Course Summary
The MSc (Health Psychology) is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme of academic study in the discipline of health psychology.
The programme is fully accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
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
Undergraduate degree in Psychology at National Framework of Qualifications Level 8 (or equivalent) accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or equivalent qualification.
• The selection of candidates is based on academic merit. In recent years, candidates who have been offered a place on the programme have at least an upper Second Class Honours (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in Psychology
• If an applicant does not hold an Undergraduate degree in Psychology accredited by the PSI, they will needed to provide information on their qualification to demonstrate equivalence.
o To be considered “equivalent” a qualification should be greater than >50% Psychology and be based on a relatively broad range of psychology courses including the biological psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, personality and individual differences (including psychometrics) and research methodology.
o Applicants must demonstrate research competence in practical work and in the completion of a supervised research project. This project should include carrying out an extensive piece of empirical research and would normally involve the collection and analysis of original empirical data.
o In deciding on equivalence, we follow the PSI Guidelines on the Accreditation of Undergraduate and Conversion Programmes
International applicants are required to submit module descriptors, module weightings and a copy of their dissertation. The English language requirement for non-native English speakers on this programme is: IELTS of 7.0 overall, with not less than 6.5 in any component.
Application Details
Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.
An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).
Next start date: September 2025
Fees
Fees: EU
€8,390 p.a. full-time; €4,105 p.a. part-time (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€8,250 p.a. full-time; €4,000 p.a. part-time 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. full-time; €105 p.a. part-time 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€19,500 p.a. (€19,640 including levy) 2024/25
Student levy €140—payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.
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.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Given the strong academic and research basis of this programme, this qualification has relevance for working in a diverse range of settings. Previous graduates have gained employment in research posts and health service evaluation. Other opportunities include working with health authorities or voluntary organisations, that provide support, education and training to those with health-related difficulties. Graduates may also find employment in the area of health promotion or health education.
In addition to helping to prepare for employment in which a background in psychology is an advantage, the MSc (Health Psychology) also provides an excellent foundation for further postgraduate study. Some previous students have progressed to PhD studies, and have gained employment in Universities and other higher education settings (eg. teaching psychology to health professionals or those in training, as well as psychology students and/or conducting research). Others have pursued studies in Clinical Psychology, with Clinical-Health Psychology a potential route in which to specialise.
Duration
2 years, part-time