Overview
The Master of Science in Applied Psychology (Health and Wellbeing) is a Level 9 major award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Ireland comprising 90 ECTS. This programme provides graduates with the underpinning academic knowledge to explore how psychological theory can be applied to understanding human behaviour from individual, social, and biological perspectives. It is designed to facilitate a critical understanding of core areas in psychology from a solution-focused, "real-world" perspective, making it appropriate for those progressing into further postgraduate specialisms or the workplace in cognate and non-cognate roles.
The programme is primarily aimed at graduates holding a minimum of an Upper Second Class Honours degree (2.1) in psychology at NFQ Level 8. It caters to those wishing to enter professional training in psychology, pursue doctoral programmes, or become more employable for a variety of positions in the public or private sector, such as health care, NGOs, education, and research.
Learners enrolled on, or intending to enrol on, this programme should note that, at this time, CORU has not opened its register for psychologists, and no standards of proficiency have yet been established. While CORU has indicated that a register for psychologists will be established in due course, including potential constituent divisions, the timing, structure and eligibility criteria for registration have not yet been determined. Accordingly, successful completion of this programme does not currently lead to eligibility for registration, nor does it guarantee eligibility for registration when a register is established.
A grandparenting route to registration may be provided at the time a psychology register opens. However, eligibility for any such route will be subject to criteria to be determined by the Registration Board and cannot be shared in advance. Learners should be aware that eligibility for registration through grandparenting may depend on factors beyond the award itself, including but not limited to scope of practice, number of hours of professional practice completed, nature of practice, and other regulatory requirements in force at that time.
Prospective and enrolled learners are therefore advised to consider this programme as an academic qualification, and not as a programme that confers, or guarantees, professional registration. They should seek up to date information directly from CORU when making decisions about professional registration.
Programme Objectives
The specific programme objectives are to:
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Enable learners to explore the various theories, concepts and processes of Applied Psychology.
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Facilitate critical evaluation of competing Psychological theories through critical analysis and appraisal of Psychological studies and projects.
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Enable learners to understand how these theories can be applied to understanding human behaviour from individual, social and biological perspectives.
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Relate Psychological concepts, theories and processes to a variety of professional individual and group settings and situations.
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Develop in learners an understanding of contemporary local and global issues using an Applied Psychological perspective.
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Enable learners to assess appropriate interventions and design appropriate solutions for clients’ needs.
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Enable learners to explore advanced research methods and demonstrate a detailed understanding of the theoretical and methodological considerations, evidencing these skills in a placement and/or major research project.
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Provide graduates with the underpinning academic knowledge to enhance their employment and educational opportunities and achieve the award of a Master of Science in Applied Psychology (Health and Wellbeing).
Delivery
The programme is delivered in a blended format with options for both full-time and part-time study.
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Full-Time: One calendar year (12 months). Delivery is blended, with taught modules delivered face-to-face on campus and the Capstone module contact hours delivered online.
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Part-Time (Day or Night): Two calendar years (24 months). The part-time night version follows a "one-night-in-one-night-out" model (50% on-campus, 50% synchronous online), while the part-time day version is cross-listed with full-time on-campus delivery.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for the MSc in Applied Psychology (Health and Wellbeing) are:
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Standard Entry: Minimum Upper Second Class Honours (2.1) Level 8 Honours Degree in Psychology that confers eligibility for graduate membership of the PSI (or BPS).
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Exceptional Entry: A Lower Second Class Honours (2.2) may be considered in exceptional cases on the basis of an interview.
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RPL Entry: Applicants seeking entry via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be required to attend an interview to demonstrate sufficient knowledge at the appropriate level.
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English Proficiency: Minimum CEFR B2+ or equivalent for non-native speakers.
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Math Competency: Minimum O6/H7 (or Grade D3 pre-2017) in Leaving Certificate Maths.
Students with Disabilities
Dublin Business School welcomes students with disabilities. The College employs a Learner Support Coordinator and Disability and Inclusion Officer to put appropriate reasonable accommodations in place, such as extra time in exams or academic writing support. The DBS Library also offers specialised supports, including extended loans and one-to-one information skills sessions.