COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology is a three-year honours degree, with an optional fourth year for a credit-bearing professional placement, designed to provide students with a broad understanding of human behaviour and the principles of psychology. In the first year, students develop a strong foundation through courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Core Research Skills for Psychologists, Social Psychology, Introduction to Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Statistics, Cognitive Psychology, Learning and Behaviour, and Coaching Psychology. These courses equip students with the essential theoretical knowledge, research skills, and analytical thinking required for further study. In the second year, students build on this foundation with Applied Statistics, Personality and Intelligence, Biological Psychology, Psychopathology, Advanced Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience, and Applied Research Methods, while also selecting two electives such as Behavioural Science: Problem Based Learning, Psychology of Gender, Critical Thinking, or Multicultural Psychology. Year three focuses on advanced topics and applied practice, including Health Psychology, Advanced Biological Psychology, Behavioural Psychology, Applied Developmental Psychology, and a Final Project, alongside four elective modules, which may include Positive Psychology, Criminal Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Psychology of Ageing, Cyberpsychology, Psychotraumatology, Workplace Psychology, or Educational Psychology. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific research skills, and ethical awareness. Graduates emerge with the ability to analyse complex psychological problems, design and conduct research, and apply psychological principles in diverse professional settings. High-achieving students may also undertake a supervised placement to gain practical experience in real-world contexts. Upon successful completion, students receive a QQI BA Honours Degree in Psychology at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, preparing them for careers in research, clinical practice, education, human resources, or for further postgraduate studies. The program combines rigorous academic training with practical application, ensuring graduates are equipped to contribute thoughtfully and effectively in a wide range of societal and professional contexts.