This MSc in Positive Health Coaching involves modules on the biological underpinnings of health and lifestyle medicine. Topics include the science of sleep, eating well, daily activity, stress, the negative impact of smoking (including e-cigarettes) and alcohol consumption as well as the basic biology and impact of chronic inflammation and the gut microbiome on health. Therefore, it is necessary that you have a basic understanding of human biology.

It is also desirable that you have experience engaging with clients or patients in a supportive environment (clinic, community care, private practice etc.).

To be eligible for the programme you must:

Be working in a relevant sector (e.g. healthcare, allied health, management or equivalent) with coaching experience.

Hold a level 7 or level 8 degree, or equivalent in a health-related area (medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, etc.) and have an understanding of the biology that underpins health.
or
Hold a level 7 or level 8 degree, or equivalent in a psychology-related discipline (e.g. clinical psychology) and have an understanding of the biology that underpins health, as part of undergraduate or postgraduate training.

Meet the English language requirements: IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent score on another standardised test. Please refer to the English language requirements below.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements above, you may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills and competence previously acquired.

Learning occurs in many contexts which include work, involvement in social and community activities, or learning through life experience generally. RPL does not give credit for experience as such; rather it considers the learning that was acquired as a result of the experience.

RPL may be used to gain:

Admission to courses/programmes where a person may not have obtained the standard entry requirements.

Exemptions from course modules which duplicate the learning outcomes an individual has already demonstrably acquired through prior learning.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) pathway is outlined here.

If you wish to apply for recognition of prior learning, please complete the essay requirement as per assignment descriptor outlined in the document below.

English language requirement exceptions
Exemptions may apply for:

Applicants who have completed their school or undergraduate studies (three or more years) through English in a country where English is the majority native language.

Applicants who have completed their school or undergraduate studies (three or more years) in an English speaking institution in a country where English is not the majority native language and where an IELTS score of 5 or more was a requirement for admissions to the programme.

Applicants who have been working in a country (three years or more) where English is the majority native language or for an employer where English language is the official language.

Graduates of an RCSI Undergraduate, Masters or Professional Diploma programme in Dublin and Bahrain.
Please note: Certified proof must be uploaded as part of your application.

Next start date September 2025

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.