Loss & Bereavement

The MSc in Loss and Bereavement aims to promote critical inquiry into the place of loss, death, and bereavement in Irish society and in health and social care systems.



Delivered by RCSI in partnership with the Opens in new windowIrish Hospice Foundation it is rooted in contemporary scientific research and designed against a policy and professional regulation backdrop and focuses on impacting health, social and community systems, and ultimately, enhancing the quality of life.



Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to promote and provide a range of appropriate supports in your community, workplace and professional practice.



Modules have a particular focus on meeting the needs of those for whom organisation of bereavement support is part of their work/volunteering, or for those who wish to develop a deeper understanding of loss and grief at a societal level.



It is delivered part-time over two years, approximately 70% in person and 30% online.



This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications



Suitable for

Applications are invited from representatives of a wide range of professional disciplines who wish to develop a deeper understanding of loss and grief at individual and societal level or whose work or volunteering roles, involve the organisation of bereavement support in community, health or other areas of general bereavement care.

What you will learn

Year 1

Module 1

Loss, grief and bereavement models through the lifespan



Year 1

Module 2

Counselling in bereavement and loss



Year 1

Module 3

Organisational staff support and self-care



Year 1

Module 4

Loss, death and bereavement in society



Year 1

Module 5

Research appraisal



Year1

Module 6

Range of loss and non-finite loss



Year 2

Module 7

Policy and management in bereavement care



Year 2

Module 8

Project and dissertation

To apply for this programme you must hold a Level 8 degree in a relevant area or equivalent demonstrated through a defined recognition of prior learning (RPL) process. Through RPL you will be required to demonstrate significant professional experience in social/healthcare in a loss/bereavement-related area or as a bereavement support volunteer; completion of CPD and other training relevant to loss and bereavement; evidence of personal insight into loss history.



An academic transcript will be requested when a place is offered. An academic transcript lists your complete academic history – programmes attended, a breakdown of marks/grades achieved, the degree awarded, your overall grade and conferring date.



International degrees’ equivalency are to be verified Opens in new windowusing this service.

Please note:



Ensure you are applying for the correct stream within the MSc Loss and Bereavement programmes. If you are uncertain, please read the MSc Loss and Bereavement brochure or contact Inés Arriola-O'Flynn at the Irish Hospice Foundation.



Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Through recognition of prior learning (RPL) you will be required to demonstrate significant professional experience in social/healthcare in a loss/bereavement-related area or as a bereavement support volunteer; completion of CPD and other training relevant to loss and bereavement; evidence of personal insight into loss history.



English language requirement exceptions

If you are a prospective student applying for the MSc in Loss and Bereavement for whom English is not your native language you may need to arrange a test to confirm proficiency in English.



More details are available at https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements

2 years



Mode of delivery

Hybrid - Part-time

Next start date September 2025