BA (Hons) Psychology (PSI accredited)

Overview

Psychology is one of the most exciting and interesting subjects available in third level education. It is the study of human behaviour in all its forms normal and abnormal, natural and learned, productive and destructive. It is a modern and progressive area of study, which with a 150-year history, is currently experiencing unprecedented growth and development in Ireland and internationally. In modern times, professional psychologists work in almost every sphere of daily life. They contribute to the design of our classrooms and what takes place in them. They teach industry the best ways to select and motivate employees. They provide crucial insight into the background of social problems such as suicide, addiction and child abuse. They help coaches train athletes, help the police to investigate crime, help managers to reduce stress in the workplace and help the health services to design effective health promotion campaigns (for example, anti-smoking, and safe driving campaigns).

Aims and Objectives

The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) accredits the BA (Hons) Psychology degree taught in DBS. PSI is the professional body for psychology in Ireland. As such it seeks to promote the science and profession of psychology in Ireland and beyond. The psychology degree represents the necessary first step to becoming a professional psychologist. The BA (Hons) Psychology is designed to provide an understanding of human thought and behaviours through the application of psychology to a wide range of areas. These areas range from the understanding of the nature and causes of mental illness to investigating the decision making processes used by us in real life situations. Our degree is informed continually by research, both past and present, and is taught by staff who are also practitioners in various psychology fields. Uniquely the Psychology degree in DBS introduces students to the main concepts and text which the tradition of psychoanalysis offers to the field of psychology.

The objectives of the BA (Hons) Psychology degree are as follows:

• To provide a forum of open space learning where students can develop , deepen and expand their theoretical knowledge of Psychology
• To equip students with the knowledge and skills required allowing progression in further specialist and applied areas of psychology
• To facilitate an understanding of the main domains of the scientific and empirical study of psychology
• To develop a critical appreciation of the contribution psychology has made to understanding behaviour and experience
• To allow students to engage in advanced theoretical debates relevant to the understanding of contemporary issues in society
• To provide students with eligibility for Graduate Basis for Registration with the Psychological Society of Ireland
• To offer the opportunity for progression to postgraduate level within the many fields of psychology and related specialisms

PSI Accredited

The BA (Hons) in Psychology is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland, the professional body for psychology in Ireland. As such, it seeks to promote the science and profession of psychology in Ireland and beyond. PSI membership now stands at over 3,000 members, and includes practitioners, educators and researchers, professionals and postgraduate students, as well as undergraduate subscribers.

Course Content

The BA (Hons) in Psychology has the following content:

Stage 1

• Psychological Foundations
• Foundations in Social Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Foundations of Biopsychology
• Fundamentals of Cognitive Psychology
• Academic Skills Lab
• ASSET
• Research Technique & Analysis 1
• Introduction to Psychoanalysis & the Unconscious

Stage 2

• Modelling Cognitive Systems
• Development Across the Lifespan: Adolescence and Adulthood
• Fundamentals of Biopsychology
• Social Psychology
• Experimental Psychology
• Psychology in Action- online
• Ethical Research Methods & Design
• Research Technique & Analysis 2
• Personality and Psychoanalytic Subjectivity

Stage 3

Core Modules:

• Neuropsychopharmacology
• Internet Mediated Research- online
• Behaviour Science

Electives (Stream 1):

• • Organisational Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Mental Health & Distress
  • Human Performance

Electives (Stream 2):

• • Sexuality 1
  • Sexuality 2
  • Hysteria
  • Psychoanalysis and Language

Teaching and Assessment

Throughout the course some modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and end of year examinations, or by continuous assessment alone. Continuous assessment will vary in style and purpose from module to module, depending upon the nature of the subject material and the teaching and learning objectives of the module. Assessments may include essays, multiple choice questionnaire, in-class exam, oral presentation, group work, and poster presentations.

Structure

The degree is divided into three levels. Level three has a major final year project associated with it. The duration of the degree on a part-time basis is typically four years. Normally students will attend classes two evenings per week from 6.15pm-9.30pm.

In Level 1, students undertake introductory subjects that are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of core disciplines to provide a platform for more advanced study.

In Level 2, students take subjects that build on the level 1 foundation and further develop student knowledge and understanding.

In Level 3, students take subjects intended to develop understanding of applied areas and key subjects. Furthermore, students also undertake a research project under the guidance of a supervisor.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the degree, depending upon the final grade, graduates will be eligible to apply to enter postgraduate training programmes in their chosen specialisation and ultimately gain employment in their area of expertise.

These areas include:

• Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
• Clinical Psychology
• Counselling Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Organisations Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Neuropsychology

Sport (and Exercise) Psychology Graduates from the BA (Hons) Psychology from DBS have achieved the prerequisite psychoanalytic study to apply for the clinical training MA in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in DBS. Graduates from this programme can also apply to progress on to the MA in Addiction Studies at DBS. Graduates not wishing to go on to train as a psychologist can also go on to work in areas such as teaching, research, counselling, community or youth work, assistant psychologist, classroom assistant, care worker, support worker. In addition graduates will be able to work flexibly and creatively as individuals and in groups, capable of independent thought, self-directed in their outlook, diplomatic, dedicated and determined.

Fees

The Course Fees for the BA (Hons) in Psychology are €870 (1 x 10 credit module) / €420 (1 x 5 credit module) per annum.

For a full list of part-time undergraduate arts degree fees click here. You can also contact our admissions team who will also be able to advise on the payment options available to our students.

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about your course of interest. The open day will give you the opportunity to receive one on one advice and direction from leading academics in your chosen subject area, meet current students and also have your questions answered on entry requirements, student support and the admissions process. Find out when our next open event is taking place.