Environmental Psychology

The Masters in Environmental Psychology aims to ensure graduates develop a critical understanding of how our actions shape the world and how our environments impact upon us. Environmental psychology is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the interplay between individuals and their surroundings. In addition to expert contributions from a range of sub-disciplines in psychology (e.g. cognitive, health, clinical, and research), contributions from geography, digital technology and environmental science are integral to the programme.



The recognition of the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide an appropriate global backdrop to this programme. Key topics include social and climate justice, nature-based therapies and mental health, nature-based solutions and sustainability, ecological and personal thriving, and innovation in our assessment of the environment as a facilitator, shaper and consequence of human behaviours. The Masters also 'puts environmental psychology in its place' locally; highlighting the unique Maynooth Green Campus initiative and other natural assets including the Royal Canal Greenway. EU projects such as GoGreenRoutes on urban health are among the interlinked activities that offer opportunities for knowledge-sharing.

This is a one-year taught programme. Contact hours will be between 9-6 within the standard university week. Students will have lectures, group and project work and undertake a research project or thesis. The research project will run over two semesters and is worth 30 credits. In semesters 1 and 2, students will complete 60 credits of taught modules. Primarily these will be lecture/classroom-based activities with some outdoor and on-campus based innovations.



Research Seminars in Environmental Psychology which connects to the GoGreen Next project funded under the European Commissions Horizon Europe programme. Fundamentals of Environmental Psychology provides a foundation level knowledge in the discipline and includes a problem-based learning strategy. These modules are augmented by further modules focusing on advanced topics and the research project. Existing modules from the departments of psychology and geography with other contributions from across the campus community as guest speakers provide a breadth of learning opportunities.



Several modules will apply a blended approach to readily access international experts in seminars via Teams. This both enhances the diversity of available contributors and also aligns with the courses Eco-code. This code represents the planned commitment to improving environmental performance, sustainability and efforts to reduce carbon footprint. All module activities and content will be mapped against the 17 UN sustainable development goals to clearly elucidate the relevance of each aspect of the programme.



Please see Course Web Page link above for module details.

The programme welcomes participants from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, including graduates of psychology, social sciences, environmental, human and health sciences and related domains.



A first class or upper second class honours primary degree qualification (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level) is normally required. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used for non-standard entry onto a programme where the relevant standard academic entry requirements have not been met. Applicants may be invited to interview.



Before undertaking any programme of study, candidates who subsequently wish to pursue professional training, accredited training pathways, or professional registration (e.g. CORU) should check with relevant providers and/or societies that the qualifications meet their entry or registration requirements.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date : 30 June 2025



Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

1 year full-time.

Note: Course is subject to minimum enrolment.

Career options:

Diverse job opportunities for environmental psychology graduates include consulting or research in areas such as sustainability science, workplace well-being, green architecture, urban planning landscape architecture, environmental design, nature-based enterprises, community development or restoration. Additional opportunities may be available with government agencies, non-profit organizations or wildlife and forest conservatories. A number of graduates have progressed onto doctoral research programmes including funded studentships on the GoGreen Next project.