Psychology

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme of study, graduates will be able to demonstrate:

• a detailed understanding of the theory, concepts and methods pertaining to psychology, which includes, for example, a familiarity with the core components of the discipline, major theoretical perspectives, research methodologies, empirical findings and historical trends in psychology;

• understanding and application of psychological principles to personal, social and organisational issues; an ability to: describe major applied areas of psychology (e.g., clinical, counselling, organisational, educational, health); identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems, such as: the pursuit and effect of healthy lifestyles; origin and treatment of abnormal behaviour; psychological tests and measurements; psychology based interventions in clinical, counselling, educational, organisational, community and other settings and their empirical evaluation; articulate how psychological principles can facilitate change; apply psychological concepts, theories and research findings as these pertain to everyday life; recognise that ethically complex situations may develop in the application of psychological principles;

• knowledge and understanding of basic research methods in psychology, including research design, and data analysis and interpretation; an ability to: describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology; explain different research methods used by psychologists; evaluate the appropriateness of conclusions derived from psychological research; design and conduct basic studies to address psychological questions using appropriate research methods; follow the Psychological Society of Ireland code of ethics in the treatment of human and nonhuman participants; generalise research conclusions appropriately based on the parameters of particular research methods;

• a respect for and use of critical and creative thinking, sceptical enquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behaviour and mental processes by: an ability to use critical thinking skills effectively; an ability to engage in creative thinking; an ability to utilise reasoning to recognise, develop, defend and criticise arguments and other persuasive appeals; an ability to approach problems effectively;

• the ability, knowledge, skills and competencies to communicate effectively in a variety of formats; effective writing skills in various formats and for various purposes; effective oral communication skills in various formats; effective interpersonal communication skills; an ability to collaborate effectively; an ability to use advanced skills to conduct research;

• an ability to pursue realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings an ability to: apply knowledge of psychology (e.g., decision strategies, life-span processes, psychological assessment, types of psychological careers) to formulating career choices; identify the types of academic experience and performance in psychology that will facilitate entry into the work force or NFQ level 9/10 awards or both; describe preferred career paths based on accurate self- assessment of abilities, achievement, motivation and work habits; identify and develop skills and experiences relevant to achieving selected career goals; demonstrate an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning and personal flexibility to sustain personal and professional development as the nature of work evolves;

• an ability to develop insight into their own and others behaviour and mental processes, and to apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement an ability to: reflect on their experiences and find meaning in them; apply psychological principles to promote personal development; enact self-management strategies that maximise healthy outcomes; display high standards of personal integrity with others; an awareness of the need to update or deepen their knowledge/skill set and an ability to conduct further training through research, academic or professional training; an ability to independently acquire further expertise and to ensure that the use of this expertise complies with the ethical standards of the psychological profession and community;

• an understanding of the need for the highest ethical standards of practice; an ability to recognise, understand and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity; an ability to: interact effectively and sensitively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultural perspectives understand how privilege, power and oppression may effect prejudice, discrimination and inequity; an understanding that, as part of a team, it is important to consider the opinions of other members and to put in place a plan/design/process that is cognisant of these opinions.