Who is this course for?

The MSc in Health Psychology is designed for individuals with a strong first degree in Psychology who wish to develop the knowledge, skills and expertise to progress to a range of career options where Psychology is applied to health. 

What will I study?

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.  

Health Psychology is concerned with the application of psychological theory, research, and practice to the promotion and maintenance of health; the identification and amelioration of psychological factors contributing to physical illness and the improvement of the health care system and formulation of health policy. 

The overall aims of the Programme are: 

• To equip graduates with a comprehensive knowledge base in health psychology, at postgraduate level
• To train students to conduct high quality research in the area of health psychology
• To train students in a wide range of transferrable skills, including communication skills, group work, evidence synthesis, critical review, and professional and ethical conduct. 
• To prepare students to undertake future professional training in health psychology and other areas of psychology, such as clinical psychology. 

The full-time programme is delivered across three academic terms (Semester 1, Semester 2, and the Summer Term). Semesters 1 and 2, each 12 weeks in duration, contain a number of taught modules, which are assessed based on course-work, continuous assessment assignments and written exams.  Throughout both Semesters 1 and 2 and the Summer Term, students carry out and report on a significant piece of supervised research, which comprises a Minor Dissertation.  In addition, to the dissertation, other forms of assessment include exams, essays and other forms of continuous assessment. 

Core modules: 

Semester 1:  

• PS584 Health Promotion and Behaviour Change 
• PS6192 Cardiovascular Psychology 
• PS588 Biobehavioural Processes in Health and Illness
• PS6137 Research and Professional Skills  

Semester 2:  

• PS6183 Advanced Research Methods 
• PS587 Psychological Processes in Illness and Health Care 

Full year: 

• PS6136 Dissertation 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Range of modules: Provides students with a strong foundation in the discipline of Health Psychology with modules including advanced research methods, health behaviour change, biobehavioural processes in health and illness and psychological processes in health care.  
• Advanced research training: Provides training in research methods including advanced statistical data analysis, qualitative research, evidence synthesis and patient and public involvement.  
• Conduct a supervised research project: Demonstrate and develop your research skills through your MSc dissertation, which is written up in peer-review journal format. Students are encouraged to publish their research projects. 
• Develop applied psychology skills: Enhance your skills in developing and delivering evidence-based interventions to promote health and wellbeing. 
• Develop professional expertise: Hone the skills required to succeed in diverse roles, in the public and private sectors, in applying Psychology to health.
• Collaborative Community: Part of a vibrant and collaborative team of Health Psychologists in the School of Psychology, connecting students with national and international networks. 

Our graduates enter a wide range of jobs and future training opportunities.  

Some decide to pursue a career in research. Our course is widely regarded as providing excellent training in research methods and practice, and our graduates are highly sought after for research positions and opportunities. Graduates have gone on to further research at PhD level and have acquired positions as lecturers and researchers in third level institutions, and leading behavioural scientists in health policy sectors. 

Others are more interested in applied options and may progress to further training, such as the Structured PhD in Health Psychology Practice, Clinical Psychology or Counselling Psychology.  

Some go directly into applied work settings, such as the Department of Health, community partners (such as Croi Heart and Stroke Centre) or private industry.  

Behavioural science is a growing discipline with widespread application in the health sector. The World Health Organisation has in recent years established a Behavioural and Cultural Insights Unit, where behavioural scientists are employed for their knowledge, theory and skills in health behaviour change interventions.  

Similarly, national organisations, such as the National Screening Service, are establishing Units of Behavioural Science, where behavioural scientists are employed to apply behavioural science to increase the effectiveness of cancer screening programmes.

The MSc in Health Psychology at the University is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the professional psychological body in Ireland. 

In line with accreditation requirements, the following minimum admission requirements apply to all applicants for the MSc in Health Psychology:  

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology at National Framework of Qualifications Level 8 (or equivalent) accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or equivalent international qualification. 

For applicants who have completed their psychology degree in the United Kingdom, British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degrees are recognised as automatically equivalent to PSI accredited degrees, as there is mutual recognition of undergraduate degrees between the two professional societies. 

For applicants who do not hold a qualification in an undergraduate degree accredited by the PSI or the BPS, the applicant must demonstrate that the degree they have completed is equivalent. The following are requirements for equivalence of a PSI accredited Psychology degree courses .  

• Prof Molly Byrne
• Dr Jenny McSharry
• Prof Gerry Molloy
• Dr Jenny Groarke
• Dr Caroline Heary
• Prof Brian Hughes
• Dr Lisa Hynes
• Prof Brian McGuire
• Dr Chris Noone
• Prof Jane Walsh 

How will I learn? 

The MSc in Health Psychology combines innovative teaching methods with practical, hands-on learning to ensure a comprehensive educational experience. The small class size ensures that students have opportunities for one-to-one communication with faculty. 

You will learn through a mix of interactive lectures, seminars and workshops led by expert faculty. Real-world case studies, projects and visiting workshops from international experts and community partners will enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. 

Group projects and collaborative activities will enhance your teamwork and communication skills, while individual assignments and the final dissertation will help you develop independence and critical thinking.  

Throughout the programme, you will have access to cutting-edge resources to support your learning and professional growth 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress is assessed through various coursework and exams, including reports, essays, presentations, and computer assignments. 

1. Continuous Assessment—Regular coursework, including essays, presentations, videos, in-class tests, and reports. 
2. Examinations— Written exams take place at the end of semester 2.  
3. Project Work—You will complete a supervised research project which is a major component of your course and accounts for 30 ECTS credits (of 90).  

Course queries: 
psychology@universityofgalway.ie 

Ms Gillian Davies, Programme Administrator:  
E: gillian.davies@universityofgalway.ie  

Programme Director(s):  

Prof Molly Byrne 
Dr Jenny McSharry 
Prof Gerry Molloy 
School of Psychology 
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies 

What are the entry requirements for the MSc in Health Psychology? 

Academic requirements:  

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology at National Framework of Qualifications Level 8 (or equivalent) accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or equivalent international qualification. Applicants who have achieved at least a 2.1 (or equivalent) in their primary psychology degree are offered a place on a programme, with applicants who have achieved a 2.2 result added to the waitlist. Waitlisted applicants are offered a place pending availability.    

English language requirements:  

All applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate language competence at the level of IELTS (or equivalent qualification) of 7.0 overall, with not less than 6.5 in any component. Tests must be taken within two years of the start date of the student's programme. More information here: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/global-galway/studyinireland/entryrequirements/ 

How to demonstrate equivalence to an undergraduate degree accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland? 

If an applicant does not hold a qualification in an undergraduate degree accredited by the PSI or the BPS, the following are requirements for equivalence of a PSI accredited Psychology degree courses : 

1. Psychology should be the main subject: Psychology modules should make up >50% of the course. 
2. The degree should include a relatively broad range of psychology courses including the core curriculum components of: 
   1. Biological psychology 
   2. Developmental psychology
   3. Social psychology 
   4. Individual differences
   5. Cognitive psychology 
   6. Research methods: Research methods are integral to psychology and students must obtain a sound knowledge of, and a proven ability to use, a range of methods appropriately, including both quantitative and qualitative methods.
3. Applicants must demonstrate research competence in practical work and in the completion of a supervised empirical 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 and completion of an ethics review process. The project requires students to individually demonstrate a range of research skills including planning, considering and resolving ethical issues, analysis and dissemination of findings. Typically, these projects are at least 5000 words and are written in the style of a peer-review publication. The project must be passed and cannot be compensated for. 

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

This programme is designed to provide early and mid-career accountants with the skills and knowledge needed to engage with big data in a variety of roles in practice and industry. 
 
Candidates who have completed all of the professional accounting examinations and have been admitted as full members by a recognised professional accountancy body including the following: ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS or other IFAC member body assessed as equivalent by the academic programme director, are eligible for consideration. 

Academic requirements:  

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology at National Framework of Qualifications Level 8 (or equivalent) accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or equivalent international qualification. Applicants who have achieved at least a 2.1 (or equivalent) in their primary psychology degree are offered a place on a programme, with applicants who have achieved a 2.2 result added to the waitlist. Waitlisted applicants are offered a place pending availability.    

English language requirements:  

All applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate language competence at the level of IELTS (or equivalent qualification) of 7.0 overall, with not less than 6.5 in any component. Tests must be taken within two years of the start date of the student's programme. More information here: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/global-galway/studyinireland/entryrequirements/ 

How to demonstrate equivalence to an undergraduate degree accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland? 

If an applicant does not hold a qualification in an undergraduate degree accredited by the PSI or the BPS, the following are requirements for equivalence of a PSI accredited Psychology degree courses : 

1. Psychology should be the main subject: Psychology modules should make up >50% of the course. 
2. The degree should include a relatively broad range of psychology courses including the core curriculum components of: 
   1. Biological psychology 
   2. Developmental psychology
   3. Social psychology 
   4. Individual differences
   5. Cognitive psychology 
   6. Research methods: Research methods are integral to psychology and students must obtain a sound knowledge of, and a proven ability to use, a range of methods appropriately, including both quantitative and qualitative methods. 
3. Applicants must demonstrate research competence in practical work and in the completion of a supervised empirical 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 and completion of an ethics review process. The project requires students to individually demonstrate a range of research skills including planning, considering and resolving ethical issues, analysis and dissemination of findings. Typically, these projects are at least 5000 words and are written in the style of a peer-review publication. The project must be passed and cannot be compensated for. 

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€8,500		€20,000	€140		€8,640	€20,140
Masters Part Time	1	€4,250			€70		€4,320

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships  
University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here. 

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.