Course Details

Course Code(s):
MAPSYCTFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year, Full-Time
Award:
Masters
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Taught
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Department of Psychology
Address: Department of Psychology Email: psychology@ul.ie Telephone: +353 (0)61 233774
Name: Dr. Cillian McHugh
Email: Cillian.McHugh@ul.ie
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Brief Description

The Master of Art in Psychology (MA Psychology) is a full-time 1-year conversion course that integrates existing undergraduate modules and postgraduate modules. The course, accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), has been designed for students with prior experiences in psychology comparable to 1 year of study (10 modules; 60 ECTS).

 

The Master of Art in Psychology (MA Psychology) is a full-time 1-year conversion course that integrates existing undergraduate modules and postgraduate modules. The course - accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) - has been designed for students with prior experiences in psychology and research methods comparable to 1 year of study (10 modules; 60 ECTS).

On successful completion of the programme, it is expected that the student will be able to:

  • Identify the fundamental psychological processes that underlie psychological phenomena in cognition, developmental psychology, social psychology, personality psychology, and biological psychology.
  • Understand the fundamental principles of research methods.
  • Critically evaluate current issues in psychological research and its applications in society.
  • Demonstrate how psychological issues can be investigated and critically evaluated.
  • Select and develop strategies to investigate and solve psychological issues on the level of individuals and groups.
  • Apply the fundamental psychological concepts and practices to psychological issues in research and in the social context.
  • Demonstrate expertise in applying psychological methods when assessing and solving psychological issues.
  • Demonstrate interpersonal competencies and professional sensitivity including ethical behaviour.
  • Conceptualise, research and write critical assessments of psychological areas of investigation.
  • Understand and evaluate the significance of psychological research and the findings that it can provide.
  • Critically evaluate psychological applications to solutions in society considering contextual limitations and the feasibility of psychological interventions.
AutumnSpringSummer
  • Psychology of the Personality
  • Biological Basis of Human Behaviour
  • Empirical Psychology
  • Social Influence and Attitude Change
  • Elective (eg., Advanced Research Design; Psychology of employee relations; Applied sport psychology)
  • Human Development and the Life Span 1
  • Research Methods; Advanced Empirical Psychology
  • Cognition 1
  • Elective (e.g., Community psychology; Work psychology; Performance psychology)
  • Major Research Project

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

Normally a 2.2 honours degree (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) is required, with a minimum of 60 ECTS or equivalent experience in psychology and research methods. The amount of credits associated with psychology modules must be equivalent to more than 50% (60 ECTS credits) of the overall credits (the 60 ECTS have to be modules delivered by a Psychological Society of Ireland (or equivalent) accredited psychology programme, and research methods modules must cover psychology research methods.) 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. 


WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • 1 (one) written academic reference.
  • Supporting Information Form
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

EU - €7,000

Non- EU - €16,000

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.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Graduates of this 1-year conversion course will be eligible for graduate membership in the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). They can also apply for graduate membership in the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Ailbhe Dempsey "Prior to commencing the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology I completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychological studies in NUI Galway. From this course, I gained fundamental knowledge and experience in psychology. This is a requirement by the University of Limerick before achieving a place on the MA in Psychology. 

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. From applied sport psychology, community psychology to performance psychology are just some of the many options for electives. This variety gives students the opportunity to explore more fields in the area of psychology. 

The transition to UL was very smooth as one of the first things I noticed about this programme is they made you feel most welcome from the very beginning. There are many resources on campus and online to assist you in getting familiar with the campus and Sulis. 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.

Overall I am really happy with the course delivery of the MA in Psychology and the learning environment in UL. I have just started my second semester of this programme and on completion of this course I will be eligible for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). My professional goal is to pursue clinical psychology, I would whole-heartedly recommend the MA in psychology to any aspiring psychologists who wish to further their knowledge in the discipline."

Niall Canavan, I was delighted when I was accepted into the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology at the University of Limerick. The course offered an extensive scope into all aspects of psychology—the diverse range of modules allows students to explore the fundamental principles of psychology with its many fields. Although I had very little research experience in psychology, I never felt disadvantaged throughout the course. My lecturers were always there to offer their support and expertise with any questions I had. It is clear from the start that the lecturers want us to do well in the course and go out of their way in helping us achieve success. 
The staff also made a huge effort to aid the students in adapting to the unusual circumstances of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and made the process a much easier experience. While we lost face-to-face contact, the small class and numerous group projects throughout the year really encouraged us to build relationships with peers and lecturers throughout the year. 
The programme can be quite intensive, but it was very rewarding, and I enjoyed every aspect of it. Being eligible for a graduate membership in the Psychological Society of Ireland is a huge step in my goal to become a psychotherapist. I would definitely recommend the M.A. in Psychology at UL to anyone interested in pursuing a career in psychology.