Psychology - Applied Psychology MA

Course details

The MA in Applied Psychology gives you an advanced understanding of the discipline of psychology in applied settings. The course is designed to help you appreciate the potential and values of applied psychology, think critically about psychological theory and practice and give you the opportunity to explore your own particular interests. 

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 is needed.

Course Details

The MA in Applied Psychology is a one year full-time course structured in two parts:

Students take 90 credits as follows:

Part I

Core Modules:

Students take 30 credits as follows:

• AP6016 Advanced Research Methods and Data Analysis (10 credits)
• AP6023 Psychological Assessment (5 credits)
• AP6047 Foundations for Research Methods and Data Analysis (5 credits) 
• AP6121 Methods of Investigation (10 credits)

Elective Modules 

Students take 30 credits from the following:

• AN4009 Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (5 credits)
• AN4012 Medical Imaging and Biomedical Devices in the Neurosciences (5 credits)
• AP3015 Forensic Psychology (5 credits)
• AP3030 Special Educational Needs: Aetiology, Assessment and Intervention (5 credits)
• AP3033 Positive Psychology (5 credits)
• AP3036 Applied Developmental Psychology II: The Psychology of Aging (5 credits)
• AP3037 Work Psychology (5 credits)
• AP3110 Psychological Therapies (5 credits)
• AP3299 Human Computer Interaction (HCI) (5 credits)
• AP6116 Positive Psychology and Coaching (5 credits)
• AP6128 Introduction to Psychotherapeutic Skills (5 credits)
• AP6136 Psychophysiological Research Methods (5 credits)
• AP6143 Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology (5 credits)
• AP6144 Applied Clinical Issues (Adult Mental Health) (5 credits) 
• AP6146 Participatory Research (10 credits)
• AP6150 Online Survey and Questionnaire Methodology (5 credits)
• AP6153 Placement (15 credits)
• AP6154 Genetics and Evolution for Psychologists (5 credits)
• AP6155 Applied Clinical Issues (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) (5 credits)
• AP6156 Psychology and Intellectual Disabilities (5 credits)
• AP6159 Positive Organisational Psychology (5 credits)

Detailed Entry Requirements

A 2.1 degree in psychology that satisfies the eligibility requirements of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) (or non-Irish equivalent).

In exceptional cases, where for example an applicant has relevant work experience or has performed impressively in another masters degree, a 2.2 degree may be considered. In such cases, the student should set out the grounds upon which they wish to be considered in their application.

Eligible candidates may be interviewed. Selection from amongst eligible candidates will be made according to the following criteria:

• i) Academic performance;
• ii) Research capacity;
• iii) Commitment to the area of applied psychology.

Assessment

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