MA Master of Art in Psychology

Normally a 2.2 honours degree (NFQ Level 8) is required, with a minimum of 60 ECTS or equivalent experience in psychology and research methods in a cognate field (e.g., sociology). Students should have covered research methods and introductory social psychology as part of their earlier degree. In the case of international candidates, the overseas equivalent as determined by the Course Board and the guidelines of UL Graduate School Admissions is required. Where candidates are non-native English language speakers, certified demonstrable achievements in a standard English language competency test in line with UL requirements will be necessary. Where deemed necessary, candidates may be interviewed as part of the selection process.

Fees: €4,900 (EU), €11,270 Euro (Non-EU)

Overall, a student will take 11 modules over the course of 12 months.  In the Autumn, the student will take 5 modules.  In the Spring the student will also take 5 modules.  In the Summer the student will take 1 module. Specifically, the student will take 4 core modules and 1 elective module in the Autumn semester. Similarly, the student will take 4 core modules and 1 elective module in the Spring semester. In the Summer the student will take 1 core module, the major research project. The 11 modules contribute to 90 ECTS, and each semester (Autumn, Spring, Summer) provides 30 ECTS.  All modules listed as electives are Level 9 modules.  All modules listed as electives can serve as substitutes. Substitutes are taken in addition to the electives. Electives and substitutes need to be consistent with the overall curriculum and the learning goals of the course.  For example, a student who has little experience in statistics will not be able to take the module ‘Advanced Analysis in Psychology 1’ as an elective. But a student who has taken a statistics module such as ‘research methods’, will be allowed to take the advanced analysis module as an elective.  Note that modules will only be substituted if the modules taken as part of the earlier education overlap with the content of modules on courses that have been accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland or the British Psychological Society.  It is therefore essential that the Course Director agrees to the student’s preferred electives.  Note also that the course consists of an "exit option", which allows students to complete their study after the first two semesters (10 modules; 60 ECTS) with a Higher Diploma (Level 8) degree.

Autumn Semester
Psychology of the Personality; Biological Basis of Human Behaviour; Empirical Psychology;  Social Influence and Attitude Change

     Estimated Contact Hours:  15 per week

Spring Semester
Human Development and the Life Span 1; Research Methods; Advanced Empirical Psychology; Cognition 1

     Estimated Contact Hours:  15 per week

Summer Semester
Major Research Project

     Estimated Contact hours:  2 per week

Elective Modules: 1 in Autumn
Advanced Research Designs in Psychology; Advanced Analysis in Psychology 1; Problem Solving & Decision Making; Psychology of Employee Relations; Human Reliability; Human Performance; Applied Exercise and Health Psychology

Elective Modules: 1 in Spring
Advanced Analysis in Psychology 2; Community Psychology; Advanced Perspectives in Social Identity Research; Work Psychology; Occupational Ergonomics; Applied Sport Psychology