BA (Hons) Psychology (PSI accredited) - Part-time

Program Overview

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BA (Hons) Psychology (PSI accredited) - Part-time

Overview

Career in Psychology

Psychology is one of the most exciting and interesting subjects available in third level education. It is the study of human behaviour in all its forms normal and abnormal, natural and learned, productive and destructive. It is a modern and progressive area of study, which with a 150-year history, is currently experiencing unprecedented growth and development in Ireland and internationally.

Professional psychologists work in almost every sphere of contemporary life. Psychology contributes to the design of our classrooms and what takes place in them. Psychology teaches employers the best ways to select and motivate employees. Psychology provides crucial insight into the background of social problems such as suicide, addiction and child abuse. They help coaches to train athletes, help the police to investigate crime, help managers to reduce stress in the workplace and help the health services to design effective health promotion campaigns (for example, anti-smoking and safe driving campaigns).

Aims and Objectives

The general programme aims are as follows:

• To provide learners with the opportunity to develop, deepen and expand their theoretical knowledge of Psychology.
• To equip learners with the knowledge, skills and competence required to progress in specialist and applied areas of Psychology.
• To facilitate in learners a critical knowledge of the main domains of the empirical study of Psychology.
• To develop in learners a critical awareness of the contribution of Psychology to understanding human behaviour and experience.
• To allow learners to engage in advanced theoretical debates relevant to the understanding of contemporary issues in society.
• To give learners an opportunity to access specific and sufficient areas of study to permit them to access relevant further professional recognition.

PSI Accredited

The BA (Hons) in Psychology is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland, the professional body for psychology in Ireland. As such, it seeks to promote the science and profession of psychology in Ireland and beyond. PSI membership now stands at over 2000 members, and includes practitioners, educators and researchers, professionals and postgraduate students, as well as undergraduate degree holders.

In order to be eligible for PSI Graduate Membership, students must pass the independent research psychology project, and gain at least a Lower Second Class Honours degree, or its equivalent (i.e. an overall pass mark of at least 50 per cent for conversion programmes).

Delivery

This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.

Student Testimonial

"I always wanted to study psychology so took the plunge finally. The application process was very easy, the staff were very helpful and intimate classes allow for more tutor attention.

I absolutely adored it...I enjoyed the tutors & small classes; it made me fall in love with psychology. My favourite subject was Developmental Psychology.

I would recommend DBS to other students; it's very accessible and the staff are always on hand to help - very quick email replies to any queries.

I have recently been promoted...I believe my skills developed me into a better manager hence why I got the job promotion. My future plans are likely to work with the Gaurds and in the prisons with criminology / forensic psychology."

Ruby Whyte Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology

Course Content

Level 1

• Core Modules:
  • Psychological Foundations
  • Social Psychology 1
  • Biopsychology 1
  • Developmental Psychology 1
  • Cognitive Psychology 1
  • Psychology Learning Lab
  • Individual Differences 1
  • Introduction to Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious
  • Research Technique and Analysis 1
  • Positive Psychology

Level 2

• Core Modules:
  • Cognitive Psychology 2
  • Developmental Psychology 2
  • Biopsychology 2
  • Social Psychology 2
  • Psychology in Action 1
  • Ethical Research Methods and Design
  • Research Technique and Analysis 2
  • Individual Differences 2
  • Psychical Structures in the Clinic of Psychoanalysis
  • Experimental Psychology

Level 3

• Core Modules:
  • Psychological Disorders
  • Psychology in Action 2
  • Behaviour Science Research Project
• Electives:
  • Health Psychology
  • Work and Organisational Psychology
  • Internet Psychology
  • Criminal Psychology
  • Hysteria in the Psychoanalysis Clinic
  • Psychoanalysis and Anxiety
  • Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Sexuality
  • Intervention and Therapeutic Practice
  • Addiction
  • Performance Psychology
  • Lacan, Language and the Unconscious
  • Ecopsychology

Twelve elective modules are available to learners at Award Stage. Learners are free to choose any combination of elective modules as facilitated by the timetable design, although these have been organised into clusters of three modules, two clusters per semester, in order to enhance mutual learning opportunities through meaningful combinations. Psychoanalysis elective modules may only be selected if prerequisite modules at Stage 1 and Stage 2 have been completed successfully.

Teaching and Assessment

Throughout the course some modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and end of year 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, in-class exam, oral presentation, group work, and poster presentations.

Please note when teaching the corresponding software used on this programme, the lecture notes and materials are for the Windows operating system. Although the software may work on some other operating systems, the programmes are optimised for use on a Windows operating system.

Awarding Body and NFQ Level

As part of our ongoing obligation to quality assurance for QQI and PSI, DBS will carry out reviews and submit the programme for re-approval as required. This means that there may be changes to programme content or delivery during your programme of study. If this does occur, DBS will carefully consider all transition arrangements to ensure consistency for learners.

CORU Recognition

CORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator whose role is to protect the public through regulating the health and social care professions listed in the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended). It includes the Health and Social Care Professionals Council and the Registration Boards established under the Act 2005 (as amended).

The BA (Hons)/Higher Diploma in Psychology does not currently fall under CORU for the purposes of recognition to the profession. However, learners should be aware that CORU is currently preparing to regulate the psychology profession for all higher education institutions and is taking a phased approach.

Structure

The duration of the degree on a part-time basis is typically four years. Normally students will attend classes two evenings per week from 6.15pm-9.30pm, although in certain years there may be an exceptional online half evening on a third evening in one semester.

The degree is divided into three stages. All content in Stages 1 and 2 is mandatory, while there are elective modules in addition to mandatory content in Stage 3.

• In Stage 1, students undertake introductory subjects that are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of core disciplines to provide a platform for more advanced study.
• In Stage 2, students take subjects that build on the Stage 1 foundation and further develop student knowledge and understanding.
• In Stage 3, students take subjects intended to develop understanding of applied areas and key subjects. Furthermore, students also undertake a research project under the guidance of a supervisor.

This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.

A postgraduate qualification is normally required if graduates are to find work as professional psychologists. Such courses are normally at the level of Masters degree or Higher Diploma, and usually are of 1-2 years duration. The full range of specialist areas described below can be studied. Graduates are also eligible to undertake many postgraduate courses and/or research in related areas such as social and cultural studies or health sciences.

Career Opportunities

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists work in health settings, engaging in diagnostic and therapeutic work with people with conditions such as schizophrenia and major depression. They often work in teams alongside other health professionals, including social workers, psychiatrists and doctors, in order to tailor treatment that best serves the needs of the patients.

Counselling Psychology

Counselling psychologists work with people who have emotional and psychological difficulties in their daily lives, seeking to guide, support and advise people through their problems. They can work in health settings and in other institutions (such as schools) or they can work in private practice seeing members of the general public.

Educational Psychology

Educational psychologists often work with schools under government or local authority supervision, assisting students with learning, emotional, behavioural or other difficulties through Child Psychology. Some educational psychologists work at the highest levels of the education system, designing and reforming the national curriculum to make it more effective, fairer and more useful to students and students and society. Others specialise in related areas such as special needs or adult education.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychologists often work in the Prison Service. However, forensic psychologists may also work in the health service (including rehabilitation units and secure hospitals), the social service (including An Garda Síochána and young offender units) and in university departments or in private consultancy. Forensic psychologists also act as expert witnesses and give evidence in court around forensic psychology.

Fees

The Course Fees for the BA (Hons) in Psychology are €870 (1 x 10 credit module) / €420 (1 x 5 credit module) per annum.

For a full list of part-time undergraduate arts degree fees click here.

You can also contact our admissions team who will also be able to advise on the payment options available to our students.

All undergraduate programmes of 2 years or more have been approved for tax relief purposes. Tax relief is granted to Irish resident taxpayers at the standard rate of income tax in respect of tuition fees paid exceeding €1,375 and up to €7,000 for part-time programmes only.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner. More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Course Overview

Awarding Body: Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Award: Honours Bachelor Degree NFQ Level: Level 8 Award Title: BA (Hons) in Psychology Award Type: Major Duration: 4 Years (2 evenings per week) Next Intake: September 2025

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Entry Requirements

• Standard Applicants - Evening Arts Degrees
  • Under the new Common Points Scale for Leaving Certificate, applicants must obtain a minimum of 2H5’s and 4 O6/H7, including a language. Some degree programmes will also require a minimum of O6/H7 in Maths. Please see individual course entry requirements for further details.
• Mature Applicants - Evening Arts Degrees
  • If you are over 23 years of age and do not meet minimum entry requirements, you may apply as a mature student. Mature students are assessed on the basis of age, work experience, general education standard, motivation and commitment to the programme for which they are applying.
• FETAC Applicants
  • Minimum admission requirements for graduates of FETAC awards (former NCVA Level 2 or 3) are a full FETAC award in a course in a cognate area with a distinction grade in at least three modules. A full FETAC award normally consists of 8 modules. A full award may be accumulated over more than one academic year. Further details can be obtained from the Admissions Office.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

Psychology is a captivating and intriguing subject that explores human behavior in all its forms. It is a modern and progressive field that has experienced significant growth in Ireland and internationally. Professional psychologists contribute to various aspects of daily life, including education, industry, social issues, and healthcare.

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Aims and Objectives:

The BA (Hons) Psychology degree, accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), aims to:

• Provide a platform for students to expand their theoretical knowledge of psychology
• Equip students with skills for further specialization in psychology
• Foster an understanding of scientific and empirical psychology
• Develop critical appreciation of psychology's contributions to understanding behavior and experience
• Engage students in contemporary psychological debates
• Qualify students for Graduate Basis for Registration with the PSI
• Offer opportunities for progression to postgraduate studies in psychology

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Delivery:

The program is taught on a hybrid basis, combining in-class and online sessions.

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PSI Accreditation:

The BA (Hons) in Psychology is accredited by the PSI, the professional body for psychology in Ireland.

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Course Content:

The BA (Hons) in Psychology covers the following content:

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Level 1:

• Psychological Foundations
• Foundations in Social Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Foundations of Biopsychology
• Fundamentals of Cognitive Psychology
• Academic Skills Lab
• ASSET

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Level 2:

• Modelling Cognitive Systems
• Development Across the Lifespan: Adolescence and Adulthood
• Fundamentals of Biopsychology
• Social Psychology
• Experimental Psychology
• Psychology in Action- online
• Ethical Research Methods & Design

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Level 3:

• Neuropsychopharmacology
• Internet Mediated Research- online
• Behaviour Science
• Electives (Stream 1: Organizational Psychology, Health Psychology, Mental Health & Distress, Human Performance; Stream 2: Sexuality 1, Sexuality 2, Hysteria, Psychoanalysis and Language)

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Outline:

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Structure:

The degree is divided into three levels, with a major final year project in Level 3. The part-time program typically takes four years to complete, with classes held two evenings per week.

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Level 1:

Introductory subjects provide a foundation for advanced study.

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Level 2:

Subjects build on the Level 1 foundation and enhance student knowledge and understanding.

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Level 3:

Subjects focus on applied areas and key topics, including a research project under supervision.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include essays, multiple-choice questionnaires, in-class exams, oral presentations, group work, and poster presentations.

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Teaching:

The program combines continuous assessment and end-of-year examinations.

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Careers:

Upon graduation, students may pursue postgraduate training programs in their chosen specialization and ultimately gain employment in areas such as:

• Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
• Clinical Psychology
• Counselling Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Organizations Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Sport (and Exercise) Psychology
Graduates may also work in areas such as teaching, research, counselling, community or youth work, assistant psychologist, classroom assistant, care worker, or support worker.

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Other:

• The program is recognized by CORU, Ireland's multi-profession health regulator.
• Graduates from the BA (Hons) in Psychology from DBS meet the prerequisite psychoanalytic study for the clinical training MA in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at DBS.
• Graduates can also apply to the MA in Addiction Studies at DBS.

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The Course Fees for the BA (Hons) in Psychology are €870 (1 x 10 credit module) / €420 (1 x 5 credit module) per annum. For a full list of part-time undergraduate arts degree fees click here. You can also contact our admissions team who will also be able to advise on the payment options available to our students. All undergraduate programmes of 2 years or more have been approved for tax relief purposes. Tax relief is granted to Irish resident taxpayers at the standard rate of income tax in respect of tuition fees paid exceeding €1,375 and up to €7,000 for part-time programmes only.