Masters Degrees in Psychology, Ireland

Introduction:

The course is designed to provide students with a thorough appreciation of issues in applied psychology, knowledge of the skills required to apply psychology effectively, and a detailed understanding of their chosen focus of application. The themes of analysis, intervention and evaluation are central to the structure and philosophy of the course, which establishes a firm basis for students to further professional training and development in psychology. The core modules provide training in research methods and professional issues. Optional modules enable further development of these competencies and knowledge while enabling students to consider their application in specified content areas.

Course Content:

The following two core modules are compulsory and will be offered every year:
Philosophical and professional issues in applied psychology
Research Methodology and Statistics

In general, optional modules will be offered every year (subject to staff availability, timetabling constraints and demand). The following is an example of the range of modules that have been offered:
Theory of Psychotherapy
Introduction to psychometrics
Applied behaviour analysis
Applied psychology
Health psychology
Issues in child and adolescent clinical psychology
Issues in adult clinical psychology
Issues in clinical psychology and intellectual disability

In addition, all students will be required to submit a dissertation based on an empirical investigation of a topic in applied psychology.

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The purpose of the course is to provide a pre-professional qualification in psychology, which confers eligibility for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and allows a student to proceed to postgraduate training, including higher degrees by research, and to specialise in an area of professional psychology. It is a two year full-time course based on lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and research projects. Candidates for admission to the Higher Diploma in Psychology must hold a primary degree, in any discipline normally with at least an upper second-class honors. Application for entry is not via the CAO system. Students will cover the following areas of psychology, as required for professional accreditation:

Biological basis of behaviour
Cognitive psychology
Research design, quantitative and qualitative methods
Developmental and lifespan psychology
Social psychology
Personality and individual differences

Students are evaluated by course work assessment throughout the year, by written examination papers at the end of each year of the course, and by research project in the second year. The student must complete all the work prescribed.

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The MSc in Work & Organisational Psychology offers a unique behavioural lens through which to examine, understand and shape the complex work organisation. It is dedicated to providing a thorough grounding in the knowledge and application of psychological principles to organisational settings in order to enhance human wellbeing and organisational performance. It seeks to equip candidates with a sound understanding of theory and research and develop core competences and professional skills in the domain areas of organisational theory, organisational change, emploment relations, selection & assessment, training, employee wellbeing and research design and methods.
Successful applicants with an undergraduate psychology degree, accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) will be eligible for enrolment on the MSc in Work & Organisational Psychology. (Please note the onus is on the applicant to prove recognition of their degree by the PSI). All other successful applicants will be eligible for enrolment on the MSc in Work & Organisational Behaviour.
On completion of the taught component of both the MSc in Work & Organisational Behaviour and the MSc in Work & Organisational Psychology programmes, candidates complete a programme in Psychometric Testing to acquire British Psychological Society (BPS) Psychometric Testing Accreditation Levels A & B

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Taught classes as well as counselling skills training, supervision and reflective practice modules emphasises the application of current psychological knowledge informed by empirical research in the work of the counselling psychologist. The students are facilitated to be aware of current research findings and to incorporate them into their clinical practice. In the first year the course offers academic and practical skills training in counselling psychology and related research. After the first few weeks of concentrated, full time coursework and personal development work, 2 full days per week are spent on placement and 2-3 days in classes. The D.Couns.Psych. offers a wide range of course approved placement options in community, health, mental health, education and private practice settings, as well as welcoming new student recommended sites, particularly for those students residing outside the greater Dublin area. At least 3 different placements are required during the 3 years of the course. The second year involves further training in counselling theories and practice, and students conduct a research dissertation related to counselling psychology, initiated during the summer before entering second year.

Personal development work, including individual therapy, is required throughout the 3 years. The third year includes small group supervision, reflective practice, and advanced counselling and psychotherapy theory and its application. However, the main focus will be on research. A research project resulting in the doctoral dissertation is carried throughout the three years. Courses are taught and supervision provided by both core staff and other practitioners from varied theoretical orientations. Humanistic theory underlies the course. Psychodynamic and systemic perspectives are also emphasised, and training in cognitive behavioural approaches is provided. Practical placements continue through the summer and always follow the placement site's calendar, not that of College. Guidelines for all aspects of the course are provided. All components of the course must be passed i.e., practical, academic; research, and personal development, as well as members of the Court of Examiners recommending the student as suitable to receiving the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology degree.

Graduates of this course are skilled to conduct mental health assessments and therapy with individuals, couples and groups across the lifespan. Typically, they start to specialise during their studies and further develop their skills after the course. They are employed by Health Service Executive, e.g. the National Counselling Service, Refugee and Asylum Seekers Service, Autism Services; Voluntary agencies, e.g. St. John of God's Services, Brothers of Charity Services, National Association for the Deaf; third level student counselling services; private practice; research settings; and multiple other locations.

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Within the three years, the course provides an intensive and systematic programme of training, equipping each student to meet the challenges facing clinical psychology and to make a unique contribution to the Irish Health Services. The course is structured so that the academic teaching typically takes place in term time for one and a half days per week. In addition, each placement is preceded by a teaching block of approximately four weeks duration. Students complete six clinical placements during the course, each of approximately five months duration, providing knowledge, skills and experience to work with as wide a range of clients as possible. Research training is continuous across the programme.

Course requirements include continuous clinical assessment, examinations and a research portfolio combining reports of clinical activity, small and large scale research projects and demonstrating research competency across a range of methodologies. Progress on the course is assessed by an end-of-year review which each student must pass. Research interests of staff include attachment theory, developmental psychopathology, health psychology, research methods, forensic psychology, risk perception, quality of life perception and applied behaviour analysis. cStudents of the course are employed by an approved health care provider and graduates are required to complete an additional three-year contract of employment with their sponsoring service provider.

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Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:
• IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
• TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
• TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
• PTE (Pearson): 62

Maynooth University’s TOEFL code is 8850

Overview

The goal of the structured MSc by research programme is to provide a high quality research experience with integrated taught support. Structured support is offered through generic/transferable skills modules and specialist modules to provide students with academic and professionals needed for careers in industry and academia. Under normal circumstances, students who intend to pursue a PhD but who do not already hold a postgraduate qualification in psychology are initially registered to undertake a Master’s degree, with transfer to the Doctoral programme subject to satisfactory progress. It is expected that campus-based postgraduate students will participate in demonstrating and tutoring to undergraduate students.

Closing date
Research applications are generally accepted at any time. Commencement dates are restricted.

See the website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/psychology/our-courses/msc-psychology

Course Structure

Master’s students must take a minimum of 10 credits in taught modules (5 in generic/ transferable modules and 5 in specialist modules). Selection of specific modules within the programme will be tailored to the needs and experiences of individual students.

Career Options

The MSc by Research is a research oriented programme associated with a wide range of career options, depending on subject area. The prospective supervisor will be able to advise on specific career options.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHW04 Full-time
MHW05 Part-time

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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The Masters of Arts in Educational Psychology (MAEP) is a two-year full time programme which aims to prepare trainees for the range of autonomous and collaborative professional roles that are performed by educational psychologists (EPs) in a variety of contexts and with a range of client groups.

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The aim of this course is to ensure that students become proficient to a high degree in the understanding and practical application of the principles of applied behaviour analysis with particular regard to persons with autism and other developmental disabilities, and/or children and adolescents in care or special programmes, and/or those students presenting learning and/or behavioural challenges in school. The content of this course focuses on behavioural theory. This intensive course provides professional training in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) for a yearly intake of up to 8 students. Approval has been secured from the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board, an international body which sets standards for training and provides a route for securing ABA Certification status. Classes are normally arranged to take place on one weekday with additional classes taking place on occasional weekends as required. Placement practice in behaviour analysis must be supervised by a privately engaged, but course approved supervisor. Students receive continuous assessment and feedback through their regular supervision sessions and participation in class activities. Placement practice in ABA is also formally assessed at mid and end of course. Students must maintain a portfolio of their work throughout the course.

Course Content:

Graduates of this course are skilled to engage in the ethical practice and research of ABA, to conduct functional behavioural assessments, implement and design behaviour support plans or learning/skill acquisition programmes, and analyse and display data to make informed decisions around intervention and learning needs.

Modules include:

Advanced research - data analysis methods in ABA I
Conceptual Issues in ABA Research Dissertation Proposal
Special Topics in ABA*
Supervised Research - Practice
Research Dissertation

* Special Topics may include: Precision Teaching, ABA in Multidisciplinary Teams, Theoretical Approaches in Behaviour Analysis. These topics may vary according to staff availability.

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The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a one-year full-time course. The aim of this course is to ensure that students become proficient to a high degree in the understanding and practical application of the principles of applied behaviour analysis with particular regard to persons with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, children and adolescents in care or special programmes, and persons presenting learning and/or behavioural challenges in school. This intense course provides training in ABA for a yearly intake of up to 30 students. The course provides a route for securing Assistant level certification status from the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board (BACB), an international body which sets standards for training in behaviour analysis. See http://www.bacb.com for more details. Classes are normally conducted one week-day every two weeks and on one Saturday per month. Individual supervision sessions occur at times outside the teaching schedule and are arranged with an individual board certified behaviour analyst supervisor. Taught modules run from the end of September to the end of June. Students who wish to apply to the course must secure a practical placement prior to applying. Please refer to the course website for further information in this respect.

Course Content:

Graduates of this course are skilled to conduct functional behavioural assessments, to implement and design behaviour support plans or learning/skill acquisition programmes, and to analyse and display data to make informed decisions regarding intervention and learning methods. Topics covered on the course include:

Definitions, Characteristics and Basic Principles
Ethics in ABA
Selection, Defining and Measuring Behaviour
Behavioural Assessment
Behavioural Intervention, Measurement and Evaluation
Supervised Practice

Admission Requirements

The Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis is open to those with an honors undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related human service field such as education/teaching, nursing, speech and language and social care. - Applicants from Ireland or EU and non-EU countries who meet entry criteria and are employed by or volunteer in an educational or human service setting are welcome to apply. - Please refer to the website for more detailed information. Please note that students must complete the Postgraduate Diploma course or equivalent behaviour analytic coursework prior to completing the one-year M.Sc. Psychology (ABA) or M.Sc. ABA. Please refer to http://www.psychology.tcd.ie/postgraduate/applied-behaviour-analysis for further details about this course. - Applicants with good written and spoken English (due to the nature of this profession) from other EU and non-EU countries are very welcome to apply.

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Cognitive therapy is a collaborative, structured approach to helping individuals with psychological difficulties. Prospective candidates pursue a two-year part-time Master of Science course in Cognitive Therapy. Emphasis will be on helping participants gain a high level of clinical competence in utilising this approach in hospital-based and community-based health care settings to a level that they will be able to apply for accreditation with appropriate accrediting bodies including the Proposed Registration Board for Psychological Therapists in Ireland. The course offers post-qualification training in the theory and practice of cognitive psychotherapy, as applied in a variety of mental health settings. Competence is developed through a combination of clinical supervision| lectures, workshops and written assignments. Assessment is based on the submission of case studies and theoretical reviews, oral presentations and standardised rating of therapy sessions. Students will complete a research project that is submitted as a dissertation in the Hilary term of the second year.

Admission Requirements

This course is offered as a specialised post-qualification course that builds on relevant knowledge and skills already possessed by prospective candidates.Suitable candidates for the course will:
- have achieved a recognised third level qualification in a health profession (e.g. psychology, nursing, social work, medicine) and
- hold a postgraduate diploma in a cognitive or behavioural psychotherapy or an equivalent training qualification in a cognitive or behavioural psychotherapy and
- have in addition conducted a further 40 hours of supervised cognitive or behavioural psychotherapy since completion of their diploma course or equivalent qualification.

Non EU applicants will be expected to hold equivalent qualifications The Master of Science curriculum emphasizes a deeper knowledge of cognitive behavioural models, concepts and methods; competence in developing cognitive case formulations; devising and implementing individual treatment programmes for a range of emotional disorders, and evaluating their effects; understanding the links between cognitive therapy and developmental and cognitive psychology; ethical issues in practising psychotherapy. The development of critical appraisal of research in this area and conducting a research project further deepen students' knowledge of the field. Students are supervised treating a minimum of 15 cases. Formal teaching takes place one full day per week (Thursday) during the full academic year. In addition during the first term students will attend a second full day of teaching (Friday) and will be assigned to a part-time clinical placement within a psychotherapy service for a full calendar year (January - December). Assessment is based on evaluation of the student's clinical performance using the Cognitive Therapy Scale-Revised (CTS-R) and four written assignments. Students will submit a research dissertation (circa 15,000 words) at the end of Hilary Term in their second year. Students who satisfy all the requirements of the Master of Science course will be awarded the Master of Science in Cognitive Psychotherapy.

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Cognitive therapy is a collaborative, structured approach to helping individuals with psychological difficulties. It views key beliefs and assumptions which an individual holds as being pivotal to maintaining their distress and rendering them vulnerable to recurring difficulties. The course offers post-qualification training in the theory and practice of cognitive psychotherapy, as applied in a variety of mental health settings. Competence is developed through a combination of weekly clinical supervision, lectures, workshops and written assignments. Assessment is based on the submission of case studies and theoretical reviews, oral presentations and standardised rating of therapy sessions. Prospective candidates may pursue the option of a one year part-time (every Friday over three 12-week terms) postgraduate diploma course in cognitive therapy. Emphasis will be on helping participants gain clinical competence in utilising this approach in hospital-based and community-based health care settings. The course substantially contributes to academic and theoretical requirements for accreditation as a cognitive therapist and provides the opportunity to engage in introductory supervised clinical casework. Students would be required to complete further supervised clinical work to meet the clinical requirements for accreditation. For further information on accreditation as a cognitive therapist we recommend prospective students consult the BABCP website: http://www.babcp.com

The diploma course introduces the student to the basic theory of cognitive therapy and customised applications of this model to a range of clinical syndromes. The curriculum emphasises a knowledge of cognitive behavioural models, concepts and methods; competence in developing cognitive case formulations; devising and implementing individual treatment programmes for a range of emotional disorders, and evaluating their effects; understanding the links between cognitive therapy and developmental and cognitive psychology; ethics issues in practising psychotherapy.

Students are supervised treating a minimum of three cases (approx 40 - 50 hours of casework), and are taught the use of Cognitive Psychotherapy in relation to a variety of different areas and disorders. Teaching takes place one full day per week (Friday) during academic term. Assessment is based on evaluation of the student's clinical performance using the Cognitive Therapy Scale - Revised and four written assignments.

Admission Requirements

This course is offered as a specialised post-qualification course that builds on relevant knowledge and skills already possessed by prospective candidates. Suitable candidates for the course will:
- be currently employed in a healthcare setting and providing counselling or psychotherapy as part of their work, and;
- have achieved a recognised third level qualification in a mental health profession (e.g. psychology, nursing, social work, medicine) and;
- have relevant clinical experience and/or evidence of recognised foundation training in counselling/ psychotherapy and;
- have two years postgraduate experience.

Please note that supplementary documentation is required as part of the online application process. Shortlisting of applicants will occur in mid April and interviews for those who are successfully shortlisted are scheduled to take place in St. Patrick's University Hospital on the 10th of May.

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The Masters of Philosophy in Psychoanalytic Studies offers graduates a thorough introduction to the history, theory and applications in clinical work and in the wider culture of psychoanalysis from Freud to modern writers in this broad field. The course is of interest to people from a variety of backgrounds, including graduates of psychology, philosophy, and other university programmes, as well mental health professionals, people who work in the fields of the arts, education and health, among others. The course typically covers areas such as basic psychoanalytic concepts, dreams, dreaming and symbolic life, the emotional world of the child, psychoanalysis and the arts, clinical states of mind and object relations theory. The content of modules may vary from year to year. Students are required to complete a thesis on a psychoanalytic theme for submission at the end of the programme.

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This multidisciplinary Masters course in Biological Psychiatry explores the relationship between basic principles, biological factors and clinical features in mental health disorders, allowing students to translate scientific understanding into effective clinical practice. It is aimed primarily at graduates with a background in psychiatry (or related health care disciplines), psychology, biological or social sciences, who wish to develop their research skills and broaden their research interests. The course will aid in equipping participants with the skills to progress into a career in psychiatry and psychiatric research or to embark on a doctoral programme.

The following six modules (10 ECTS each) are mandatory, and make up the taught component of the course (60 ECTS): Statistics and Research Methodology; Clinical Neuropsychology and Cognitive Genomics; Neuroimaging and Biomarkers; Molecular Neuroscience; Neuropsychiatric Genetics; Molecular Psychiatry. In addition, in their second year students will be required to submit a dissertation (30 ECTS) based on an empirical research project conducted in one of the many research groups located within the Dept of Psychiatry.

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The aim of this course is to ensure that students become proficient to a high degree in the understanding and practical application of the principles of applied behaviour analysis with particular regard to persons with autism and other developmental disabilities, and/or children and adolescents in care or special programmes, and/or those students presenting learning and/or behavioural challenges in school - The content of this course focuses upon clinical application. This intensive course provides professional training in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) for a yearly intake of up to 8 students. Classes are normally arranged to take place on one weekday with additional classes taking place on occasional weekends as required. Placement practice in behaviour analysis must be supervised by a privately engaged, but course approved supervisor - Students receive continuous assessment and feedback through their regular supervision sessions and participation in class activities. Placement practice in ABA is also formally assessed in the middle and at the end of the course. Students must maintain a portfolio of their work throughout the course.

Course Content and Structure:

Graduates of this course are skilled to engage in the ethical practice and research of ABA, to conduct functional behavioural assessments, implement and design behaviour support plans or learning/skill acquisition programmes, and analyse and display data to make informed decisions around intervention and learning needs.

Modules include:

Advanced research - data analysis methods in ABA;
Conceptual Issues in ABA
Research Dissertation Proposal
Special Topics in ABA
Supervised Research - Practice
Research Dissertation

Special Topics may include such issues as Precision Teaching, ABA in Multidisciplinary teams, Theoretical Approaches in Behaviour Analysis. These topics may vary according to staff availability.

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This online course is relevant to safety critical industries across the globe and focuses on people already in work, who have responsibility for managing: risk; change; safety; quality; planning; system design. It brings the next generation of safety, risk and change management to you, in your work, embedded in your everyday practice with a systemic, proactive and performance focus.

The overall objective of this online Masters programme is to provide a rigorous but practical focus on risk, change and system design in operations, manufacturing and services, with an innovative integrated approach to the role of people in such systems. It provides a core framework that has been tested in collaborative industrial research and practice for managing and developing people, the design and integration of new technologies, the management of risk and the implementation of change. World-class international teams who have collaborated through industrial research has been mobilised to provide the highest calibre research led teaching, supervision and professional expertise.

A range of continuous assessment methods are used including projects, blogs, reflective journals, organisational dossiers and case studies. Online examinations are required for Module 7 Statistics and Action Research Methods.

Modules Include:

The Role of People and Process in Organisations
Stability and Change
Managing Performance and Risk
Leading Change
Strategic Human Resource Development
Statistics and Action Research Methods

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