Psychology
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 scientifically approach the study of behaviour. DCU’s BSc in Psychology, offered through the School of Psychology, is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). This ensures that the course meets the highest standards for undergraduate pre-professional training in psychology.
DCU's BSc in Psychology 4-year programme is structured to cover introductory to advanced levels of psychology across the five core pillars of undergraduate training: developmental and lifespan psychology; biological psychology and neuropsychology; social psychology; cognitive psychology and the psychology of individual difference. A core focus running throughout the programme is research literacy supported by a combination of practical and online laboratory activities.
The Psychology degree’s core subjects include research design, quantitative and qualitative 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 modules from a variety of discipline areas.
This degree places particular emphasis on the application of psychology. For example, you’ll 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’ll undertake an independent research project in Year Four, which will allow you to use these valuable skills.
Given our extensive networks with partner hospitals/clinics, schools, industry and researchers, we are the first to lead out in credited undergraduate psychology internships - our Year 3 INTRA programme - in various fields including clinical and behavioural neuroscience; organisational and corporate psychology; applied behaviour analysis etc. Our programme covers an exciting range of applied subjects (e.g. health psychology, educational psychology, organizational psychology, clinical neuropsychology and sports psychology) and offers cutting edge options (e.g. Disability and Illness, Law and Neuroscience, Crime and Psychology, Applied Behaviour Analysis and Psychopharmacology).
View the current course structure
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We have a unique and vibrant culture on our modern campus close to Dublin city centre. We provide state-of-the-art study facilities for all our courses and everything else you need for a healthy, fun and active student life.
We have three academic campuses close to Dublin City centre - they are located in Glasnevin and Drumcondra, and can be reached by public transport (Dublin Bus).
Each campus has libraries, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. Sports facilities are located on two of the academic campuses. We also have a dedicated sports campus in the form of St Claire’s.
Exceptional facilities
DCU students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
Construction on our FutureTech building on the Glasnevin campus will get underway in 2022. Once completed, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines. It will have the capacity to accommodate an additional 3,000 STEM students on the university’s Glasnevin campus.
Campus life
DCU student facilities boast a fully equipped sports complex with a 25-metre pool, three libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
Our purpose built, state-of-the-art new student centre known as 'The U' serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body of 18,500. It is home to the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub.
DCU Students' Union and the Office of Student Life are also based in the U. The centre is a space for students where they can meet, with lots of charging points and isolation booths. Clubs and socs avail of meeting rooms here and it's also home to DCUFM. NuBar, Londis and the Venue are also located here.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year.
Student Supports
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice Centre: Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning: facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
I can't speak highly enough of the DCU BSc in Psychology. It was a truly engaging, rewarding and enjoyable experience. The highlight of the course for me was the oportunity to take part in a work placement period in the third year. I would recommend that anyone thinking of studying psychology in Ireland makes it their first choice.
Clare Bohan, BSc in Psychology
Most students study psychology because they aim to pursue a career as a psychologist. However, others choose to study psychology because it offers a broad training in a behavioural science, it develops a wide range of valued transferable skills and it can be used as a stepping stone into several other careers. Studying with us at the School of Psychology opens up a wide range of postgraduate training and career opportunities. With further professional education and training, one can work as a psychologist in professional settings such as clinical, counselling, organisational, health, educational, sport, forensic or academic settings.
Job options for graduates include:
- Assistant psychologist positions
- Marketing
- Management
- Research
- Data analysis
- Human resources
- Health promotion
- Community development
Requirements
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
Minimum of O4 or H6 in Mathematics
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
No Entry Path
No Entry Path
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.