Course Summary
Are you fascinated by the human mind and human behaviour? Would you like to understand how we think, act, react and interact, and use your knowledge and skills to help people? A career in psychology could be perfect for you. This Psychological Society of Ireland-accredited course was the first psychology programme in Ireland to offer a work placement opportunity. In third year, you’ll do an INTRA placement in a clinical, corporate or other environment.
While psychologists differ in their interests and the type of work they do, they all approach the study of behaviour in a scientific way. During the course, you’ll gain knowledge, skills and experience in all core areas in psychology. With a maximum of 40 students in each year group, you’ll benefit from access to academic staff and support as you need it.
Academic Spotlights:
A Helping Hand is the New Normal
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for most people. But for more vulnerable groups, a change in daily routines and adjusting to a ‘new normal’ can be one of anxiety and trepidation. Recognising this, Dr Sinéad Smyth, from the DCU School of Psychology, and her team are determined to identify the difficulties facing young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their families. Click HERE to find out more.
The Thinking Behind Human Behaviour
When we think of the world of psychology, it’s all too easy to limit the field to the counselling of people’s problems. But at DCU’s School of Psychology in the Faculty of Science and Health, the study of Psychology goes far beyond that of psychoanalysis and therapeutic techniques. Click HERE to find out more.
DCU Chat
College Link
Podcasts
Sarah Moorhead, Third year Psychology student / Mature student (13mins 35secs)
College Virtual Tour
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Language Options
* Time abroad utilising this language
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - always check with the college.
Entry Requirements
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - If this is a course you are considering applying for you should check on the Colleges' website to ensure you have the latest entry requirements information.
To view Mature Entry requirements, or alternative requirements, please visit Qualifax or the Colleges' website
If you believe the data above to be incorrect, please let us know at [email protected] - thank you.
QQI / FET Links
Points Calculator for QQI Awards:
Details of the QQI scoring system and a points calculator can be found HERE
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
Psychology 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.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
