MA Psychology - Applied Psychology (Positive & Coaching Psychology)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The MA in Applied Psychology (Positive and Coaching Psychology) at University College Cork is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) NFQ Level 9 master’s that blends positive psychology and coaching psychology theory with practical coaching competencies and research methods to develop professional expertise in behaviour change, wellbeing and performance. It suits psychology graduates and professionals (e.g., HR, coaching, health, education) who want to pursue careers in coaching, wellbeing facilitation, performance enhancement, organisational development or further postgraduate study.

Curriculum structure:

In the master’s year, students build core psychological and coaching competencies before applying them in research and professional practice. They begin with Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis and Quantitative Research Methods for Professionals to develop rigorous research design and analytical skills relevant to evidence-based practice. Through Practice of Evidence-Based Coaching, Positive Psychology and Human Flourishing, and Positive Psychology Coaching Practice, learners gain both theoretical grounding and applied coaching skills for fostering wellbeing and facilitating behaviour change. Modules like Cognitive Enhancement and Motivational Interviewing deepen practical intervention techniques, while selected electives (e.g., Health Psychology, Positive Organisational Psychology, Positive Psychology in Group Settings) allow students to tailor expertise to specific applied contexts. The programme culminates in a Research Dissertation in Work, Organisational & Coaching Psychology (30 credits) that synthesises research, theory and applied coaching psychology.

Focus areas (in a string):

Positive psychology, evidence-based coaching, research methods & analysis, cognitive & motivational interventions, elective applied psychology themes, research dissertation.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Design and conduct empirical research; apply positive psychology and coaching psychology frameworks; implement professional coaching interventions; analyse quantitative and qualitative data; and complete an independent research dissertation.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 master’s degree by University College Cork’s School of Applied Psychology, this programme supports pathways into coaching psychology, wellbeing consultancy, HR & organisational development, performance enhancement and further doctoral study.

Reputation (employability rankings):

University College Cork is ranked among the top global universities and is well-regarded for its research-led psychology and behavioural science programmes, enhancing graduate visibility for careers in applied psychology and coaching 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

https://www.ucc.ie/en/ckd02/

University College Cork MA in Applied Psychology (Positive & Coaching Psychology) trains graduates in evidence-based coaching and wellbeing strategies for diverse professional applications across human services, business, and performance enhancement. Typical job roles include coaching psychologist, wellbeing consultant, performance coach, HR development specialist, and organisational flourishing advisor. These positions leverage core modules in evidence-based coaching practice, positive psychology, cognitive enhancement, research methods, and a dissertation applying positive interventions.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

UCC supports private practice development, PSI coaching psychology pathways, and accreditations with bodies like ICF or EMCC.
Graduates enter consulting, leadership coaching, or employee wellbeing roles with starting salaries €38,000–€55,000, flexible for freelancers.
Part-time format accommodates working professionals while building chartered coaching psychologist credentials.
Alumni advance to senior coaching leadership or academic roles within 5 years across sports, healthcare, and corporate sectors.
Electives enhance specialisation in health psychology or organisational positivity.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue PhDs in coaching or positive psychology at UCC, often self-funded or through practice-based research.