Prospective Students

Understanding the Course:

Psychology is concerned with all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivations underlying such behaviour. While psychologists differ in their interests within the field of psychology and in the type of work they do, they all approach the study of psychology in a scientific way. Psychologists are concerned with practical problems such as:

• How can we ease the effects of parental divorce on children?
• How can we make sure that eyewitness accounts in court are reliable?
• How should people act on a date - what do others tend to find attractive?
• How can we help people overcome depression, stress or phobias?
• How do footballers keep their anger in check on the pitch?
• What makes a good manager?
• How can teachers ensure students are really learning?

If you think these research questions are interesting, then you may be interested in studying psychology.

About You:

You should possess good verbal and written skills, be hard-working and creative, have an enquiring mind and have the ability to think critically. Other qualities that would be an advantage are flexibility and good interpersonal skills.

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University (see How to Apply section), the following requirements apply: OC3 or HD3 in Mathematics.

Course Structure:

This is a four-year degree where the core subjects include research, design and quantitative methods, cognitive psychology, developmental and lifespan psychology, biological bases of behaviour, social psychology, personality and individual differences, educational psychology, sports psychology, health psychology, and organisational psychology. In addition to the core subjects, you can also choose from a range of optional subjects from a variety of discipline areas that are part of the course. The combination of core and optional modules will enhance your appreciation of the inter-relationship between psychology and other discipline areas, as well as your understanding of the impact psychology has on various aspects of human experience.

This degree places particular emphasis on the application of psychology. You will participate in experimental, practical, survey and observational work. This will allow the development of expertise in practical-based psychological methods while deepening your understanding of the theoretical knowledge you are acquiring. You will undertake an independent research project in Year Four, which will give you the opportunity to use these valuable skills.

In addition, you will be given the opportunity to apply and understand psychology in real life situations. DCU's INTRA programme is a work experience programme undertaken by students in Ireland or abroad. Your INTRA will comprise a practice placement that will provide you with complementary practical and professional development opportunities. These opportunities, combined with your academic programme of study, will enhance your motivation and assist in your exploration of potential careers.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• Dynamic lecturing team.
• Students are taught mainly on campus.
• Innovative teaching methodologies.
• Small classes allow for individual attention from high-quality staff.
• Offers a student-centre learning philosophy.
• INTRA work placement.
• Accessible academic and pastoral support system.
• High level of technical expertise and support available.

Additional Information

Students will benefit from a personal tutor system, where they will have a named lecturer to provide support to them. In addition, regular feedback sessions will be undertaken to monitor and facilitate student progress, while student representatives will attend academic liaison meetings. Furthermore, students will be able to avail of online support via MOODLE, an online learning environment, where academic peer forums may be established and where ongoing support and advice from academic staff is provided.

Students will avail of psychological expertise from two faculties within DCU, while St. Patrick's Drumcondra, a linked college of DCU, provides modules on The Psychology of Education and Human Development. The inter-faculty and inter-collegiate aspect of this degree course ensures that students not only exit with a Level 8 Award in Psychology, but also gain an excellent grounding in the applied areas of health psychology, educational psychology, organisational psychology and sports psychology.

A practice placement will be undertaken by students for one semester in their third year. The benefits of this placement are numerous and introduce the student to the many benefits, both practical and personal, of working as part of a team. Furthermore, it gives the student an opportunity to critically reflect on the theoretical perspectives they have learned and to experience first hand how psychology influences and impacts upon every section and aspect of the jobs market.

Following standard guidelines, this course will be seeking accreditation from the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). PSI has very specific requirements and this course has been designed to meet these requirements, thus enhancing the likelihood of successful accreditation.

Career Prospects:

A psychology degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities. A degree in psychology can lead to graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland, the professional body for the profession of psychology. The first step in developing a career in psychology involves the successful completion of an undergraduate degree in psychology. Further education and training is subsequently required to work as a psychologist in professional settings such as clinical, counselling, organisational, health, educational, sport or academic settings. Irrespective of whether a graduate decides to pursue a career in psychology, a degree in psychology is a valuable qualification. Many graduates take up permanent employment in a wide variety of jobs, including as community development officers, careers advisers, health promotion officers, management trainees/managers, editors, social researchers, youth workers, public relations officers, human resource/personnel officers, marketing executives to name but a few.

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

OC3 or HD3 in Mathematics.

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE C Mathematics

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

How to Apply and Closing Dates

Make an Application

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at http://www.cao.ie/
Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

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