Course Summary
Gain a deeper understanding of loss and grief and equip yourself to promote and provide appropriate supports in your community, workplace and professional practice.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
• To apply for this programme you must hold a Level 8 degree in a relevant area or equivalent demonstrated through a defined recognition of prior learning (RPL) process. Through RPL you will be required to demonstrate significant professional experience in social/healthcare in a loss/bereavement-related area or as a bereavement support volunteer; completion of CPD and other training relevant to loss and bereavement; evidence of personal insight into loss history.
• An academic transcript will be requested when a place is offered. An academic transcript lists your complete academic history – programmes attended, a breakdown of marks/grades achieved, the degree awarded, your overall grade and conferring date.
• International degrees’ equivalency are to be verified using this service.
Please note:
Ensure you are applying for the correct stream within the MSc Loss and Bereavement programmes. If you are uncertain, please read the MSc Loss and Bereavement brochure or contact Inés Arriola-O'Flynn at the Irish Hospice Foundation.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
Through recognition of prior learning (RPL) you will be required to demonstrate significant professional experience in social/healthcare in a loss/bereavement-related area or as a bereavement support volunteer; completion of CPD and other training relevant to loss and bereavement; evidence of personal insight into loss history.
English language requirement exceptions
If you are a prospective student applying for the MSc in Loss and Bereavement for whom English is not your native language you may need to arrange a test to confirm proficiency in English.
More details are available at https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements
Application Details
How to apply
Next intake is September 2026 Please email [email protected] for further information.
Next start date: September 2026.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.