Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology (Applications opening on February 16th 2026)
This new, innovative MSc in Psychology (Conversion) programme is a flexible, accessible, part-time degree taught over two years. Delivered mainly online, it is designed for graduates who may not have a primary psychology degree but want to enhance their qualifications or pivot their careers into the field. At its core, the programme is committed to widening access to psychology and providing opportunities to a much more diverse range of adult learners. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional horizons, deepen your understanding of human behaviour, or explore a new career path, this programme is built to support you. Formal QQI approval is pending and expected in February 2026.
Carefully designed with adult learners in mind, the programme allows you to balance study with work, family, or other commitments while enjoying a high-quality, engaging learning experience. You will gain comprehensive knowledge and understanding across all core areas of psychology, with a strong emphasis on research skills, scientific thinking, and professional ethics, essential tools for understanding behaviour, evaluating psychological research, and applying knowledge in real-world settings.
Taught by psychology specialists and practitioners, the programme draws on 25 years of ICEP Europe’s experience in delivering flexible, accessible, and innovative higher education. Our teaching is informed by contemporary research, inclusive learning practices, and global perspectives, reflecting the diverse societies in which psychology is applied. You will be supported throughout your studies, and encouraged to collaborate, discuss, and apply your learning in ways that are meaningful to your personal and professional goals.
*ICEP Europe is applying for accreditation from the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). Subject to successful accreditation at the time of graduation, graduates will be eligible to apply for Graduate Membership of PSI, which is the first step towards professionally accredited psychology training in Ireland. PSI accreditation is in progress and cannot be guaranteed at this stage.
Delivered primarily online with a limited number of in-person days, this MSc is designed to be flexible and accessible while maintaining academic depth. Teaching is intensive and collaborative, delivered through interactive online lectures, guided independent study, and structured activities within a supportive learning community. Carefully devised in consultation with employers, practitioners, and prospective learners, the curriculum is designed to ensure contemporary relevance and responsiveness to the challenges of today’s society. Gain a transformative psychology degree that blends rigorous theory, cutting-edge research, and applied perspectives, preparing you for meaningful professional impact or further study.
This programme is perfect for:
- Graduates from non-psychology backgrounds, as well as those who have studied some psychology previously (e.g., through a minor, diploma, or psychological studies programme).
- Individuals with a strong interest in human behaviour who are seeking a flexible, primarily online, master’s-level psychology programme that may lead to eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).*
- Mature learners from diverse academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds who want to balance study with full-time or part-time work and/or caring responsibilities.
- Professionals who wish to enhance their current role with psychological knowledge, transition into a related field, or take the first step toward professionally accredited training in psychology.
Skills to make an impact
In addition to building strong disciplinary knowledge, the programme emphasises psychological literacy, enabling you to apply psychological concepts, theories, and insights to contemporary societal issues. Graduates will also develop high-demand transferable skills, such as research skills, critical and scientific thinking, digital literacy, ethical reasoning, effective communication, and the ability to understand and engage with diverse perspectives. These skills are highly relevant across a wide range of professional contexts, enhancing graduates’ employability beyond traditional psychology roles.
Careers and further options
This MSc provides a pathway into psychology-informed careers across a range of sectors, including education, mental health, disability and inclusion, community services, and organisational settings. It supports progression into professional practice, applied roles, and further postgraduate training.
Psychology-informed career pathways
Graduates may progress into roles across:
- Education and educational support services
- Mental health and wellbeing services
- Disability, inclusion and neurodiversity services
- Community and voluntary sector organisations
- Research, policy, and evaluation roles
Applied and organisational careers
The programme also supports progression into:
- Workplace wellbeing, training, and organisational development
- Human resources (HR)
- Marketing and consumer behaviour
- Leadership and management pathways
Professional psychology training pathways**
Completion of the programme with an overall pass mark of 50% or above may allow graduates to apply for Graduate Membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), supporting progression to accredited postgraduate training in:
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Counselling Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
**Subject to meeting individual programme and accreditation requirements.
How do I find out more?
If you want to find out a bit more about this programme, simply register your interest, join a webinar or contact us at psychology@icepe.eu
Course delivery
Delivered primarily online, this part-time, two-year programme offers the flexibility to balance study with work and other commitments, opening access to postgraduate psychology education for a wide range of professionals and adult learners. Live online lectures take place on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, complemented by guided independent study, online psychology laboratories, and structured learning activities. All course materials and resources are available 24/7 through a dedicated virtual learning environment, supported by a comprehensive online library. The programme also includes four face-to-face sessions to provide practical experience and personalised guidance.
The academic year is divided into three terms, with students typically completing two modules per term, amounting to a manageable workload of 15–20 credits per term. Modules are carefully sequenced to support progressive learning, integrating theory, research methods, and applied content so that each stage of study builds on the last. This structured approach supports the systematic development of psychological knowledge and research literacy across the programme.
From the outset, you will engage with psychology within a research-informed learning environment. Research is introduced early to equip you with the skills to critically evaluate empirical literature, design research studies, and begin planning your independent dissertation project, which is completed during the second year. You will also gain practical, hands-on experience through a combination of online and face-to-face psychology laboratories, supporting the development of core methodological and analytical skills that can be applied across academic and applied contexts.
Course modules
This programme is carefully designed to meet the requirements for Graduate Basis for Membership of PSI*, giving you a strong grounding for further postgraduate training in psychology and opening doors to professional development. You will explore all six core areas of the discipline while developing essential skills in research, scientific reasoning, and ethics—skills that are critical for applying psychology in real-world contexts.
The modular structure offers a coherent, progressive learning experience that builds your knowledge step by step. Each module combines theory, research, and applied learning, helping you to develop both academic expertise and practical skills. You will be encouraged to think critically, reflect deeply, and apply your learning in real-world scenarios, preparing you for careers across a range of psychology-related roles.
A strong emphasis on ethical reasoning, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity ensures that your learning is grounded in contemporary, socially aware approaches. Modules engage with global and indigenous psychologies, decolonial perspectives, and inclusive practices, equipping you to understand and work effectively in diverse societies while enhancing your professional confidence and competence.
In the first year, you will cover:
- Introduction to Psychology: Past and Present (5 ECTS)
- Social Psychology (10 ECTS)
- Biological Bases of Behaviour (10 ECTS)
- Individual Differences (10 ECTS)
- Research Methods 1 (5 ECTS)
- Developmental Psychology (10 ECTS)
In year 2, the subjects covered are:
- Advanced Research Methods (10 ECTS)
- Cognitive Psychology (10 ECTS)
- Dissertation (20 ECTS)
- Contemporary Issues, Careers and Research in Psychology– this is a Seminar Series, a non-credit bearing component that runs throughout the second year
Tuition and support
Throughout the programme, you will be supported by a range of services designed to help you succeed academically and personally while balancing work, study, and other commitments. This includes access to faculty guidance, peer networks, comprehensive online resources, library services, and technical and pastoral support.
Within this supportive environment, a range of tailored tools and activities will help you engage with the programme. Live online lectures, webinars, psychology laboratories and discussion forums provide opportunities for real-time interaction, feedback, and collaborative learning. Pre-recorded micro-tutorials and research methods workshops allow you to build key skills at your own pace. Face-to-face sessions offer an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the programme, gain practical experience in research methods, and receive dedicated guidance for your dissertation. Comprehensive online resources, including a digital library, study guides, and academic writing support, are available 24/7 to support your learning and development throughout the programme.
Assessment is designed to mirror real-world practice, with continuous evaluation through essays, presentations, blogs, podcasts, and other applied formats — no formal written exams. In your final year, you’ll complete an independent empirical dissertation, integrating your knowledge and skills under expert supervision to produce work that demonstrates your mastery of psychology.
This programme is carefully designed around you, providing the flexibility, guidance, and resources you need to thrive at every stage of your learning journey.
Award
Level 9 Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology – 90 Credits
Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (60 ECTS)—this exit award is available for learners who complete the taught stage but do not proceed to the dissertation.
We welcome applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Our admissions team can advise you on eligibility and application requirements. If you have any queries, please contact psychology@icepe.eu. We’re happy to talk through your experience and help you understand your options.
Academic eligibility
Applicants should normally hold:
- An NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor’s Degree (or international equivalent)
- A minimum classification of Honours 2.1 (or equivalent GPA)
Applicants from cognate disciplines such as education, health, social sciences, social care, humanities and related areas are particularly suited to the programme. Applicants from non-cognate backgrounds may also be considered where relevant transferable skills can be demonstrated.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must meet ICEP Europe’s English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, no component below 6.0).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants with relevant professional experience or prior learning may apply through ICEP Europe’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. This may include experience related to psychology, research methods, human behaviour or data analysis.
We welcome any queries about RPL and encourage you to contact us at psychology@icepe.eu. We’re happy to talk through your experience and help you understand your options.
Fees
The tuition fee for this MSc is €6,750 per annum, payable in two installments.
There is an application fee of €65.
A QQI certification fee of €200 is payable at the awards stage.
Funding
Participants may be eligible for tax relief, and qualified teachers may be able to apply for the teacher refund scheme. Click here to find out more.
FAQs for the Master in Science (MSc) Psychology
This blended course will have two intakes in September and January. However, on an exceptional basis, the first intake will take place in April 2026.
You apply online via the ICEP Europe application portal once applications open following final QQI ratification (expected February 2026). Supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of English proficiency (if applicable) are required.
Applicants normally require an NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor’s degree (minimum Honours 2.1 or equivalent). We welcome applicants from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, including education, health, social sciences, and humanities. Non-cognate applicants may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant transferable skills. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet ICEP Europe’s English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, no component below 6.0).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. We welcome any queries about RPL and encourage you to contact us at psychology@icepe.eu.
The academic year is structured across three teaching terms, which begin in September, January and April.
Modules are completed over one academic term, which is 12 weeks long.
Students typically engage in approximately 4–6 hours of live online learning each week. Live lectures are generally scheduled across two evenings (Tuesday and Wednesday), between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Additional independent study, including readings, recorded content and assessment work, is completed flexibly in your own time.
Assessment is designed to mirror real-world practice, with continuous evaluation through essays, presentations, blogs, podcasts, and other applied formats. There are no formal written exams. In your final year, you’ll complete an independent empirical dissertation, integrating your knowledge and skills under expert supervision to produce work that demonstrates your mastery of psychology.
The programme is mainly delivered online, with four in-person days scheduled across the two-year programme.
You will need a reliable internet connection, a laptop or desktop computer, webcam, microphone and access to standard office software. Some modules also use specialist research software such as SPSS, which will be provided by ICEP Europe.
Yes. Students receive full access to ICEP Europe’s online academic library resources, including journals, e-books and research databases.
Yes. Graduates are invited to attend a formal in-person graduation ceremony, subject to institutional scheduling.
The MSc Psychology programme is currently offered in a part-time format over two years. A full-time option is not available at this time.
-
NEXT INTAKE
April 2026
-
DURATION
2 years part-time
-
ATTENDANCE
Mainly online
-
FEES
€6,750 per annum