Applied Psychology (Mental Health) MA

Course details

The MA in Applied Psychology (Mental Health) gives you an advanced understanding of the discipline of psychology in mental health settings. The course is designed to help you to appreciate both the potential and values of applied psychology, to think critically about psychological theory and practice, and to give you the opportunity to explore your own particular interests. It offers you an opportunity to develop a clear understanding of the practice of a professional psychologist, to advance understanding of mental health services, and to connect theory to practice under the supervision of either a clinical or counselling psychologist.

Applied psychologists use research and theory to analyse real-world situations, develop appropriate interventions, and evaluate outcomes. The course will enable you to pursue postgraduate professional training opportunities, and to pursue a variety of career paths where psychological expertise in mental health is needed.

Course Details

The MA Applied Psychology (Mental Health) is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme.  It is structured in two parts

Part I (Taught modules)

• Advanced Research Methods and Data Analysis
• Psychological Assessment 
• Methods of Investigation
• Psychological therapies
• Introduction to Psychotherapeutic Skills
• Psychology and Intellectual Disabilities 
• Applied Clinical Issues (Adult Mental Health)
• Applied Clinical Issues (Child and Adolescent Mental Health)
• Placement

Part II 

Dissertation in Applied Psychology.  The overall mark for the dissertation is the combination of marks for the dissertation report (480 marks) and a fully documented 30 minute presentation to an audience of peers and expert (120 marks).

Detailed Entry Requirements

A candidate for this MA programme must:

Hold an honours undergraduate degree in Psychology that satisfies the eligibility requirements of the Psychological Society of Ireland; a 2H1 degree is required.  Only in special circumstances will consideration be given to 2H2 candidates where, for example, an applicant has relevant work experience or has performed impressively in another Master's degree acceptable to the School selection committee.  In such cases, the applicant should set out the grounds upon which they wish to be considered in the supplementary statement

All applicants must arrange for one Referee's Report form to be posted directly to the School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork.   The reference must be a professional reference from someone who has experience the applicant in a professional capacity, whether paid or voluntary work. 

Supply a personal statement conveying:

• i) An understanding of what applied psychology in mental health entails;
• ii) Reasons for applying to the programme;
• iii) A proposed topic for research dissertation

Satisfy the interview board.  

Applicants will be shortlisted for interview for this programme based on their academic performance, referee report, evidence of research capacity and commitment to the area of applied psychology.   Applicants cannot be short-listed for interview if a completed referee report form has not been submitted to the School.

UCC requires all students on the MA in Applied Psychology (Applied Mental Health Psychology)  to undergo garda vetting.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are incorporated into the MA in Applied Psychology (Mental Health). These include essays, portfolios, reports, class tests, research proposals, journal of learning, class presentations, research thesis, taped practice work with transcript and analysis