About BSc (Hnrs) in Applied Psychology (PSI Accredited)

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific investigation of mind and behaviour, the study of how people think, act, react and interact. Psychologists observe people in schools, workplaces and social environments in order to understand why people behave the way they do. Psychologists study how genes, age, background and environment influence the way we behave and how we make sense of what we perceive and experience.

Aims and Objectives

Why Applied Psychology?

Applied psychology is when an understanding of psychology is applied to real world problems. Consider how technology has changed many aspects of life such as the workplace, entertainment, socialising, learning, even how we shop. Sport, health and even learning are made clearer through the application of psychological principles.

This programme offers a unique opportunity to study how psychology applies to everyday life, especially our use of technology.

What will I be able to do when I Graduate?

You can work or study in all branches of psychology as the degree is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland.

Our graduates have studied for Masters Degrees in Forensic Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Speech & Language Therapy, Sports Psychology, Multimedia, and e-Learning.

They are also working as usability engineers, research assistants, instructional designers, or are employed in human resources and a variety of other jobs.

You may progress to our MSc in Cyberpsychology, DL155.

What Subjects Will I Study?

Year 1

• Psychology – the basic principles
• Perception and Ergonomics –interpreting the world around us
• Research Methods and Statistics – the tools of psychological research
• Multimedia Design – principles of designing for technology
• ICT – Information and Communication Technologies, i.e., how a computer works and communicates
• Abnormal Psychology - the description, causes and treatment of psychological disorders

Year 2

You study core psychology, research (including statistics) and take either of the streams Psychology and Technology OR Psychology and Practice.

• • Psychology and Technology enables you to investigate how technology is developed and used to make our lives better.
• • Psychology and Practice explores how psychology is applied to areas such as Sport, Forensics and Education.

Places will be allocated on the two streams on the basis of student performance, choice and the number of places available.

Year 3

You study core psychology, research and the two streams work together on a group project.

Year 4

You will do a major psychological research project.

This is a practical, hands-on programme. You often work in small groups and attend lectures, tutorials and labs for about 22 hours a week.

What are the Entry Requirements?

Leaving Certificate Examination (or equivalent) with a minimum of Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects together with Grade D3 in four other subjects at ordinary or higher level to include English, Mathematics, and 1 other language, e.g. Irish, French, etc. You must have obtained at least grade D3 in Ordinary Level mathematics. Foundation level Maths is not acceptable.

Applicants with FETAC awards require distinctions in 3 (of 8) modules, as well as either a pass in a FETAC mathematical module or D3 (Ordinary level) in Leaving Certificate mathematics. FETAC links for this programme are:

ACADX: Computer Aided Design

BIPXX: Information Processing

CITXX: Information Technology

DCHCC: Community Care

DCHSC: Childcare

DCHSN: Nursing Studies

DCHSX: Community & Health Services

DHSXX: Healthcare Support

EMMPX:Multimedia Production

We welcome application from mature students, who must apply to the CAO.

“This is a unique programme with a dedicated and enthusiastic programme team who are not afraid to experiment with novel pedagogic techniques and exploit opportunities provided by IT” – Professor Ray Fuller, External Examiner