Overview
Whether you’re a recent graduate or come from working in psychology, STEM, design, health, business, policy or the arts, this programme can help you future-proof your career. You’ll learn how to devise innovative, ethical solutions for complex real-world challenges and, during the course, specialise in creative innovation or trust and safety policy.
Once you graduate, you’ll be sought after as a behavioural scientist, innovation strategist, change managers or UX or human-centred design researchers among other roles across the private and public sectors.
This interdisciplinary programme equips graduates to apply psychology and behavioural science to complex real-world challenges. Students learn to combine evidence-based insights with design and innovation methods to create ethical, human-centred solutions in a rapidly changing world.
21st century societies face volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) challenges. From Generative AI to digital trust and safety, from sustainability to policy innovation, the need for professionals who can understand and shape human behaviour has never been greater.
DCU’s MSc in Behavioural Science for Innovation and Design is the first of its kind in Ireland to uniquely blend the following three areas:
- Behavioural science (with a focus on psychology)
- Design thinking approaches to real-world problems
- Creativity, Possibility and Futures studies
Why DCU
DCU People
Careers & Further Options
Careers
Graduates will be prepared for roles such as:
- Behavioural Scientist
- Innovation Manager / Design Strategist
- UX Researcher / Behavioural Designer
- Trust & Safety Analyst/Manager
- Public Policy & Governance Advisor
- MedTech & Health Behavioural Scientist
- Sustainability & Futures Consultant
- Organisational Change Leader
Entry Requirements
For admission to the MSc in Behavioural Science for Innovation and Design, entrants will normally:
- Have a relevant undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a minimum H2.1 or equivalent.
- Submit a Personal Statement, which demonstrates motivation, experience relevant for the program, relevant education and work experience, and alignment with current and future / career plans. (750-1000 words).
This MSc is primarily designed for applicants with a background in disciplines such as: psychology and the behavioural sciences, STEM, the humanities and social sciences, arts and design, education, ICT, business, or related fields. Applicants from other disciplines may also be considered, provided they can demonstrate - through prior qualifications or relevant experience - their preparedness to engage with the programme’s objectives.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above
As part of the application process shortlisted applicants will be called for interview.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
Programme Structure
Invaluable skills-building and collaboration opportunities
Our students gain a deep grounding in behavioural science, rigorous psychology, design thinking and processes, innovation theory and systems thinking, as well as advanced research methods and futures literacy.
You’ll learn in-person and online, through challenge-based projects, portfolio assessments and Imagination Lab sessions where you’ll tackle live innovation challenges. Our many real-world partners include HSE Spark Innovation and Creative Ireland, while students can also engage with international challenges, events and networking run by the European Consortium of Innovative Universities.
Core Modules include:
- Big Ideas in Behavioural Science
- Design & Innovation in Behavioural Science
- Advances in Creativity, Futures & Possibility Studies
- Applied Trust, Safety & Policy
- Participatory & Mixed Methods Research
- The Imagination Lab
- Design Thinking
- Applied Research Project (capstone)
Assessment: 100% continuous assessment – applied projects, portfolios, case studies, presentations.
Delivery: Blended learning (online and in-person workshops, team projects, industry engagement).
Exit Route Awards:
- Graduate Certificate (30 credits)
- Graduate Diploma (60 credits)
- MSc (90 credits)
Fees and Funding
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
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Scanned copies of supporting documents must be uploaded to the DCU online application portal and include:
- Certified Academic Transcripts for every year of study, with English translation if applicable.
- A Personal Statement – Submit a Personal Statement, which demonstrates motivation, experience relevant for the program, relevant education and work experience, and alignment with current and future / career plans. (750-1000 words)..
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted until the following dates:
- Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2026.
- Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2026.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU are advised to apply as early as possible. All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Applications under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2026.
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.