Program Overview

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BA (Honours) in Psychology

Course Details

• Description: BA (Honours) in Psychology
• Duration: 3 years
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• CAO Course Code: NC010
• Location: IFSC Campus
• Start Date: 14/09/2026

Accreditation

NCI's BA (Honours) in Psychology is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the professional body for psychology in the Republic of Ireland. Honours graduates are eligible to apply for Graduate Membership of the PSI.

Course Overview

This degree provides a comprehensive grounding in core areas of psychology including:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Personality and Individual Differences
• Lifespan Development
• Social Psychology
• Research Methods
• Biological Psychology

Specialised topics include:

• Workplace Psychology
• Cyberpsychology

Course Structure and Content

Year 1

• Introduction to Psychology
• Core Research Skills for Psychologists
• Social Psychology
• Introduction to Developmental Psychology
• Introduction to Statistics
• Cognitive Psychology
• Learning and Behaviour
• Coaching Psychology

Year 2

• Applied Statistics
• Personality and Intelligence
• Biological Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Advanced Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience
• Applied Research Methods
• Electives (two required):
  • Behavioural Science: Problem Based Learning
  • Psychology of Gender
  • Critical Thinking
  • Multicultural Psychology

Year 3

• Health Psychology
• Advanced Biological Psychology
• Behavioural Psychology
• Applied Developmental Psychology
• Final Project
• Electives (four required):
  • Positive Psychology
  • Criminal Psychology
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health
  • Psychology of Ageing
  • Cyberpsychology
  • Psychotraumatology
  • Workplace Psychology
  • Educational Psychology

Non-psychology elective subjects available include:

• PR and Social Media
• Social and Organisational Behaviour
• Project Management
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Sales Management
• Data Analytics

Assessment and Awards

The course spans six semesters with continuous assessment throughout. Students undertake research projects in their final year, which may be submitted to the Psychology Society of Ireland Annual Student Congress. Notable achievements include:

• Best Research Project award in 2020
• Honourable Mention for an Undergraduate
• Outstanding Undergraduate Presentation Award at the 2025 Student Congress.

Students with an overall average of 70+ in each year are eligible for a Dean's Award. Upon completion, graduates receive a QQI BA Honours Degree in Psychology at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Career Prospects

Graduates acquire specific knowledge in psychology along with broader transferable skills such as critical evaluation and research skills. An accredited degree is crucial for pursuing professional postgraduate courses in areas such as clinical, educational, behavioural, counseling, and organisational psychology. Career opportunities also extend into human resources, recruitment, management, consultancy, and marketing.

Further Study Options

Graduates who meet the entry requirements are eligible to progress to postgraduate programmes at level 9, including the MA in HRM at National College of Ireland, along with clinical, educational, occupational, and counselling psychology at other institutions.

Target Audience

This course is designed for individuals with a keen interest in the human mind and those aspiring to work in various psychology-related fields. It caters to school leavers, mature students, and graduates of QQI level 5/6 programmes seeking a full-time study path.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• A minimum grade of H5 in two higher-level subjects
• A minimum of O6/H7 in four other subjects, including English and Mathematics

For non-native English speakers, specific English language entry requirements apply. Mature applicants, those with disabilities, or those applying through DARE or HEAR access schemes may find additional information relevant to the application process.

Technology Requirements

Students are expected to participate in a Bring Your Own Device policy, requiring a portable computer with recommended specifications:

• Processor: Intel 11th Gen or newer, Core i3/i5/i7 or AMD 5000 Series or newer
• RAM: 16GB or greater
• Storage: SSD 256GB or greater
• Wireless: 802.11 n/ac/ax capability
• Operating Systems: Windows 11 or compatible later versions of MAC OS

Course Fee

• Tuition Fee: €6,250 per annum for students.
• International Students: €14,000 per annum starting September 2026.

QQI Level 5/6 Requirements

Candidates must achieve at least 3 distinctions in level 5/6 qualifications and meet CAO points requirements to qualify for this Level 8 course.