MSc in Psychology and Well being

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Dublin City University DCU

Program Overview

The MSc in Psychology and Wellbeing at Dublin City University is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) NFQ Level 9 master’s designed to deepen theoretical and empirical understanding of psychological wellbeing, mental health and factors that influence wellbeing across the lifespan. It is ideal for graduates in psychology (or equivalent psychology conversion holders) who want to enhance their professional expertise for careers in wellbeing-focused practice, research, community and health settings, or to prepare for further postgraduate training in psychological science.

Curriculum structure:

In the master’s year, students engage with an integrated set of advanced psychology modules that combine theory, research and applied wellbeing science. They begin with Wellbeing, Mental Health and Community Psychology, gaining insights into psychological models of wellbeing and how mental health is understood and promoted in community settings. Through Innovations in Evidence-Based Psychological Practice, learners explore contemporary approaches to psychological intervention and practice, while Environmental Influences on Wellbeing examines how social and physical contexts impact psychological health. Wellbeing Throughout the Lifespan develops understanding of how factors influencing wellbeing vary across different life stages, and a specialist Individual Specialism Module allows students to focus in depth on a chosen area of psychology and wellbeing. The programme culminates in a year-long supervised research project, enabling students to apply research methods and critical thinking to a substantive topic within wellbeing psychology.

Focus areas (in a string):

Wellbeing & mental health; community psychology; evidence-based practice; environmental influences; lifespan wellbeing; individual specialism; supervised research project.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Demonstrate advanced understanding of wellbeing psychology theories; apply evidence-based psychological practice; interpret psychosocial and environmental impacts on wellbeing; conduct independent empirical research; and communicate psychological findings effectively.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master’s degree by Dublin City University, with eligibility criteria that support graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and alignment with standards valued in clinical, community and wellbeing-related psychological roles.

Reputation (employability rankings):

DCU is ranked among the top universities globally with a strong research reputation in psychology and health sciences; its postgraduate programmes are recognised for academic quality and positive graduate outcomes in research, healthcare, community and counselling contexts.

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 and Wellbeing secure roles promoting mental health and community support, leveraging research skills in wellbeing across lifespans. Typical jobs include assistant psychologist, wellbeing coach, community mental health worker, and research analyst in education or healthcare. High employability stems from DCU's top ranking in Ireland for graduate employment.

Career Support Elements:

University Services: DCU Careers Service offers CV workshops, mentorship programs, job application resources, and skills development tailored for psychology graduates.
Employment Stats: #1 in Ireland for graduate employment rate; over 90% in work or study within months, with roles in healthcare averaging €40,000 starting salary.
University-Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with HSE, community organizations, and healthcare providers for applied placements in mental health and education.
Long-term Accreditation Value: PSI graduate eligibility enhances pathways to chartered status; builds foundation for professional psychology credentials.
Graduation Outcomes: Strong progression to assistant roles in clinical, community, or educational psychology, with many entering public/private wellbeing initiatives.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue professional doctorates (e.g., clinical or counselling psychology), PhD research at DCU or elsewhere, or specialized MSc programs in mental health or community psychology, using the program's research project as a direct stepping stone.