HDipA (PsychologyFull)

Course details

The HDipPsych (Full) is a programme for graduates who have already received a higher degree in a field other than psychology, but who wish to pursue psychology as a career option. By completing the HDipPsych (Full), students will cover course content equivalent to that of the NUI Galway BA Psychology programme, thus qualifying graduates for entry to postgraduate professional programmes in Ireland and in the United Kingdom. 

The HDipPsych (Full) is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and thus satisfies the requirements specified by PSI for graduate status in psychology. The programme qualifies graduates for entry to postgraduate professional programmes in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Key facts

Entry requirements

The programme is intended for graduates with at least an upper Second Class Honours level in any field other than psychology. Places are awarded on the basis of academic merit. The two-year HDipPsych (Full) is not intended for graduates who have the BA (Omnibus) with Psychological Studies from NUI Galway (or its equivalent as deemed by the College of Arts), which is intended to articulate with the one-year fulltime HDip in Psychology (Conversion).

Course outline

The HDipPsych (Full) is a two-year full-time postgraduate degree that provides detailed training in the science of psychology. Students on the programme undertake modules from the BA Psychology Second and Third Year programme. 

The menu includes modules on the psychology of learning; memory and cognition; developmental psychology; perception, attention and performance; biological psychology; issues in cognitive neuroscience; applied organisational psychology; social psychology; health psychology; psychological measurement (theory and practice); advanced research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) and computer skills training (SPSS). 

Students take part in a series of experimental workshops throughout the two academic years and, in addition, are required to complete an independent research project under supervision in their final year. Finally, a recent innovation allows students to choose an elective module from a selection of available electives across both academic years.

Requirements and assessment

Assessment on the HDipPsych (Full) programme varies from module to module. Many modules are assessed by examination and some wholly or partially through continuous assessment. Work submitted for continuous assessment includes written essays, written reports, presentations and research projects.