route to seek promotion. Some graduates have continued their studies to doctoral level
and are now employed as researchers in the disability field.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PSY40640 | Advanced Disability Studies | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PSY40890 | Disability Policy Legislation | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PSY40490 | Person Centred Programme Development | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PSY40540 | Applied Research Methods | Summer | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PSY40870 | Multielement Behaviour Support | Summer | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PSY40880 | Identity Sexuality & Mortality | Summer | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
EDUC44160 | Early Childhood Inclusion | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
LAW40760 | NGOs: Law, Governance and Social Change | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
PSY40820 | Fundamentals of Neuropsych | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
SPOL40470 | Comparing Healthcare Systems | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
EDUC40420 | Assessment in Inclusive and Special Education | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
LAW42130 | United Nations Human Rights Practice | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
NMHS44210 | Strategy&Innovation in HS | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
PHPS40040 | Public Health Practice and Policy | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
PHPS40300 | Health Promotion | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
POL41030 | Theory of Human Rights | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)3 of: Students should select 30 credits from the below options. Students are required to select 10 credits in Trimester 1 and 20 credits in Trimester 2 from these option modules. The trimester in which each option module is delivered is detailed in the module descriptors below. |
PSY40790 | Clinical Cases in Neuropsychology | Spring | 10 |
UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.
Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:
Angela Locke-Reilly
2021 Graduate
Having taken a career break to be a carer to my son I had not been in an educational setting in many years and was apprehensive about returning, especially to such a prestigious university. My experience at UCD was such a breath of fresh air. I felt that the delivery of the course material was so inclusive and accommodating that I instantly felt at home there. Every lecture was brim full of information that I now use professionally as an advocate with Inclusion Ireland. It was such a privilege and a boon to my professional development to learn from sucha diverse and experienced group of lecturers. I plan to return at every opportunity to learn more.
Candidates may apply for admission to the MSc in Disability if they meet the following criteria:
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
The MSc in Disability one-year full-time programme is available to:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc in Disability:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | W530 MSc in Disability Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught |
