Diploma in Psychology

Overview

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

Programme Aims and Objectives

The Diploma in Psychology allows learners to complete three core modules within the BA (Hons) in Psychology degree in DBS School of Arts and explore their own learning in a manner that allows them to exit, if they wish, after a year of study with a Diploma or continue as a part-time psychology learner (to progress to the degree programme students must meet minimum entry requirements for part-time students). Across the programme, three key areas are studied: Psychological Foundations, Foundations in Social Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. Psychology is clearly wide-ranging, and this is represented in the programme. Learners take modules in theoretical and applied aspects of psychology with the objective to inspire in learners an appreciation of the empirical methods of research into human behaviour.

Assessment

To meet the requirements of the Diploma in Psychology, learners will be required to complete continuous assessment for all three subjects and two end of year examinations. 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 examination, oral presentation, group work, and poster presentations. End of year examinations are typically held in late April/early May for the September intake and in January for the Spring intake.

Course Content

• Psychological Foundations: This module is intended to introduce first time students to the variety of subjects covered within the area of psychology.An important part of this module is learning about the scientific method which will explain some of the methods used to carry out research in psychology as we ll as much of the terminology that is used in the discipline.The aim of the module is to give a critical account of the history of the discipline of psychology as well as some insight into its status today.
• Foundations in Social Psychology: This module will examine the basic principles and themes within Social Psychology as well as recent research, trends and findings.Students will explore the contributions mad by Social Psychology to the understanding of the individual, the interpersonal processes and group processes.
• Developmental Psychology: This module will introduce the topic of developmental psychology, which can be defined as the systematic study of the developing person across the lifespan. Learners will discover the changes that occur across different domains of development throughout infancy and childhood, developmental theories and concepts, and the methods involved in developmental research.The module will touch upon some of the key critical issues and frameworks that shape our understanding of development, including nature versus nurture , continuity versus discontinuity, and how biological, social and cognitive factors interact and influence our development.

Structure

The Diploma in Psychology favours a student centred learning approach under which lecturers introduce students to subject areas and act as guides and facilitators to students in their study of the subject. Within each module there will be plenty of scope for traditional lectures, seminars, practical and tutorial sessions. The emphasis will be at all times on interaction and participation. These lectures, seminars, practical and tutorial sessions will provide an opportunity for a necessary variety of learner-focused activities and will also provide a further opportunity to support and develop learner engagement with the programme.

Career Progression Opportunities

Students will also be able to apply the skills they have learned during the programme to a variety of areas including careers in the public sector, especially social services, caring professions, legal areas or those in the policing or nursing vocations. Others in the management and business fields will also find the components of the course extremely valuable.

Further Study Options

On successful completion of this programme and all related assessment, learners may choose to progress onto the BA (Hons) in Psychology evening degree at DBS School of Arts and receive an exemption from the three modules at degree level (minimum entry requirements apply).

Student Profile

Typically, participants on the programme can be divided into two categories. Some students have a general interest in the area of the psychology and consequently wish to pursue this interest by entering and completing the Diploma in Psychology. Other learners undertake the Diploma as an introduction to studying in the field of the psychology and then, having successfully completed the Diploma (and having met minimum entry requirements for modular learners), proceed to study on the BA (Hons) in Psychology programme in DBS School of Arts.

Fees

The fee for this Diploma is €2,000.This is inclusive of tuition, registration, exam fees and DBS library membership.

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about your course of interest. The open day will give you the opportunity to receive one on one advice and direction from leading academics in your chosen subject area, meet current students and also have your questions answered on entry requirements, student support and the admissions process. Find out when our next Open Event is taking place. The Admissions Office is located in our Aungier Street campus and you are welcome to visit the college to speak with a member of our admissions team from Monday to Fridays, 8:45am – 5:15pm. Alternatively, you can contact us by email.