Overview

On successful completion of the programme, it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Identify the fundamental psychological processes that underlie psychological phenomena in cognition, developmental psychology, social psychology, personality psychology, and biological psychology.
• Understand the fundamental principles of research methods.
• Critically evaluate current issues in psychological research and its applications in society.
• Demonstrate how psychological issues can be investigated and critically evaluated.
• Select and develop strategies to investigate and solve psychological issues on the level of individuals and groups.
• Apply the fundamental psychological concepts and practices to psychological issues in research and in the social context.
• Demonstrate expertise in applying psychological methods when assessing and solving psychological issues.
• Demonstrate interpersonal competencies and professional sensitivity including ethical behaviour.
• Conceptualise, research and write critical assessments of psychological areas of investigation.
• Understand and evaluate the significance of psychological research and the findings that it can provide.
• Critically evaluate psychological applications to solutions in society considering contextual limitations and the feasibility of psychological interventions.

CONTACTS

Graduate Profile

Graduates of this 1-year conversion course will be eligible for graduate membership in the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). They can also apply for graduate membership in the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Programme Content

Overall, a student will take 11 modules over the course of 12 months.  In the Autumn, the student will take 5 modules.  In the Spring the student will also take 5 modules.  In the Summer the student will take 1 module. Specifically, the student will take 4 core modules and 1 elective module in the Autumn semester. Similarly, the student will take 4 core modules and 1 elective module in the Spring semester. In the Summer the student will take 1 core module, the major research project. The 11 modules contribute to 90 ECTS, and each semester (Autumn, Spring, Summer) provides 30 ECTS.  All modules listed as electives are Level 9 modules.  All modules listed as electives can serve as substitutes. Substitutes are taken in addition to the electives. Electives and substitutes need to be consistent with the overall curriculum and the learning goals of the course.  For example, a student who has little experience in statistics will not be able to take the module 'Advanced Analysis in Psychology 1' as an elective. But a student who has taken a statistics module such as 'research methods', will be allowed to take the advanced analysis module as an elective.  Note that modules will only be substituted if the modules taken as part of the earlier education overlap with the content of modules on courses that have been accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland or the British Psychological Society.  It is therefore essential that the Course Director agrees to the student's preferred electives.  Note also that the course consists of an "exit option", which allows students to complete their study after the first two semesters (10 modules; 60 ECTS) with a Higher Diploma (Level 8) degree.

Entry Requirements

Normally a 2.2 honours degree (NFQ Level 8) is required, with a minimum of 60 ECTS or equivalent experience in psychology and research methods in a cognate field (e.g., sociology). The amount of credits associated with psychology modules must be equivalent to more than 50% of the overall credits. In the case of international candidates, the overseas equivalent as determined by the Course Board and the guidelines of UL Graduate School Admissions is required. Where candidates are non-native English language speakers, certified demonstrable achievements in a standard English language competency test in line with UL requirements will be necessary. Where deemed necessary, candidates may be interviewed as part of the selection process.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• English language qualification if English is not your first language
• Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English
• 1 (one) academic reference.
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than  two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved

• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), 80 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* for Business, Arts, Humanities or Education programmes. Minimum score of 6.0* for Science, Engineering, Informatics or Electronics programmes *with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.