Psychology - MA (Conversion)

During this programme, you will:  

• Graduate with a PSI-accredited qualification that prepares you for postgraduate training in areas such as clinical, counselling, or educational psychology. 

• Deepen your understanding of psychological theory, research design, and data analysis across core areas of psychology. 

• Apply your knowledge through practical work, including lab sessions, group projects, and independent research. 

• Investigate and solve psychological issues in your area of interest with elective modules in community, work, sport and performance psychology. 

Key information:  

• Complete full-time in one year 

• Delivered on campus  

• You will graduate with a Level 9 Master’s degree in Psychology 

• Modules will be taught over two semesters during autumn and spring 

• A choice of electives will allow you to deepen your knowledge in your area of interest 

• Submit a research dissertation in the summer semester 

You will learn through a blend of: 

• Lectures, workshops, and experiential learning 

• Reflective practice and supervised research 

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers through group work and assessments 

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

• Psychology of the Personality (PS4022) will introduce major theories of personality and help you understand how personality and individual difference, intelligence and aptitude are constructed and tested in psychology. 

• Biological Basis of Human Behaviour (PS4035) will use lectures, labs and fieldwork to train you to use clinical and pharmacological evidence to inform understanding of brain function. 

• Empirical Psychology (PS4901) will develop your practical research skills through hands-on lab-based tasks, including data collection, coding and analysis. 

• Social Influence and Attitude Change (PS6071) will examine how attitudes are formed and changed, and how individuals are influenced by group dynamics and social environments. 

Elective 

• Advanced Research Designs in Psychology (PS6041)
• Advanced Analysis in Psychology 1 (PS6051)
• Problem Solving and Decision Making (PS6081)
• Advances in Health Psychology (PS6121)
• Applied Sport Psychology (SS6002) 

Spring Semester  

• Human Development and the Life Span 1 (PS4012) will develop your skills in identifying and critically examining major tenets of psychological theory in relation to development through childhood, adolescence and adulthood. 

• Research Methods; Advanced Empirical Psychology (PS6022) will familiarise you with a range of laboratory-based activities and fieldwork and teach you about advanced experimental, quasi-experimental and longitudinal methodologies. 

• Cognition 1 (PS4037) will introduce you to key concepts in cognitive psychology, including attention, memory, perception, and problem-solving processes. 

Elective 

• Community Psychology (PS6072)
• Advanced Analysis in Psychology 2 (PS6032)
• Advanced Perspectives in Social Identity Research (PS6062)
• Community Psychology (PS6072)
• Advanced Studies in Political Psychology (PS6082)
• Performance Psychology (SS6072)
• Motor Cognition: Understanding Action in Performance and Rehabilitation Contexts (SS6082) 

Summer Semester 

• Major Research Project (PS6003) will see you work closely with your supervisor to actively conduct research in an area of psychological interest, report and discuss the research you have undertaken. 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8,) with at least a second class honours, grade 2 (2:2). 

• Applicants should have successfully completed a minimum of 60 ECTS credits in an accredited psychology programme, that includes psychology research methods. 

• Applicants with equivalent experience in psychology and research methods will be considered.  

• The university may shortlist and interview applicants. 

International students:  

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates.
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID number

1. Copy of your birth certificate or passport
2. One written academic reference.
3. Completed supporting Information Form
4. English translation of your qualifications and transcripts 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, you can submit your application with the documents you have to date, you do not need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €7,200

Non-EU €16,600

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

 
Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

The Psychology Masters can lead graduates to become: 

• Eligible for Graduate membership in the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
• Eligible to apply for graduate membership in the British Psychological Society (BPS).
• Continue in pursuit of a qualification as a Clinical Psychologist 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions 

Image

Ailbhe Dempsey graduated from UL with an MA Psychology - in 2021.  

Currently a PhD candidate at UL., Ailbhe was recently published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology.  "This course appealed to me as it offered a variety of modules focusing on the main strands in psychology as well as giving students a broad choice of modules. The small course size gave the opportunity to build great friendships with classmates and relationships with lecturers. I am very impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the lecturers; they are all very approachable and always willing to help with any questions you may have.” spiring psychologists who wish to further their knowledge in the discipline."