School of Psychology

MSc in Psychology (Conversion)

Course Code:
DC767
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
9
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Duration
1 year
call programme contact
+353 (0) 1
700 7796

The essential next step for graduates aspiring to pursue a career in psychology, the MSc in Psychology (Conversion) offers a conversion route into psychology for graduates who hold an honours degree in psychological studies or a psychology-related discipline (e.g. Human Sciences, Sports Sciences, Education). This one-year, full-time, intensive conversion programme covers a comprehensive curriculum in psychology with a strong focus on cutting-edge innovations in psychology, practice-based skills such as counselling and research skills.

The programme has been formally accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland.

“Coming from a sports background, with an interest in psychology, this course provided me with a comprehensive grasp of psychological science. The course provided me the opportunity to dip my toe in every aspect of psychology, from biological to social, right down to more niche areas like individual difference and counseling.  This taste of everything meant I can now focus on what I know I like.The psychology faculty at DCU were also a huge part of this course and its impact on me. Never in an educational setting have I felt so supported and able to ask for various forms of support- the staff here really want you to do well, and their actions over the year will show this.

Overall, The Masters in Psychology (Conversion) exceeded my expectations. It has sculpted what will now be a cornerstone in my thinking over the duration of my career. The lecturers and professors I worked with over the year have provided me with insights that are already paying dividends in terms of obtaining the next step in my career. If a career in psychology is what you seek, look no further than DCU and it’s Psychology Conversion masters.” - Aaron Farrelly, class of 2018-19

 

"This course offers a unique opportunity to gain PSI accreditation in one year. While it's quite an intensive programme, it's also extremely enjoyable and rewarding. I can't praise the lecturers enough; they are so supportive, understanding and approachable. The course provides you with the best of every world in terms of both education and career progression. I would definitely recommend it for anyone wishing to pursue a career in psychology."  - Lucy Hayden, class of 2018-19  

This course is a one-year, intensive, full-time MSc, which has been fully accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland. Classes are timetabled for between 20-30 hours per week each semester. This course covers the key mandatory areas of psychology including:

  • Biological Bases of behaviour
  • Developmental and Lifespan Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Personality and Individual Difference
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Research Design and Methods

The research skills module focuses on developing advanced research skills and students will also complete a year-long supervised individual MSc research project.

The course contains applied modules, which focus on psychological issues in the real world today; technological innovations in psychology, clinical applications and the emerging field of social cognition.

This course also offers a range of elective modules specifically designed for graduates who intend to pursue further study in applied settings including clinical, counselling and educational psychology.

World-class programme delivered by a dynamic research-active team
Small class sizes that allow for individual attention from highly committed staff
Innovative teaching methodologies and high levels of technical expertise and support
Student-centred learning philosophy that places a major emphasis on gaining digital and transferable skills
High-quality research laboratories and research skills training supports
It provides the pre-requisite and pre-professional knowledge and skills to seek further training in psychology
It enhances opportunities for learners to enter or progress their careers in a variety of public and private settings
It benefits those keen to pursue more advanced and specialised postgraduate studies
View the current course structure

This course offers a one-year intensive conversion route into the discipline of psychology where students are exposed to cutting-edge innovations in psychology and have the opportunity to develop practice-based skills (e.g. counselling). It contains applied modules, which focus on psychological issues in the real world today; technological innovations in psychology, clinical applications and the emerging field of social cognition. The course can allow a change in career direction for graduates who have studied some psychology and now wish to pursue a career in this field.

“Coming from a sports background, with an interest in psychology, this course provided me with a comprehensive grasp of psychological science. The course provided me the opportunity to dip my toe in every aspect of psychology, from biological to social, right down to more niche areas like individual difference and counseling.  This taste of everything meant I can now focus on what I know I like.The psychology faculty at DCU were also a huge part of this course and its impact on me. Never in an educational setting have I felt so supported and able to ask for various forms of support- the staff here really want you to do well, and their actions over the year will show this.

Overall, The Masters in Psychology (Conversion) exceeded my expectations. It has sculpted what will now be a cornerstone in my thinking over the duration of my career. The lecturers and professors I worked with over the year have provided me with insights that are already paying dividends in terms of obtaining the next step in my career. If a career in psychology is what you seek, look no further than DCU and it’s Psychology Conversion masters.” - Aaron Farrelly, class of 2018-19

 

"This course offers a unique opportunity to gain PSI accreditation in one year. While it's quite an intensive programme, it's also extremely enjoyable and rewarding. I can't praise the lecturers enough; they are so supportive, understanding and approachable. The course provides you with the best of every world in terms of both education and career progression. I would definitely recommend it for anyone wishing to pursue a career in psychology."  - Lucy Hayden, class of 2018-19  

This course has been designed to enable graduates to seek membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland upon completion. Such membership is a prerequisite for further study in psychology, including clinical and applied areas. Graduates from this course who wish to pursue further study in psychology as a discipline can go on to specialise with either masters and doctorate qualifications in counselling, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, research and a range of other specialist areas in psychology.

Most students study psychology because they aim to pursue a career as a psychologist. However, others choose to study psychology because it offers a broad training in a behavioural science, it develops a wide range of valued transferable skills and it can be used as a stepping-stone into several other careers. Jobs options for graduates include:

  • Assistant psychologist positions
  • Marketing
  • Management
  • Research
  • Data analysis
  • Human resources
  • Health promotion
  • Community development

 

Requirements

For admission to the MSc in Psychology (Conversion), entrants will typically hold:

  • A (NFQ) Level 8 Honours Degree with a H2.1 or international equivalent in a discipline cognate to Psychology (e.g. Humanities; Human Sciences, Education Sociology, Health and Society, etc.) or have completed a Psychology Honours Degree that did not confer eligibility for the graduate basis from the Psychological Society of Ireland (otherwise known as Psychological Studies degree). 
  • Applicants should also have a minimum combined total of 60 ECTS in Psychology modules (or modules with a substantial element of Psychology, e.g Health Promotion, Human Resources, etc.) and/or Research Methods modules (or equivalent modules, e.g. Research Project/Thesis, Statistics, Data Analysis/Data Handling etc.)
  • International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.  More information about DCU's English language requirements can be found here.

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 applicants may be called for interview.

In addition to the above, applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be considered.  This may include demonstrated substantial additional prior experiential learning in Psychology and/or Research Methods.  These individuals will be considered on a  case by case basis.  We will particularly recognise those individuals who have substantial Research Methods and Statistics experience.

Qualification
MSc in Psychology (Conversion)

Fees

Full time

EU Status Fee
€8,700 per annum
Non EU Fee
€16,000 per annum

Next Steps

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.
  • Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
  • Provide a Personal Statement addressing why you wish to do this particular programme indicating clearly your experience in Psychology and Research Methods to date (academic, experiential and professional).
  • 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.

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

  • Closing date for non EU applicants is 31st March 2024.
  • Closing date for EU applicants is 31st March 2024.
  • All required documentation to support an application must be submitted by 31st March 2024.

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.

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 2024.