Master of Psychological Science

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.

• 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

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

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:

The course includes a psychometric assessment module that meets requirements to obtain British Psychological Society (BPS) certification.

The course equips you for doctoral studies in clinical, counselling, educational, or organisational psychology, or for progressing

to a PhD in psychological research.Many of the supervised research projects result in a publication.

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

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

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

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)

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/