Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology (PSI accredited)

Course details

Key Features of the Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology

• Designed for non psychology graduates and those seeking to pursue a professional career or postgraduate study in psychology
• The programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) - the professional body for Psychologists in Ireland
• The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology is an internationally recognised programme that allows application for graduate membership of relevant psychological societies including the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• The course is of particular interest to those who wish to enhance their current work practices e.g. Health and social care professionals, teachers, HR Managers, Voluntary and Community sector workers and many more
• It is also of interest to those who would like to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of Psychology
• The course represents the first necessary step to becoming a professional Psychologist
• Successful graduates may apply to enter postgraduate training courses in their chosen specialisation and ultimately gain employment in their area of expertise

Introduction

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology is for graduates who wish to pursue a professional career or postgraduate study in psychology but who don't hold an honours degree in psychology. The course enables students to study key areas of psychology in a thriving research environment and, through a supervised research dissertation, explore practical issues of interest and relevance to a range of theoretical and occupational fields. Students will develop a firm knowledge base in psychology and gain experience of the research process that will build upon the skills and knowledge that they have already acquired in earlier studies. The psychology degree represents the necessary first step to becoming a professional psychologist. Upon successful completion of the degree, depending upon the final grade, graduates will be eligible to apply to enter postgraduate training courses in their chosen specialisation and ultimately gain employment in their area of expertise. The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology is an internationally recognised programme that allows application for graduate membership of relevant psychological societies including the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold:

• A primary honours degree award of at least pass level in a non-cognate discipline from a recognised third level institution, or
• An IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English.

Programme Content

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology programme has the following content:

Module

• History and Schools in Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Data Analysis and Computing
• Fundamentals of Cognitive Psychology
• Modelling Cognitive Systems
• Behaviour Analysis
• Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
• Research Design In Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Biopsychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Personality and Inpidual Differences
• Health Psychology
• Organisational Psychology
• Human Performance
• Research Project

Assessment Methods

Throughout the course some modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and 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, short-answer in-class exam, oral presentation, group work and poster presentations. Examinations are typically held in January and late April/May.