Program Overview

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Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology

Overview

The Higher Diploma in Arts 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.

Course Content

Year 1

• History and Schools in Psychology
• Research Technique and Analysis
• Foundations in Developmental and Social Psychology
• Ethical Research Methods and Design
• Cognitive Psychology
• Behaviour Analysis

Year 2

• Personality and Individual Differences
• Psychological Disorders
• Human Performance
• Health Psychology
• Biopsychology
• Advanced Developmental and Social Psychology
• Research Project

Structure

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology extends over 2 academic years of full-time study, or 2 academic years of part-time study.

In Year 1, students undertake the study of six mandatory subjects that are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of core areas and disciplines and to provide a platform for more advanced study at Year 2.

In Year 2, students undertake a further six mandatory subjects that build on the Year 1 foundation and further develop students' understanding of applied areas and key subjects of Psychology. Furthermore, students also undertake a mandatory research project under the guidance of a supervisor.

On a part-time basis students will attend classes two evenings per week from 6.15pm-9.30pm and may opt to study a maximum of 4 modules per semester.

Advice and confirmation of module selection will be made available to students before course commencement.

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.

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 equivalent qualification.
• 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.

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/early May.

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.

Career Opportunities

This programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the professional body for psychology in Ireland. DBS was the first college outside the university sector to receive accreditation from the Psychological Society of Ireland.

Graduates may progress to postgraduate training or professional training within psychology. In addition, students will be equipped with the specialised knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue successful, responsible, and useful careers in a number of areas of employment relating to Psychology.

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). 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).

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €6,050 full-time and part-time per annum for EU students.

International Fees

EU Fees

You can also contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

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.

Improve your employability

All of our postgraduate courses offer strong links with industry and the professional world and often carry accreditation from professional bodies. By choosing to study at postgraduate level, not only do you gain valuable skills and experience but you also demonstrate your determination to succeed in a chosen career. Far from being a postponement to employment, postgraduate study can help you progress further and faster in your chosen career. And, if you're not certain what direction you would like your future to take, further study can provide a secure and structured space to help you find out through exploring your strengths and interests.

Get your foot on the career ladder

A large number of our postgraduate programmes include a work placement option, giving you the opportunity to gain vocational experience, make valuable contacts and gain transferable skills. It is also worth considering that some postgraduate qualifications are essential requirements to getting on the career ladder.

Gain skills for success

During your postgraduate degree you will have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills. Postgraduate study will build on this base, giving you the opportunity to put these highly valuable skills in to practice. You will also gain invaluable practical working examples that you can go on to use at interview to set you apart from other candidates.

Award Details

• Awarding Body: Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
• Award: Higher Diploma in Arts
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• Award Title: Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
• Award Type: Major
• Duration: 2 Years
• Next Intake: September 2025