MSc in Psychology (Conversion)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Dublin City University DCU

Program Overview

The MSc in Psychology (Conversion) at Dublin City University (DCU) is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) NFQ Level 9 master’s that offers a conversion route into psychology for graduates, enabling those without an accredited psychology degree to build foundational psychological knowledge and research skills required for professional progression in the field. It suits graduates from non-psychology disciplines (e.g., human sciences, education, health or related fields) as well as psychology-related degrees who wish to pursue careers in psychology research, assessment, applied psychological work or further doctoral-level training.

Curriculum structure:

During the master’s year, students gain a comprehensive grounding across the core domains of psychology. They study biological bases of behaviour, learning about neural and physiological processes that underpin mental functions, and cognitive psychology, where they explore perception, memory and thought processes. Through modules in social psychology and developmental and lifespan psychology, learners examine how individuals interact with others and change across the lifespan. Throughout the programme, students also build advanced research design and methods expertise, covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches essential for psychological inquiry. The year culminates in a supervised research project/dissertation that synthesises theoretical knowledge and practical research skills applied to a substantive psychological topic.

Focus areas (in a string):

Biological bases of behaviour, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, research methods & design, personality & individual differences, dissertation.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Demonstrate foundational knowledge across core psychology domains; design and conduct empirical research; apply psychological theory to real-world human behaviour questions; interpret and analyse psychological data; and complete an independent research dissertation.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This MSc is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) as a pre-professional qualification for graduates seeking graduate membership and a recognised foundation for further professional psychology training.

Reputation (employability rankings):

DCU is ranked among the top universities in Ireland and internationally, with strong research output and graduate employability; this conversion master’s supports pathways into psychology research, applied practice, policy, education, counselling and further doctoral studies due to its accredited status and rigorous curriculum.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical research skills by conducting their own empirical investigation, receiving advanced methodological training, and studying professional issues in applied contexts. The core of the experiential learning is an independent dissertation project, supported by dedicated training and access to university resources. This hands-on experience is delivered through several specific components:

Major Independent Research Project: Every student completes a dissertation based on an empirical investigation. This is the program's central practical exercise, requiring students to design, conduct, analyze, and report on original research in applied psychology.
Core Methodological Training: A compulsory Research Methodology and Statistics module provides the foundational technical skills needed to execute the empirical dissertation, covering essential research design and data analysis techniques.
Applied Optional Modules: Students choose from specialized applied modules like Theory of Psychotherapy, Applied Forensic Psychology, Counselling Skills, and Issues in Clinical Psychology. These modules translate theoretical knowledge into practice within specific fields.
Professional Skills Development: The compulsory Philosophical and Professional Issues in Applied Psychology module addresses ethical, philosophical, and practical considerations for working as a professional psychologist.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Dublin City University's MSc in Psychology (Conversion) gain PSI graduate membership eligibility, opening doors to professional psychology careers and research roles with strong transferable skills in behavioral science. Typical positions include assistant psychologist, research analyst, HR advisor, and counseling support specialist. The program prepares alumni for applied psychology work or advanced training in Ireland's competitive health and education sectors.

Career Support Elements:

University Services: DCU Careers Service provides mentorship, CV resources, skills workshops, and job application guidance for psychology graduates.
Employment Stats: DCU ranks #1 in Ireland for graduate employment; over 90% in roles or further study soon after, with starting salaries around €38,000-€45,000 in assistant/research positions.
University-Industry Partnerships: Links with HSE, mental health organizations, and employers for placements in clinical, educational, and community settings.
Long-term Accreditation Value: PSI-accredited for chartered psychologist pathways; enhances credibility for global professional training.
Graduation Outcomes: Entry to assistant roles, research, data analysis, or health promotion; many progress to specialized psychology fields.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue professional doctorates (e.g., DClinPsych, counseling, or educational psychology), PhD research at DCU, or MSc specializations in forensic, clinical, or applied psychology, building on the program's core modules and research project.