Psychology - MA (Conversion)

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.

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

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded
• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

International students can find more information on eligibility requirements here. 

EU - €7,000

Non- EU - €16,000

Once registered, students can apply to pay their fees in instalments. A request for a payment plan should be emailed to student.fees.office@ul.ie.

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.)

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).

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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."