Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. 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 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.

• 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

View All Modules Here

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.

MPsychSc Psychological Science (W241) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 11500
nonEU    fee per year - € 24870

***Fees are subject to change

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.

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/

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

Caoimhe McManus
M.Psych.Sc. Graduate, 2021

Studying the Masters in Psychological Science was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The course teaching allowed me to develop a deep theoretical understanding of the concepts underlying fundamental areas of practice, whilst also allowing the opportunity to connect with experts working at both research and clinical levels. The practical elements of the course helped me develop competencies in psychometric assessment, whilst simultaneously placing a strong focus on building core therapeutic skills. Research components allowed me to further develop my skills and knowledge, particularly the practical research modulewhich provided the opportunity to collaborate with a network of academics in both UCD and across other universities. Overall, this course provided me with a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the application of psychological science which has been hugely beneficial to me when working as both an assistant psychologist and a research assistant.

• MSc Rehabilitation & Disability Studies PT
• MSc Mindfulness Based Interventions PT

The following entry routes are available: