MA Psychology - Applied Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The MSc in Behavioural Science at University College Cork is a one-year full-time NFQ Level 9 master’s that equips students with advanced knowledge of human behaviour, decision-making, and psychological science applied across organisations, public policy, health, marketing and consumer contexts. It suits graduates in psychology, economics, business, social sciences, public policy or related disciplines who want to apply experimental and analytical methods to real-world behavioural challenges.

Curriculum Structure:

In the master’s year, students build a strong foundation in behavioural theory, research methods and applied analytics. They start with Foundations of Behavioural Science, learning core theories of human decision-making and behaviour in individual and social contexts. Through Advanced Research Methods & Data Analysis and Behavioural Experimentation, learners develop rigorous quantitative and empirical research skills for designing, running and interpreting behavioural studies. The module Behavioural Decision Making and Choice Architecture focuses on policy and organisational decision contexts, showing how insights from psychology and economics are applied to influence choices ethically and effectively. Students also explore Applications of Behavioural Science to fields like health, marketing, sustainability or public policy, and the programme culminates in a Research Dissertation where they integrate theoretical knowledge and methodological skills to produce an independent empirical project. (ucc.ie)

Focus areas (in a string):

Foundations of behavioural science, research methods & data analysis, experimental design, behavioural decision making, choice architecture, applied behavioural science, research dissertation.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply behavioural theory to real-world challenges; design and conduct empirical behavioural research; interpret experimental and quantitative data; use behavioural insights for practical solutions; and complete an independent research dissertation.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master’s degree by University College Cork, the programme aligns with analytical, research and consulting roles that use behavioural insights in government, business, health, finance, UX/marketing and policy design.

Reputation (employability rankings):

University College Cork is ranked among the top global universities (QS World University Rankings), and this MSc benefits from UCC’s reputation in psychology, behavioural science and empirical research, enhancing graduate visibility for careers in analytics, behavioural economics, policy and consulting.

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

University College Cork MA in Applied Psychology provides psychology graduates with advanced skills for real-world psychological practice across community, clinical, and service design contexts. Graduates typically secure roles like psychological researcher, community intervention specialist, child and family support coordinator, or service evaluation analyst. These positions draw on core modules including psychological assessment, research methods, critical community psychology, clinical presentations, and a substantial dissertation applying theory to partner organisations.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

UCC facilitates Work Integrated Learning with community partners, enhancing CVs for professional psychology training.
Strong employability supports doctoral pathways or applied roles, with starting salaries €38,000–€52,000 in Cork's health sector.
PSI/BPS graduate membership eligibility opens doors to clinical, counselling, or educational psychology programs.
Graduates advance to senior practitioner or research leadership within 5 years across NGOs and HSE services.
Diverse assessments build competencies in ethics, intervention design, and stakeholder collaboration.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue professional doctorates or PhDs in applied psychology at UCC, often funded through community-focused research.